Hello UUSS musical friends!

I hope you were able to attend yesterday’s service and see me conducting our ‘other UUSS choir.’ I think you can find that on Facebook (at 18:00). They, like you, were so excited, fun, attentive — always watching the conductor :) — and had such lovely tone and diction! I really felt your spirit and love inside that (currently empty) Main Hall.

Some of you may remember your school classroom — perhaps decorated with flags and portraits of all our presidents on the walls? I recall that in my school (history nerd that I am, I memorized all the presidents in order. Ask me to recite them when next we meet!) And maybe you heard an earnest teacher saying that “any of you could become president!” When did I notice that they’re all white males? Now we celebrate the fact that a woman, daughter of an Indian mother and Black father, will be sworn in soon as vice president. And truth be told, it would be a milestone regardless of political party!

Speaking of diversity in America, please try to locate a marvelous and inspiring TV series on Netflix — “Voices of Fire” — about the formation of a multiracial Gospel choir in Virginia. I commend to you this marvelous live performance by the Temple University choir of the Gospel classic “I Sing Because I’m Happy” arranged by Dr. Rollo Dilworth, whose arrangements we Sac Master Singers have relished performing. Note that the soloist is a young white woman, which reminds us that great arts can be made by talented people of all backgrounds. Just look at the diverse young choir! (I was distracted by the brilliant bass guitar playing!) And they clap on beats two and four! ; )

One more song for my Gospel themed Monday moment below — honoring the roots of this powerful music that now colleges and “Master Singers” perform so widely. Here are 5 women somewhere singing “Sweeping Through the City” acapella Gospel — a million hits on YouTube. (And honestly, scrolling through the comments is very uplifting!)

blessings

Keith