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Harmony in Progress: Imagining Our Choir’s New Voice
Thursday, April 4, 2024
As the year unfolds, bringing with it stories of resurrection and rebirth, Paolo and I, GT, are filled with joy as we invite you to partake in the revival of our First Universalist community’s choir. This column will serve as our shared diary, a place where we dream, theorize, and articulate the evolution of our ministry of music and the arts. We aim to do more than just rebuild a choir; we’re weaving a new narrative of unity, justice, and collective empowerment through the medium of music, fostering a beloved community that champions radical inclusion and shared leadership.
Our Vision for the choir is one of harmony and hope, where every note sung bridges the divine with the communal, creating a tapestry of sound that celebrates love, justice, and togetherness. We aspire to transform our choir into a reflection of a beloved community, where radical inclusion is practiced, and leadership is shared among all members, transcending traditional roles to foster a dynamic exchange of ideas, support, and musical inspiration.
In this collaborative environment, leadership is to be a dynamic force, calling active participation and shared responsibility from every individual, thereby empowering each of us to contribute significantly to our collective harmony and embody the strength of our united voices. Our commitment to radical inclusion welcomes every voice, regardless of prior musical experience, to find a home with us. We believe that diversity in experience not only enriches our sound but also strengthens the foundation of our values—justice, love, and community—in every aspect of our work together.
Join the Chorus. We extend this invitation to all, our dedication to an environment where everyone, from seasoned singers to first-time choir members, can flourish. Our approach to radical inclusion is comprehensive. We honor the distinct musical journeys of every person. We’re committed to cultivating a space where diversity in experience and background contributes to a rich, communal song, where every member can grow, contribute, and find joy in our collective endeavor.
As we look forward, this column will be the vessel through which we share our journey and reflections, chronicling the growth of a choir that embodies our core values of beloved community, radical inclusion, and shared leadership. We invite you to join us in this musical voyage, where together, we’ll create a future in which music sparks real change, and our community becomes the chorus that brings it to life.
In love for community
and the shared purpose of
peace,
GT and Paolo
Choir Schedule
March
Thurs. 3/21 7-9 pm Choir kickoff and rehearsal
Thurs. 3/28 7-9 pm Choir rehearsal – no Paolo
April
Thurs. 4/4 7-9 pm Choir rehearsal
Thurs. 4/11 7-9 pm Choir rehearsal
Thurs. 4/18 6-9 pm Choir rehearsal and potluck
Sun. 4/21 8:00 am Call for service
9am SERVICE – Earth Day
11am SERVICE – Earth Day
Thurs. 4/25 7-9 pm Choir rehearsal
May
Thurs. 5/2 7-9 pm Choir rehearsal
Thurs. 5/9 7-9 pm Choir rehearsal
Sun. 5/12 8:00 am Call for service
9am SERVICE – Mother’s Day
11am SERVICE – Mother’s Day
Thurs. 5/16 7-9 pm Choir rehearsal
Thurs. 5/23 7-9 pm Choir rehearsal
Thurs. 5/30 7-9 pm Choir rehearsal
June
Thurs. 6/6 7-9 pm Choir rehearsal
Sun. 6/9 8:00 am Call for service
10am SERVICE – Celebration
12:30pm Season wrap afterparty
About Paolo
Paolo Debuque is a Filipino/Chinese-American conductor and choral artist noted for his innovative programming and commitment to grassroots, community-centered art. Trained in conducting, voice, and piano, his engagements have included Head of Performing Arts at the International School of Minnesota (PS-12), Founding Artistic Director of A Thousand Tongues, an arts organization dedicated to uplifting the voices of the Asian diaspora through music and stories, and Artistic Director of Caritas Vocal Ensemble, a premier amateur vocal ensemble of the Twin Cities area.
Paolo studied music at Swarthmore College and earned the Masters in Choral Conducting at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, studying with Dr. Jerry Blackstone. Further conducting study includes fellowships and apprenticeships with Interlochen Center for the Arts , Norfolk Chamber Music Festival, Wintergreen Music Festival, Berkshire Choral International, and Chorus America.
