Music Ministry Update
July 28th’s special music will feature two different Palestinian musical artists writing from different moments in time.
“The Urgent Call of Palestine” is a song written by Zeinab Shaath in 1970, when she was 16 years old. Zeinab was the first member of her family to be born outside of Palestine, but her family maintained a deep connection to their roots while living in Egypt. Inspired by the anti-war anthems of Joan Baez and Bob Dylan, Zeinab began writing and performing Palestinian resistance music as a teenager. Her songs were among the first English language tracks to explore the Palestinian cause, helping their stories to reach a wider audience. 50 years after its original release, her record has been re-released and the accompanying video to “The Urgent Call of Palestine” is available to watch online. Read more about this song’s incredible story here.
In an introduction to a live performance of his song, “Keep Your Key,” Jordanian-Palestinian musician, Llur shares: “Palestinian’s were exiled in 1948 and many of them [had] taken their keys with them in hopes that [in] one [or] two weeks they’ll return. I wrote this song called ‘Keep Your Key.’ It talks about that.” This song was premiered live in February of 2024 and released officially in May of 2024
Click here for more about this service.
PRIDE Pop-Up Choir
Unfortunately, there has been a change of plans. Due to a death in the family, Jennifer will be out of town for a funeral the weekend of August 18 and can no longer lead a Pop-Up Choir for the Pride service. If you are a member of the LGBTQIA+ community and have a song you’d like to share for special music on August 18, please reach out via email: music@jruuc.org.
July Music Notes
Choir may be on break for the summer, but music is always alive at James Reeb UU! Jennifer is seeking volunteers to provide special music at summer worship services. A few members of the Sacred Breath Choir have started organizing musical selections for August 4 and August 11, but welcome additional folks to join in. Would you be interested in singing or playing with them? Reach out to Jennifer via email if you are interested and she’ll connect you. music@jruuc.org
Choir Practice
Sacred Breath Choir will be on summer break June-August.
Sacred Breath welcomes folks of all voice types and musical backgrounds (including people with no experience whatsoever!) We meet weekly on Thursdays from 7-8:30pm and sing at 1-2 services a month. At rehearsals, choir members warm-up their voices and bodies, learn pieces for Sunday services, sing for the joy of it, and connect with fellow Reebers. Singing is nourishment for the mind, body, and spirit. Nourish yourself and your community by joining Sacred Breath Choir!
Please send an email to music@jruuc.org with any questions or thoughts you have about music ministry at JRUUC.
Folk Music Group
Folk Announcement: On August 11, during the animal service, we will sing “All God’s Critters Got a Place in the Choir.” Please join us, and if you want to rehearse a bit, please show up at 9am.
Meetings are usually Saturdays (but not during the summer), but check your enews and contact Mike Stimson to confirm the next meeting date and let him know you’ll be coming. [1/2/24]
This is an informal gathering of Reebers who enjoy playing and singing folk songs together. This group will occasionally decide to offer music for a Sunday service, but there’s no expectation for this. Come to as many sessions as you’d like! Bring your voice and/or instrument.
Meet Jennifer Hedstrom – Music Director
Jennifer Hedstrom (she/they) grew up in the Chicago suburbs and has called Madison her home since 2010. Jennifer holds a Bachelor’s in Piano Performance from Illinois State University and a Master’s in Collaborative Piano from UW-Madison. Jennifer loves leading a multifaceted musical life and splits her time between composing, performing, teaching, and music directing.
Jennifer believes music is a powerful tool for expression, healing, and connection. She also believes music is for everyone, which is the reason she is drawn to congregational singing. She is looking forward to using her musical gifts to lift up the voices and spirits of everyone at James Reeb. And she is excited to get to know the members of the James Reeb choir.
Jennifer lives on the east side of Madison with their partner and two cats. Beyond music, they love reading, walking, dancing, crafting, and spending time with close friends. Jennifer’s spiritual teachers include water, prairies, songbirds, Pema Chödrön, Rumi, and Beyoncé.
Jennifer joined Reeb’s staff in the spring of 2023.