The Music Program
The music at FUSN has a rich history of professional and lay leadership. The music is chosen to complement each worship service; consequently, the musical styles for each service vary. In addition to its professional staff, the Society has a number of musicians, professional and amateur, who offer their considerable talents in classical, jazz, folk and world idioms to enhance the worship services. The congregation is encouraged to participate in each service with hymn singing and “Instant Choir” opportunities. Other ensembles, which have sprung from congregational impetus, are the Gospel Choir, the drumming ensemble, CreationDance, and the inter-generational chamber and orchestral ensembles. The music budget includes monies for occasional guest artists, which, in the past, have included such performers as drummers from Mali, professional Baroque trumpet players, and Klezmer musicians.

The Chancel Choir
a volunteer choir of experienced and novice singers, is open to any adult interested in a rewarding choral music experience—one that provides many opportunities for members to experience spirituality and community through music. The music ranges from classical and ecclesiastical through light popular, jazz and spirituals. The choir performs two anthems and two responses at most services. On Music Sunday and other occasions, extended choral works by classical composers such as Bach, Handel or Vaughan Williams are presented. Currently, two professional singers, a soprano and a bass, support the volunteer singers.

The choir provides a smaller community within the larger congregation where the volunteer members can make friends and deepen their connections to the Society. The choir rehearses every Wednesday evening at 7:30 p.m. in the Children's Chapel and every Sunday morning at 9 a.m. in the Sanctuary before service. Auditions are not required and visitors considering joining the choir are most welcome to attend either rehearsal or to contact the director by leaving a message at the church at 617-527-3203 or by emailing her at awborn@comcast.net.

Songweavers is the children’s choral ensemble at FUSN. The children are learning about music and singing in a variety of styles suitable for the worship services. Several times a year, they perform during the service, both on their own and in concert with the senior choir. Currently, the Society is conducting a search for a permanent director for Songweavers.

Instruments in the Sanctuary A 1911 Hook & Hastings, four-manual organ supports the congregation in singing hymns and the choir in singing its repertoire. It is also used to offer solo music from all periods of pipe organ composition. There is also a five foot, ten and one-half-inch Model L Steinway used for services and occasionally for concerts.

Other Instruments include an Estey Reed Organ in the Children’s Chapel. Originally a pump organ, it has been electrified. There are upright pianos in the Children’s Chapel and Parish Hall. Eleven tower bells, comprising a Westminster Peal, make possible regular chiming by trained volunteers before and after services and an occasional chiming concert for the community. Finally, five drumsædjembes and tubanosæprovide West African-style hand drumming for a small group of enthusiasts.

Staff:
Anne Watson Born, Director of Music Ministry at FUSN, is also the Music Director of the Nashoba Valley Chorale and an adjunct professor at Bristol Community College (BCC) in Fall River. Ms. Born was an Assistant Professor at BCC, was the Music Director of the Brookline Chorus, taught at the Brookline Music School, is the founding Artistic Director of the Women’s Chorus of Boston and the Avenue of the Arts Chorale. Ms. Watson Born holds a B.A. degree in Music from University of the Pacific, and a Masters Degree in Choral Conducting from New England Conservatory. Anne lives in Brookline with her husband, Rick, her daughter, Sophie, and their Lab-Shar Pei, Stella.

Roberta Berry Humez, FUSN Music Director Emerita Roberta Berry Humez is a singer, conductor, pianist and founding Director Emerita of Youth Pro Musica. An active member of UUMN, AGO, and ACDA, she serves on several music boards and civic arts enterprises: Since 1962 she has worked with a dozen organists and served under seven ministers in this Society. Ms. Humez retired as Director Emerita in 2007 after serving the Society for 45 years.

Jennifer O’Brien, Director, Songweavers, the children’s choral ensemble at FUSN. Ms. O’Brien joined the FUSN staff in 2007.

Organist. Currently, the Society is being served by guest musicians while a search is being conducted for a permanent organist.

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