Dear First United Family,
I am delighted to introduce myself as the new Director of Music at First United Church here in Bloomington. I have already had the pleasure of meeting so many of you, either throughout the interview process or in the services I have attended. I have been overwhelmed with the kindness and generosity the church has shown me throughout my brief time here just in the last couple of weeks.
For those of you who I have not had the distinct pleasure of meeting, my name is Eric Meincke, and I am a new doctoral student in choral conducting at Indiana University in the Jacobs School of Music. I am thrilled to have accepted this offer to join the loving and inclusive community at First United, and I am very eager to work with you all to create a meaningful worship experience for the congregation.
Music plays a beautiful, unique, and important role in the worship service, and I believe it is our job in the music ministry to accentuate that role in a variety of ways, whether that is through choral music, bell music, or solo instrumental and vocal performances. Further, I believe we have a responsibility to reflect the diversity that has for so long been underrepresented by our canon and usher that repertoire into the worship service in a way that echoes the inclusive mission of First United Church. I look forward to adhering to that mission and welcome any thoughts you might have as to how we can best accomplish this goal.
In that vein, I would like to take this time to invite anyone who is interested in singing in the choir or playing in the bell choir to contact me at any time. Anyone is welcome regardless of age, ability, or identity. We just ask that you bring a positive attitude and a love for music. Currently, rehearsals will resume this week and take place from 7:30-9:00pm on Thursday evenings for the vocal choir (gather in the Choir Room), and 12-1pm on Sunday afternoons for the bell choir (gather in Room 5).
Finally, I would like to thank those of you who worked so hard during the search and interview process for this position, and thank you for putting your trust in me. It is truly an honor to be able to be the newest member of this family.
Yours truly,
Eric Meincke
Director of Music, First United Church of Bloomington
Email: ericdmeincke@gmail.com
Cell: (501) 837-2708
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