Music Ministry

The Chancel Choir, under the direction of Minister of Music, Reyna Alston, leads Festival Worship most Sundays during the program year and also sings for several special services in the church year, including the annual service of Lessons and Carols during Advent. Its repertoire includes sacred choral music spanning more than five centuries and drawing on various traditions and cultures, including major choral-orchestral works. The choir also shares its music beyond the church, performing benefit concerts supporting nonprofit and justice organizations.

Rehearsals are held on Wednesday evenings, 7:00-8:30pm.

The service of La Mesa is led musically by the Coro de La Mesa (La Mesa Choir), under the direction of Adrián Valiente and accompanied by Brendan Smith. The choir leads worship each week through contemporary sacred music in Spanish and English, with a particular emphasis on music by Latin American composers. Rooted in the rich musical traditions of Latin America while embracing a wide variety of contemporary styles, the choir welcomes singers of all backgrounds and experience levels.

Rehearsals are held on Thursday evenings, 7:00–8:30pm.

The Junior Choir, under the direction of Elizabeth Brown, welcomes singers ages 6 through high school. Choristers develop healthy vocal technique, music literacy, ensemble skills, and an understanding of their important role as worship leaders. The choir regularly shares its music in worship, singing both independently and alongside the Chancel Choir throughout the program year.

Junior Choir rehearsals are held on Sundays following the Children’s Moment in Festival worship, from 10:50am-11:30 for younger singers, and 11:30-11:50am for older singers.

Find out more about our children’s and youth ministry programs.

“Many bells, One Witness”

The Chancel Bells, under the direction of Minister of Music Reyna Alston, offer a unique opportunity to express praise through the art of handbell ringing. United Church is blessed with five octaves each of handbells and handchimes, allowing the ensemble to perform a diverse repertoire for worship and special events. The choir shares its music in worship several times each year, participates in regional handbell festivals, and performs for area retirement communities. Youth and adults are welcome to join. Previous music-reading experience is helpful but not required, as all other skills can be learned.

Rehearsals are held on Monday evenings, 5:30–7:00pm.

United Voices of Praise (UVoP), under the direction of conductor Vera Bennett and pianist Charles Bradshaw, leads worship through the rich tradition of African American gospel music. The choir provides music for Gospel Worship on the third Sunday of each month and fosters a welcoming community rooted in faith, fellowship, and joyful singing. Music-reading experience is not required, and new members are welcome at any time.

Rehearsals are held on Wednesday evenings in advance of each monthly service.

East Fork, named for a small stream of the Blue Ridge in southern Virginia, is an a capella quartet featuring Alyson Scoltock, Todd Shapley-Quinn, Bill Siddall, and Greg Travlos. The ensemble sings music rooted in the rich traditions of old-time folk, Appalachian music, and Black gospel. Through its distinctive sound and repertoire, East Fork brings these musical traditions to worship and special events.

The Commas are a small ensemble offering a variety of musical styles, including bluegrass with strings, old-time Appalachian harmonies, and contemporary a cappella arrangements. Named in reference to the UCC’s “Still Speaking” motto, the group is flexible and welcomes invited guests. The Commas share their music in worship on occasional Sundays and at special liturgical services throughout the year. Rehearsals are held as needed before appearances, often accompanied by joyful potluck dinners in members’ homes.