Hi,  

Here’s a  few ideas from Barbara Miller in New Jersey who has done this 3 times  (!)  with her UU choir.  She  has a SATB choir-- but is really envious of me cause we have more experienced singers!

To help advertise the event:

Teach congregation   ( including the kids  so do it before they leave) the audience participation songs in weeks leading up to event

1.     Carry it Home

2.     Round and Round

3.     We Are a Circle

4.     This Little Light of Mine

5.     We’ve got the Power

Involve others in congregation as much as possible singing or not;

People not in choir might sing 1 song  - all  joining for the same song – so that  rehearsal is minimal.  The more that  are involved either singing or supporting, the  more word of mouth we get  Maybe  Imani?  We could use some low voices for the harmony

Involve teens and kids

Teens:  usher—important to fill in every seat because might be very crowded

Kids  pass out(unlit) candles

Kids:  after some advance prep—invited to dance during  We’ve Got the Power.  She  had a congr. member choreograph a dance-- not sure if it was this or another. 

Setting:

They did it in the round

For Processional:  Pair each adult singer with a child and they walk in and stand together facing each quadrant.  The adult in back with child standing directly in front – I imagine  it evoking the feeling of the adults sheltering the child and also symbolizing the circle of life.  After processional,  kids then go back and sit with parents.

Ask Susie  Smith re asking Nettie—religious dancer? 

Anyone else?   Who is the retired CU  dance professor who attends occasionally? 

 On Round and Round:    drum really  helps us stay together, especially because we are walking in and singing

Let the Spirit Come to You:

She had the 3 lines sung from different corners of the room  - something like that  -- said it was really powerful-- 

She didn't say -- but I notice there is a baritone solo written by the UU Minister of Music in Nashville  ( no kidding, he's ordained and everything), Jason Shelton.  It goes with the reading  Longest Night   ( p. 38)    I'll  write to him and see if we can get it.  I think he's on sabbatical-- not sure if he's reachable.     NATE? 

Advertising

Newspaper story and in the events section

Program:  Barbara will send me hers if she can

Entrance Fee:  free will donation on food table: “ Keep the UU fires Burning”

Question:  provide childcare? Posters at uu or anywhere else?

This little Light of Mine  add  drums and shakers

That's it for now folks.   I am getting really immersed in this and hate to miss our next rehearsal.