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Music Program
Music is an integral part of each Sunday service at
UUFVB, with instrumental music, choral music, and congregational singing always part of
the message of the morning. Music has also reached outside of the worship service through
the years, with congregational cabarets and concerts for the wider Vero Beach community. In
2010, UUFVB hosted the Florida District Choral Festival at the end of February. A Music
Committee oversees the musical activities of the Fellowship.
Music has been part of the harmony of life at UUFVB since its early
years of existence. Fellowship charter member Priscilla Perry organized a chorus in 1988. Rehearsals
were held at the home of Win and Joyce Levi until the Fellowship purchased its first property in 1993.
For many years, UUFVB choir directors were volunteers who served this
congregation through their love and knowledge of music. These have included Arthur Compton, Rev. Richard
Speck, and Nancy Stiefel. In fiscal year 2003-04, the position of choir director became a paid,
part-time staff position. At that time, Nancy Stiefel continued to serve, followed by Joanna Lovell in
the summer of 2005 through the spring of 2006. In the autumn of 2007, Ann Hossler became the choir
director, and continues to this day.
Through the years, service music has been presented by members of the
congregation as well as invited guest musicians. Regular congregational pianists have included Nancy
Stiefel and Steve Lapointe. Ministers have also gotten musically involved. Rev. Richard Speck played
guitar. Rev. Gail Geisenhainer played drum. At one time, the congregation was rich enough in musicians
to create a small orchestra. In recent years, Susan Winters has accompanied hymns with her flute. Since
January of 2006, the Director of Music, Ann Hossler, has been responsible for instrumental service music.
The youth of UUFVB have also shared their musical talents with the
congregation. They have included pianist Gabi Lapointe, violinist Sam Roberts, guitarist Ry Mermer,
piano student Maggie Spero, young singer Matthew Borne, and a string quartet consisting of Carrie
Orcutt, Lauren Lapointe, Tyler Orcutt, and Gabi Lapointe.
When the choir is on hiatus over the summer, varied musical talents fill
the Special Music space in the weekly services. Although there are occasional invited guests, such as
young tenor sensation Christopher Elrod, most of the talents belong to UUFVB members. These talents
have included guest pianists (playing solos, duets, AND trios), singers, guitarists, a trumpeter, a
trombonist, and dancers.
Director Of Music
UUFVB Choir
A Vision of the Music Program at UUFVB from the Director of Music
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