Music

First Church has a wide and varied music program that serves the entire congregation as well as the community at large. The music program is directed by Rev. Alfa Radford supported by additional staff members, a host of volunteers, and a very active Music Committee.

The focus of the music program is threefold: to enhance the worship service, to build community and spirituality, and to attract and retain church members and friends. We accomplish this through a variety of music offerings for Children & Youth, Adults, and the broader community, all of which reflect the mission of the Music Committee and the Music Program.

Celebrating half-century of musical inspiration

Music for Worship

Each Sunday the beautiful 1930 Casavant Pipe Organ sounds forth with hymns, preludes,  and postludes played by Rev. Radford and assistant organist, Mary Beekman. But music for worship is not limited to the sounds of the organ. A varied program of traditional and contemporary music supports the spirtual foundation of each worship service. You will often hear piano solos performed on our fine Steinway grand, accompanied or “a capella” vocal performances, as well as occasional guest musicians on instruments as varied as hand drums, marimba, harp, or recorder, as well as music from a jazz combo, or gospel band. In addition to regular Sunday services, music is an essential part of memorial services, ordinations, or other special worship services.

Choirs

There are three choirs for children and youth, two adult choirs, and an Alumni Choir of former youth choristers. These choirs provide music for our two Sunday morning services as well as for special services throughout the year. Twice annually, at Christmas and Easter times, the Senior Choir presents a major choral work complete with a professional orchestra. And each November, the children and youth stage a Broadway-style musical production complete with costumes, lights, and sound.

Soloists

Each section of the Senior Choir is anchored by a professional solist / section leader. These oustanding singers  perform as solists, or in vocal ensembles during regular weekly services, major music services, and other concerts throughout the year. Our current section leaders are:

• Jessica Rossi, soprano
• Susan Harris, Alto
• Davron Monroe, Tenor
• Chuck Claus, Baritone

Concerts & Events

In addition to Sunday services, the music program presents a number of concerts and special events throughout the year. The Piano Celebration in midwinter and the Chamber Music Concert in the spring are two long-standing traditions. See our Concert & Events page for the most up-to-date information on these and other musical events.

Alfa is assisted by Assistant Music Director Lidiya Yankovskaya, Assistant Organist Mary Beekman, Chamber Orchestra Concertmaster Ken Stalberg, Children’s Musical Directors Sandy and Laksmi Nayak, and the Music Committee which provides major assistance and helps set policy for the music program.

Melodies Steal Into My Heart - CD

The Choirs and Vocal Ensembles of The First Church in Belmont, Unitarian Universalist directed by Alfa Radford, Minister of Music produced a beautiful CD that showcases their varied repertoire. Copies of this CD are available for $15.00 by contacting the Church by phone (617-484-1054) or emailing Alfa at aradford@uubelmont.org.