Joyful Noise Music Ministry
The United Parish of Upton
If you are interested in joining Susan in the Music Ministry at the United Parish of Upton, please contact her and let her know what you are interested in doing.
Over the time that Susan Bonito has served as Music Director for the United Parish of Upton, she has formed, directed and supported many different groups, based on the volunteers she had to work with at the time. The demographics of the church have changed considerably over the past 20 years, and the music ministry reflects those changes as well. Here are some of the groups she has created, directed or supported over the years.
Streaming Worship Soloists: During the Covid19 pandemic, a small group of dedicated choir members have volunteered to sing solos during our live streamed worship services on a rotating basis. This will continue as long as our volunteers are willing to serve the church in this way while the Covid19 restrictions are in place.
Accord: Our Senior Choir is one of the longest continuously active small group ministries at the United Parish of Upton and is directed by Susan Bonito. This talented and dedicated core group of singers leads the congregational singing and offers anthems and service music in a variety of musical styles three to four Sundays per month from September to June. The group is open to high school students (with permission from the Music Director) and adults. Rehearsals are held on Thursday evenings at 7:00 p.m. in Memorial Hall. The Senior Choir sings a lot of music and it is very helpful if choir members read music, or learn to read music upon joining the choir. The goup welcomes new singers of all voice types throughout the year, but is currently on hiatus during the Covid19 pandemic.
Solid Rock: This former group was under the direction of lay leader Sharon Bliss, the Youth/Teen Choir was for youth and teens in 6th – 12th grades. They sang a variety of music in multiple parts and often include instruments. They presented anthems and praise responses throughout the program year and occasionally collaborated with the other choirs of the church, especially for festival occasions. Solid Rock rehearsed on Thursdays at 5:30 – 6:15 p.m. in the Vestry. This group has been discontinued until such time as a group of youth and teens are interested in reviving it.
Radiance: This former choir welcomed children in 2nd through 5th grades. Younger children were accepted if parents accompanied them in rehearsals to assist with reading and tracking music and words. Rehearsals incorporated musical games and vocal warm-ups to teach important musical and vocal principals. Singing a wide variety of music in unison and two parts, this group sang for Worship about every 6 weeks and for special occasions. They also presented musicals once every year or so to the congregation. Under the direction of Susan Bonito, Radiance rehearsed on Thursdays at 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. in Memorial Hall. New singers were welcomed throughout the program year. This group has been discontinued until such time as a group of children are interested in reviving it.
Festival Choir: The Festival Choir is our expanded choir and participates in Worship on holidays and special occasions. Historically, this group has gathered for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Jazz Sunday (Sunday before Lent) and Easter. Singers may select which occasion(s) they wish to sing for and will rehearse for 4 weeks prior to the occasion(s) on Thursday evenings at 7:00 – 8:15 p.m. in Memorial Hall. There may also be an additional dress rehearsal for Christmas and Easter. Participation in the Festival Choir is an especially joyous way to participate in the music ministry of our church on a short-term basis. Instrumentalists are also invited to participate and are urged to contact Susan Bonito several months in advance so that appropriate music can be selected. This group is currently on hiatus during the Covid19 pandemic.
A Cafellas: Our former Men’s Ensemble performed a couple of times per program year. Singing both a cappella and accompanied music, this group generally sang in close harmony and on occasion, included vocal percussion. This group provided male singers with “changed voices” an opportunity to participate in music ministry with a limited time commitment. Leadership of this group varied from time to time but interested singers should contact Susan Bonito for more information. This group is not currently active during the Covid19 pandemic.
Women’s Ensemble: This group also performs a couple of times per program year. Historically, the Women’s Ensemble has performed for the Longest Night Service in December. Like the Men’s Ensemble, the women present music with lush harmonies and sing both a cappella and accompanied works. The group is under the direction of Susan Bonito. Additional instruments are occasionally included. This group is not currently active during the Covid19 pandemic.
Summer Soloists: Throughout the summer, soloists, and small ensembles offer special music for worship. Singers and instrumentalists are encouraged to sign up in May and June for one or more services during the summer. Rehearsals with our accompanist, Chi-Chi Chin are arranged at mutually convenient times.
Accord (original): This was our first Praise Band. With the inclusion of guitar and drums, this group offered “a new song to the Lord” through contemporary praise and worship music on the last Sunday of the month (September through May, with the month of December off for good behavior!). This group concluded it’s ministry in May of 2010.