The Emerson Choir: FAQ

As a dynamic part of Emerson’s ministry, the Choir is a vibrant and inclusive group devoted to building community through song.  It exists to:

·    enhance worship services

·    deepen spirituality

·    nurture congregational relationships

·    strengthen the impact of UU values in our world

·    provide a loving and passionate community for adults who enjoy singing.

Specific goals are established by choir leadership annually, but in general the choir strives to provide, through singing, a venue for Emersonians to:

·       Enhance worship and serve the congregation

·       Nurture spiritual growth

·       Be part of an intimate community of UUs

·       Grow as singers and musicians

·       Reach out to the community

Any adult can become a member of the choir.  There is no audition and there are no specific musical skills or background required. 

                     Do I have to read music?                                                                                                                                                                  NO

                     Do I have to know anything about singing?                                                                                                                                             NO

                     Do I have to have previous experience in a choir?                                                                                                                               NO

                     Do I have to have vocal training?                                                                                                                                                            NO

                     Do I have to love to sing?                                                                                                                                                                   YES

                     Do I have to appreciate laughter, camaraderie, and hard work?                                                                                                              YES

                     Do I have to attend most Wednesday night rehearsals?                                                                                                                             YES

                     Do I have to attend most Sunday services?                                                                                                                                        YES

Just show up on a Wednesday night at 7:30 p.m.  Or talk to any choir member who can give you a schedule of upcoming rehearsals and events.  Our schedule can also be found on the music bulletin board in the adult (north) downstairs hallway.

Our singing season is from August-May.

·       Wednesday night rehearsals, 7:30-9:00 in the sanctuary

·       Sunday morning services, 3 Sundays per month, with a 30-minute warmup/rehearsal and 15-minutes to mingle preceding services

·       Occasional special services or events (holidays, memorials, congregational activities, etc.)

·       Occasional additional activities such as choral workshops, joint services with other congregations, community events and performances, and social events

In addition to the professional music staff, the choir is guided by two groups of volunteers from the choir roster:

·       Choir Leadership Committee (CLC): This body meets to decide what goals and activities will be prioritized for the year and helps implement the plans.

·       Emerson Choir Outreach (EChO) Team: This body plans and executes community service and choir outreach activities.

In 1997, Scott H’Doubler first attended Emerson and asked, “When does the Choir meet?” 

Someone said, “Choir?  Would you like to form a choir?” And he did.

For the next two decades, Scott was the heart and soul of the Emerson Choir.  Aside from being an immense musical talent with a gorgeous baritone voice, he was the model of kindness, generosity, humility, joy, and gratitude.  He showed us all how to prevail over life’s greatest challenges and made everyone feel like the most special person in the world. 

Few will ever know the true extent of Scott’s devotion to the Emerson Choir.  Silently, he donated untold amounts of money and an infinite number of hours keeping the program afloat.  He would not allow the program to flounder. 

Scott passed away unexpectedly in March of 2018.  His long-time partner, Mike Rossano, made a significant donation in Scott’s name to his beloved choir.  Subsequently, the Choir Leadership Committee, of which Mike was a member, elected to use that donation to establish the Scott H’Doubler Music Library.  The existing choral library was upgraded with new storage, updated files, and a plaque to commemorate Scott and name Room 127 after him.

No one who knew Scott will ever forget him.  No one who sang with him will ever stop missing him.  We hope that by naming our choral library for him, his name will continue to be spoken and his legacy shared with those who weren’t blessed to know him personally.

Thank you, Scott.  Your voice will forever ring in our hearts. 

May the singing continue.