The purpose of our Music Ministry is to weave music through the services to enrich and deepen the experience for those attending, whether in person or online.
We are made up of those who bring music into those services along with those who are supportive of and advocate for Music as a Ministry. This includes the Ministers, Organist, Choir Director and Special Musicians as well as friends and members of the congregation. We encourage music that enhances the theme of the service and provides meditative and/or uplifting moments for the congregation.
The Pick Up Choir is open to all members and friends of the church.
‘Pick Up Choir’ means that you do not need to commit to every Sunday that we sing, but if we know in advance that you’ll be there, we can plan for appropriate music.
We typically rehearse on the 2nd and 4th Sunday mornings at 8:45 to 9:45 from mid-September through the end of May, followed by singing in church on that day.
We sing primarily with piano accompaniment or a capella, but also sing with guitar, percussion, brass and/or woodwinds on occasion.
Our musical offerings include a variety from traditional hymns to world music as well as modern compositions.
Many of our singers, musicians and congregants participate in other music-related organizations throughout the year. Here are links to some of them:
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“The Alumni Band consists of members from all over Southern Maine and the Greater Portland area. Since its inception, The Alumni Band has performed at numerous community events and concerts throughout Southern Maine. The Alumni Band is well known for their annual Christmas Concerts and appearances at local celebrations such as the La Kermesse Festival.”
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“An annual summer event, ChoralFest invites all Treble voice (Alto and Soprano) singers are welcome at ChoralFest, regardless of experience or proficiency. Choir directors, experienced choral singers, and "shower singers" all sit side-by-side to make music in an easygoing and encouraging environment. Whatever your choral background, you will leave relaxed, rejuvenated, and inspired. If you love to sing and love the company of supportive music friends, come join us by the ocean!”
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“Come join us for a magical week where we build a music community. At this yearly event, you will be welcomed, accepted, encouraged, and challenged to grow whether you start as a beginner or are polishing skills. From the generosity of the workshop leaders to the support of the other participants who are taking risks along side you, join the opportunities to improve your musical abilities and decide how you will take your music back to the world.”
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“The Maine Pops Concert Band serves the greater Portland, Maine metropolitan area with one of the largest community bands in the state. The band normally rehearses every Wednesday evening from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Scarborough High School band room, yielding to the school schedule when events are slated. The band will not rehearse at Scarborough High School after school closes for the summer, but will return the high school in early September.”
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“Founded in 1995, Renaissance Voices is an auditioned, Portland-based, 26-voice, a cappella ensemble, performing music and thematically-related readings from the Middle Ages through the present day, including works by many women composers, and by contemporary Maine-based composers.”
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“Established in 1998, the Tri-City Community Chorus has been making joyful noises ever since!
We are an ensemble of dedicated singers from all walks of life who share a passion for singing and a desire to bring the healing power of music to as many people as possible.
We are based in Biddeford, Maine, and our membership is drawn from several counties in Southern Maine, including Saco, Old Orchard Beach, York, Cumberland, and Portland.
We rehearse weekly on Monday nights and present two formal concerts a year, one in the winter and the other in the spring.”
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“Women in Harmony is an affirming and inclusive community of women who sing for social justice and the joy of making music together.”
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“Voices In Harmony Choirs, founded in 2001 provides our community with an intergenerational and multicultural singing experience with choirs for all ages. Saco’s artistic community promotes heartful and healthy singing through a varied repertoire of music from around the world and in a variety of styles. All levels of experience are welcome to join.”
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“Harbour Singers is a community of caring volunteers who offer healing through the gift of song. Singing in small groups at bedside, we support persons with life limiting illness or at end of life, in care settings such as hospice, hospital, nursing facility, or at home, throughout the Southern Maine region.”