Paula Roberts, Director
Riverbend is very lucky to have a dedicated group of singers who make up the core of our vibrant and always enthusiastic RUC choir!! (And “new” singers are always welcome!)
At a typical rehearsal, held Thursdays from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m., we review our hymns for the week, and then spend time preparing our anthems or music for any upcoming special events or services that are in the works. In addition, we do take a bit of time to work on vocal and choral techniques that not only help us with our own vocal health, but help us open our ears to the creation of a good choral sound.
Repertoire-wise, we enjoy a variety of styles of music from traditional to gospel, and for special fund raising or simply “fun” events, we have gotten into some “pop” music, and have even served as the “backup singers” for tunes featured in some of the “Marvelous Marv” concerts! (See Marv Severson’s notes about this and the Riverbend ensemble.)
Most of our music is accompanied by piano, played by the talented Sherri Steele, but we LOVE to add instrumentalists, and have discovered many excellent soloists right here in our own congregation. We have sung with flute, violin, cello, oboe, trumpet, guitar, bass guitar, hand drums and drum kit.
Simply put, we LOVE to make music together! If you think you might be interested in
experiencing a worship service from the choir loft, please contact the church office to leave a message for Paula Roberts, Music Director, to chat about that possibility!
Hand Drumming
Paula has an interest in West African Drumming and has often held drumming sessions prior to choir rehearsals. At this time, there is no formal schedule, but plans are in the works to hold a few drum circles to which anyone can come and explore some rhythms. And there is always room for some improvisation to free your inner drummer!
