50 Bloomfield Avenue, Hartford, CT 06105 Tel: (860) 233-9897 / FAX 233-1333 Email: firstunitarian@ushartford.com Reverend Barbara Jamestone, PhD

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4-22 Musical Review - continued from ushenews042607.html OUR BEHAVIORAL COVENANT: Ground-rules/ covenant the participants unanimously adopted to make a safe place for discussion included: Be open minded Speak with candor Agree that we will have different views Recognize that music is an integral part of worship at USH Honor the traditions of USH Keep “open ears” – no interrupting, or separate conversations or body language signaling closed mindedness Behave respectfully—honor the speech of others WHAT WOULD YOU MISS IN THE MUSIC IF IT WERE ELIMINATED? The choir itself Singing by the congregation Organ prelude and postlude High quality of compositions Mattie Children’s Blessing—the ritual of it.  Enjoy “Go Now in Peace” [written by Tom Schmutzler] as it has become part of our tradition, but primarily the ritual of the Children’s Blessing The repetition of the few ritual elements in the worship “Spirit of Life”   [reminds many of us of Tom S’s improvisation following the “Prayer, Meditation, Reflection” segment Bach – that is, music of the highest quality, music of substance Music that is traditional sacred music Brass music at Easter Learning new hymns – very enjoyable compared to repetition of Protestant church upbringing Wow!  Today’s response of the congregation to learning the hymn from the pulpit The fun of singing ourselves as members of the congregation during worship Rev BJ’s interest in music and willingness to “let her rip” at the podium The quality of the old masters WHAT SHOULD BE ADDED TO THE MUSICAL REPETOIRE? The choir already performs a broad range of music.  Further expanding this would require more resources. Continuing to explore the hymnal Other, “pure” music, for example the Renaissance polyphony – sacred music composed  1350 – 1650 --- made famous by Palestrina [1526-1594] Music that would attract and retain younger people [35 years and younger, for example] Music with words that would appeal to younger people Certainly, don’t eliminate the rituals we have. Dynamic music that inspires and lifts those who are not schooled in classical music Something like General Assembly music experiences—resonating with people from diverse cultural backgrounds Music to connect to other cultures in a mindful way WHAT IS GOOD, BUT YOU WOULD OMIT TO MAKE ROOM FOR SOMETHING NEW? The second anthem One rather than two special music services, freeing the second for something different. Anything, but not the sermon One hymn The length of the candle-lighting for Joys and Concerns Musical call to worship Postlude OTHER COMMENTS – THAT DON’T QUITE FIT IN ABOVE CATEGORIES How can we get the input from USH members not here today? How can we get the input from young people? Members should “not just be music auditors but be invited to join in fully” “The more rarefied the music, say of Brahms, the more some may feel excluded” MINISTERS CLOSING REMARKS Perhaps we can learn whether there is any standard to aim for in the amount of music to include in worship.  [UUA, etc.] My history to now has been a service lasting 1 hour and 15 minutes, and I understand that your 10 a.m. service sometimes lasted that long as well. The one hour currently allowed for worship is a discipline! Maybe the two services allows us the opportunity to try something different musically. Some of us are imagining pros and cons for moving the time of the second service to 9:30, and the second service at 11 a.m. Transparency in congregation about the Conversation about Music is.  Let’s ensure that everyone feels invited into the conversation, and brainstorm ways to capture all the input folks want to give. We can have these conversations amicably.  It may not have happened before, but “we can do it!”

Let us know of any comments, errors and corrections - thanks (revised 04/26/07)