Love of language is one common thread that tends to hold Unitarian Universalists together. Members of this faith community pay attention to language, and to the ways in which it is used.
As cultures change, so do languages. People express joy, hope, disappointment, sorrow, happiness, and attach great importance to how these emotions are demonstrated.
In the United States, people who have experienced oppression share traditional music as they create bonds over generations.
As Unitarians and Universalists learned traditional songs from these oral cultures, they began experimenting with changing lyrics, rhythms, and harmonies.
They expressed themselves by adding verses to songs the composers of which didn’t appreciate their efforts.
It quickly became apparent that while some people enjoyed these kinds of changes, others did not.
People who were part of traditional cultures wanted their music to be left alone. Composers sometimes left this faith community when arguments broke out over which version should be used.
These issues are still alive and well today. People tend to hold strong opinions about whether they have the right to change musical offerings or alter traditional music.
These may be questions you’re interested in and would like to discuss. You may want to come and find out what it’s like to sing with the Fellowship choir and learn more about how decisions are made about the musical offerings that are part of worship services.
If you’d like to give it a try, contact Katherine Price, our beloved Music Director at music@uufhnc.org or 693-3157.
You’d be most welcome!