Choir and Instrumentalists

Worship Through Music

Music brings us together, comforts us when we grieve, and helps our spirits soar. Many volunteer musicians work together to create the music ministry we experience each Sunday.

The Choir

The choir singing in the choir loft

Our unique choir sings three Sundays each month, providing several anthems and all service music. On other Sundays, our music staff or guest musicians (including many from our congregation!) provide beautiful solo and ensemble music.  

Several times a year our choir is joined by guest musicians for special Music Sundays. Music truly is at the heart of our worship life as a congregation. All are welcome to join the choir; there are no auditions. The choir rehearses on Thursdays from 7-9pm and on Sundays from 8:45-9:45am. Contact Director of Music Dr. Allegra Martin for more information or to join the choir. 

Artists-in-Residence

First Unitarian Church is fortunate to have among our membership several talented instrumentalists who perform at a professional level. The title of "Artist in Residence" is a way for our church to thank and honor those members of our congregation and community who share their gifts with us regularly and freely. We appreciate them immensely!
  • Dave Blodgett, guitar and accordion
  • Madeline Browning, flute
  • Noel Cary, clarinet, alto sax, and soprano sax
  • Bill Fisher, bass
  • Bob Gordon, percussion
  • Sten Gustavson, piano and keyboards
  • Jim Kassal, bassoon
  • Ken Melnick, clarinet
  • Toni Ostrow, bass
  • Becky Spanagel, piano

Young Artists-in-Residence

A part of our music program’s mission is to develop and encourage young talent both within our church and in the larger Worcester community. This program is open to juniors and seniors in high school, and each year we have one or two students who share their music with us through this program. For the church year starting in September 2023, our Young Artist-In-Residence is William Ryan.

William Ryan holding violin

William Ryan is a violinist, pianist, and composer attending Burncoat Senior High School. William studies violin with Chrysanthe Manuel and Aaron Packard, piano with Mark Manuel, and studies composition with Sam Headrick. In addition, he is a member of multiple ensembles in Worcester Youth Orchestras and the Joy of Music Program. Outside of music, William is a member of the Burncoat robotics team and enjoys the creative process behind building the robot. The creative process inspires him in all aspects of life.

Supplemental support for our music program comes from generous donors through the Sherwood Encore Fund.