The long tradition of an outstanding Music Program at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley continues under the leadership of Dr. Bryan Baker, Director of Music; and Michèle Voillequé, Youth and Children’s Choir Director. Groups in the Music Program are the Chancel Choir (Luminescence), the Youth & Children’s Choir, the Folk Ensemble, Gamelan Ensemble and the Eclectic Songsters.

The Music Program sponsors a series of Music Events throughout the church year. Choral, vocal and instrumental concerts are supported by outstanding facilities at UUCB. The church’s extraordinary wealth of keyboard instruments includes two first-rate pianos, a nine-foot Yamaha grand and a Chickering baby grand, a fine harpsichord, and an Aeolian Skinner organ. The sound of these instruments, and all music, is enriched by the excellent acoustics of the 500-seat sanctuary. The Social Hall has a small stage where plays, musicals and ala-carte performances are often held, and the Atrium has a lively sound for more intimate gatherings.

Luminescence, the 45-voice Chancel Choir, sings a varied and ambitious repertoire in services, meeting Thursday nights and most Sunday mornings from September through May. Each December we host a Messiah Sing-Along, and each year we present a musical or concert.

Bryan Baker, Artistic Director and Conductor of the renowned Masterworks Chorale (San Mateo) and Assistant Conductor of the San Francisco Choral Society, leads us with a mix of humor and high standards in rehearsals, services and performances.

Our Composer-in-Residence for 2008 is Daniel Schmidt, Director of Gamelan Ensemble and a Gamelan instructor and composer.

The congregation includes many excellent musicians and composers, whose abilities often add to Sunday services.

Call the church, 510-525-0302 x 309, for more information on UUCB’s music program.

The Chamber Choir meets once or twice a month, following Sunday service, to rehearse a challenging and interesting repertoire of new and old music. It is open to choir members and others who can read music, and performs occasionally during Sunday services.

The UUCB Youth and Children’s Choir meets Thursday afternoons at 5:00 p.m. in the Choir Room. This group of dedicated young singers is open to the community, ages 6 and up; registration forms and our performance schedule are available at www.uucb.org. Let your child experience the joy of music! For more information, please contact Michèle Voillequé at 510-525-0302. Come join our joy-filled musical community!

The Gamelan Music Ensemble is directed by Daniel Schmidt, and meets on Thursday evenings from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. The cost is $10 per class. New members may join at any time or drop in to try it out.

Folk Singing Trio Photo: Folk trio. Credit: Jim Gasperini

The Eclectic Songsters sing a variety of folk and popular songs around the piano on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month. For more information, contact Mark Woodbury at (510) 653-3209.

The Folk Ensemble, led by Sandy Gordon (415) 381-5250, welcomes all to sing and play spiritual folk music in the Atrium following the service each Sunday.

Check our calendar page or ask a choir member for the current schedule.