Music Program
The UUCB Music Program is a cherished part of the worship experience at UUCB. With the UUCB Choir as its cornerstone, the excellence of the program gained renown throughout the greater Buffalo area, as well as throughout the denomination, over the five-plus decade tenure of retired Minister of Music (Hon.), Barbara Wagner. Now led by Music Director, Daniel Bassin, the program resources include a quarter-time staff organist/accompanist, professional soloists/section leaders, and a fine collection of keyboard instruments (in our sanctuary our Hutchings-Votey/Delaware Organ Company organ, Steinway “A” piano, and Eric Herz harpsichord).
Music for Worship
During the Church Year, the UUCB Choir and Music Program staff perform musical selections complementary to weekly sermon topics, as selected by the Music Director. Typical music features include the offertory, as well as an opening music and benediction response, in addition to (typically instrumental) preludes and postludes. Congregational hymn singing is led by the Music Director and Choir. Guest instrumentalist and musicians from within and outside of the congregation occasionally bolster the contributions of the Choir, soloists, accompanist, and Music Director. Additionally, members of the congregation, and friends of the music program volunteer to provide music during the summer months, as organized with the Music Director and Organist/Accompanist.
During the 2013-2014 year, a monthly intergenerational, “all-community” worship service was introduced, wherein collaborations between Music Program staff/the UUCB Choir and other groups – such as the church Youth Group – are a prominent feature.
Music Sundays
Special winter and spring services are music-centered, featuring guest instrumentalists drawn from the ranks of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, and other professionals from throughout the greater Buffalo area. These Music Sunday programs are selected by the Music Director to contain large-scale works that are either seasonally-inspired, or whose message is complementary to our social justice commitments and our liberal faith traditions. These services are typically very well-attended and also serve as an additional way for us to open our church to the greater cultural community.
Tribute Fund
On January 19th, 2014, a special performance featuring the UUCB Choir, soloists, and a chamber orchestra of Buffalo Philharmonic Musicians will present an afternoon performance to formally launch a music Tribute Fund, in honor of retired UUCB Music Director, Barbara Wagner. It is the hope that this fund may contribute to additional, UUCB Music performances, separate from our normal worship services, presenting works with themes of social consciousness and cultural significance, honoring our Music Program’s rich tradition of excellence and innovation.
Music for Worship
During the Church Year, the UUCB Choir and Music Program staff perform musical selections complementary to weekly sermon topics, as selected by the Music Director. Typical music features include the offertory, as well as an opening music and benediction response, in addition to (typically instrumental) preludes and postludes. Congregational hymn singing is led by the Music Director and Choir. Guest instrumentalist and musicians from within and outside of the congregation occasionally bolster the contributions of the Choir, soloists, accompanist, and Music Director. Additionally, members of the congregation, and friends of the music program volunteer to provide music during the summer months, as organized with the Music Director and Organist/Accompanist.
During the 2013-2014 year, a monthly intergenerational, “all-community” worship service was introduced, wherein collaborations between Music Program staff/the UUCB Choir and other groups – such as the church Youth Group – are a prominent feature.
Music Sundays
Special winter and spring services are music-centered, featuring guest instrumentalists drawn from the ranks of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, and other professionals from throughout the greater Buffalo area. These Music Sunday programs are selected by the Music Director to contain large-scale works that are either seasonally-inspired, or whose message is complementary to our social justice commitments and our liberal faith traditions. These services are typically very well-attended and also serve as an additional way for us to open our church to the greater cultural community.
Tribute Fund
On January 19th, 2014, a special performance featuring the UUCB Choir, soloists, and a chamber orchestra of Buffalo Philharmonic Musicians will present an afternoon performance to formally launch a music Tribute Fund, in honor of retired UUCB Music Director, Barbara Wagner. It is the hope that this fund may contribute to additional, UUCB Music performances, separate from our normal worship services, presenting works with themes of social consciousness and cultural significance, honoring our Music Program’s rich tradition of excellence and innovation.