Mission Statement
The mission of the Music Committee is to create a music ministry within the Keene Unitarian Universalist Church community that enhances the experience of worship, provides a variety of music programs, and reaches out to the larger community.
Structure
The Music Committee consists of six members and a Board of Trustee liaison. The Choir Director, Organist/Accompanist, Board Liaison, and Minister serve as ex officio members. Committee members serve rotating three year terms.
Choir
The Choir is a friendly and accepting group of singers and musicians from a wide range of ages and skill levels who sing a variety of music from classical to contemporary. All who love to sing are welcome to join. We rehearse Thursday nights from 7:30-9:00 pm and sing in two Sunday services each month, our Christmas Eve service and Music Sunday in the spring.
Special Services
Special Services offer musicians of all ages opportunities to contribute their talents. Our Solstice Service has featured participation by our younger brothers and sisters in the RE program as well as the Sacred Circle Dance group. The Youth have a special opportunity to share their musical gifts on Youth Sunday.
Music Staff
Organist/Accompanist, Vladimir Odinokikh, joined the Kuuc staff in April, 2006. Vladimir began playing the piano at the age of four and received his training at some of Russia's finest music institutes, including the Tchaikovsky Conservatory and Gnessin Institute of Moscow. His reputation as a soloist and chamber musician developed as he performed with leading Soviet artists and prestigious organizations such as Rosconcert and the Moscow Philharmonic. Vladimir has performed in the concert halls of Europe, South America and the United States and in symphony orchestras in Russia and Mexico. In addition to his private studio, Vladimir teaches at the Brattleboro Music Center, the Keene Community Music Center and is rehearsal pianist for The Keene Chorale.
Choir Director
Dr. Gladys Johnsen is the Choir Director. Gladys started working with the choir at the end of August 2010, bringing warmth, enthusiasm and a wealth of experience to the job. Singers interested in joining the choir may contact Gladys at gjohnsen@ne.rr.com or just start coming to rehearsals, Thursday nights at 7:30.