Our Music Director, David M. Glasgow

A native of Columbia, Maryland, David has been a Central Pennsylvania resident since his days as a Dickinson College student in the early 1990's. He earned his B.A. from Dickinson, majoring in music composition and theory, and later earned a Master of Divinity degree from Lancaster Theological Seminary in preparation for his ordination in the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches. In 2005, after a few years of service as an ordained pastor in the UFMCC, David returned to his alma mater to join the Dickinson Music faculty, where he now teaches piano, accompanies choral ensembles, coaches vocal students, and directs musical theatre.

Since accepting the position of UUCV Music Director in 2007, David has earned the respect of his colleagues in the Unitarian Universalist Musicians Network through his participation in Association-Wide Professional Development Days and other networking, as well as the publication of original liturgical music, anthems, and drama that have been used at UU churches across the country. In February, 2010, David will be presenting a workshop titled, "Hymn Singing with a Two-Handed, Two-Footed, One-Headed, Lots-of-Heart Songleader" at the UUA Joseph Priestley District's annual Worship Arts Festival in Manassas, Virginia.

When he's not busy with work for Dickinson or UUCV, David composes, arranges, performs, and records with the vocal trio Three Twelve. He and his partner of 15 years reside in Boiling Springs.

Contact David by e-mail.

Music in Worship

In collaboration with the Ministers and Worship Associates, our Music Director begins planning weeks in advance to select vocal and instrumental music that supports the preacher's message, considering in the process not only "first-hearing" lyrical allusions, but also more subtle details such as composer/lyricist biographies, cultural associations, and musical imagery. On any given Sunday UUCV worshipers are as likely to hear Duke Ellington, Stephen Sondheim, or Randy Newman as they are Bach, Beethoven, or Brahms.

The Music Director accompanies congregational music, whether chosen from the UUA hymnals Singing the Living Tradition and Singing the Journey or composed especially for UUCV by David or any of the several other active composers who call UUCV home, on a wonderful Yamaha grand piano (a 2004 gift to the congregation) or on our electronic Allen organ. David also encourages the congregational in song, singing from the piano through the sanctuary's 16-channel sound system, custom-installed in 2009.

The Choir

Our Choir shares special music in worship approximately twice monthly between September and May, under David's direction. Auditions are not required, but members commit to attending weekly rehearsals on Mondays from 7:00-8:30 PM at the UUCV Meeting House. The choir performs music from a variety of sources, styles, and traditions; in English and other languages; a cappella or accompanied by piano or other instrumentation. Periodic solo opportunities give the congregation a chance to enjoy featured performances by many of our talented vocalists. Interested singers are welcome to sit in on rehearsals at any time without committing to perform with the group, and may contact with any questions before visiting.

Special Ensembles

UUCV members and friends also gather in smaller ensembles to share their musical gifts for worship and special events. A few of these groups have grown into perennial ensembles, sources of inspiration and pride for the UUCV family:

The Question Marks

Leslie Carr (soprano recorder), Rachel Teates (violin), Virginia Jackson (guitar), and Madelyn Campbell (cello) perform custom arrangements of hymns, folk tunes, and other music with a distinctly "Q-Mark" flair.

The Recorder Trio

Leslie Carr (soprano recorder), Chuck Folsom (tenor recorder), and Dan Bechtel (bass recorder, guitar) bring the mellow, woody sounds of recorders to UUCV listeners, often featuring custom Bechtel arrangements.

Adam's Family Tree-O

Taking their group name from their progeny, grandfather Ken Laws and parents Virginia and David Jackson collaborate on tight vocals, guitars, mandolin, and hand percussion on original arrangements of folk favorites.

Special Programs

Twice a year, the UUCV Music Program presents a special evening event which is open to the public, as a way of sharing our talent with our neighbors, friends, and community. Season tickets (both shows for a single reduced price) are available in the fall, or tickets may be purchased for each event independently.

Fall Talent Showcase

In the fall, talented UUCV members and friends gather for an evening of "come-as-you-are" fun. Past performers have shared poetry, dance, and stand-up comedy in addition to piano, vocal, and other instrumental music.

Spring Feature Concert

Each spring, we invite a well-known headliner to present a special concert for our community, often in collaboration with our own musicians and others in the community. The Spring 2010 concert, held the weekend of March 6-7, featured world-class composer, vocalist, and instrumentalist Jeannie Gagné. Gagné also presented an interactive workshop on Saturday afternoon, and led our 10:30 AM worship service on Sunday.