Music at PUUC

Music at UU Peterborough

UU Peterborough is in the heart of the Monadnock Region, an area rich in musical talent. We also have gifted congregants who join us, offering special music, including a volunteer handbell choir, singer/songwriters and instrumentalists. 

It is therefore not surprising that music is an integral part of life here, on Sundays and during the rest of the week.  

Music is woven throughout the Sunday service, as we celebrate the spirit of life, join in congregational singing, and drink in musical offerings, with core themes of love, renewal, inspiration, stewardship, and justice.

Some weeks, you can delight in a trio or duet in lieu of, or in addition to a full choir.

UU Peterborough also provides a venue for other community-based musical groups.  Village Harmony, a Vermont-based touring singing camp, performs in our sanctuary each summer. 

Muusic 4UU is an independent, volunteer-led concert series occurring on the third Saturday of each month. This is a dedicated team of musicians and music-lovers, who bring both regional and local talent to fill our sanctuary. 

How Can You Be Involved? 

The Choir 

Thursdays, 6:30 - 8:00 PM, Parish Hall (September - June)

& Sundays, 9:00 - 9:45 AM, Parish Hall (September - June) 

The choir, alive and expanding, sings at two services each month and at special services as well. We sing a varied repertoire, carefully selected to fit both the service themes and the vocal capabilities of the group. Our choir is always open to new singers; no previous choral experience is necessary. 

Come ready and willing to sing, stretch, have fun meeting other singers, and exploring our UU values embodied through song. We rehearse weekly, help lead congregational singing weekly during worship, and share a choral offering two Sundays per month. 

Winter Solstice Singing Ritual

This annual service celebrates the longest night and the return of the light in song and spoken word. This beautiful ritual service is written by Julie Forest Middleton and Stasa Morgan-Appell, and directed by Marybeth Hallinan, Director of Music Ministry. Each year, a volunteer church and community-wide choir join hearts and voices to bring it to life. Rehearsals are held during the month of December. If you’d like to participate, reach out to Marybeth. 

Vespers Sound Circle

2nd Wednesdays, 6:30 PM Parish Hall  

This mid-week reset occurs monthly, in the Parish Hall. Offering 30 - 40 minutes of peaceful, centering and grounding. Part guided meditation, part toning/chanting coupled with a reflective reading or poem.

Chairs are provided. Some prefer to bring a blanket or cushion to sit on.

• Gather in community for resilience, connection, and healing.
• Settle into your breath and reset the nervous system
• Experience techniques of mindful and intentional relaxation you can practice on your own.                          

Music Soiree

The Music Soiree group has resumed meeting on the fourth Friday in the Parish Hall. Mary Seaver, who created this opportunity for the many musicians of our church to play chamber music, socialize, and get to know each other, hosts the Musical Soirée. It is free and open to all area musicians who can read music, and is an opportunity to make music and expand musical experience.  

Guest Musician

If you’d like to join us as a guest musician, reach out to the Director of Music Ministries.