Throughout the history of The First Church, the music program has played a central role for children and youth.
Typically, the year starts out with a fully staged, full length musical with a cast made up of all three of our children’s choirs.
The youngest children form small choruses that perform throughout the show, and children in grades 5 and up have the opportunity to audition for solo and lead roles.
This is an all-inclusive show, so everyone is given a part, no matter what! Performances are usually in the middle of November. After Thanksgiving, the regular choir season begins, in which all cast members of the musical must participate. The three children’s choirs present music four times in services throughout the year, and play a central role in the Christmas Eve services.
Presented by The First Church in Belmont, UU
The First Church Children's Choir season starts every year with a fully staged musical. In the fall of 2026 we will be performing The Wizard of Oz! This classic story tells the story of four friends on a journey to find a solution to their problems - only to discover they had the solution in themselves all along. The choir and musical is open to all children and youth from Kindergarten through high school, and church membership is not required.
Key Contacts
Ian Garvie - Music Director
Laura Couch - Children’s Choir Assistant Director
Kara Sassone - Project Manager
Questions? Email YouthMusic@uubelmont.org
Performance Dates
Thursday, November 19 - 5:30 pm - CAST A
Friday, November 20 - 7:00 pm - CAST B
Saturday, November 21 - 7:00 pm - CAST A
Sunday, November 22 - 3:00 pm - CAST B
Production Start Date
Auditions for lead roles will be open to 5th Graders and older on Wednesday September 9th, and Thursday September 10th. On Sunday, September 13th from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm, there will be a parent orientation and information session for all interested participants, as well as announcing the cast. A pizza lunch will be provided for the children, and they will get a chance to watch the original Wizard of Oz movie.
In general, rehearsals from September through November will be on Sunday afternoons and Monday evenings for all participants, and on Thursday evenings as well for 5th Grade and up. Additional Tuesday rehearsals will be asked of lead actors. After Thanksgiving, rehearsals for all ages will be on Monday evenings.
For more information and to register, click the button below.
The Junior Choir
Pre-Kindergarten through 1st Grade
The Junior Choir is for singers from Pre-Kindergarten through 1st Grade. After the musical, rehearsals are Monday evenings from 5:30 - 6:10pm. Singers learn about healthy singing, how to match pitch, and they begin to learn to read music
The Chancel Choir
2nd - 4th Grade
The Chancel Choir is for singers in 2nd through 4th Grades. After the musical, rehearsals are Monday evenings from 6:15-7:00pm. Singers continue to practice reading music singing in parts. They also learn to sing in numerous other languages, including German, Latin, Spanish, Hebrew, and others.
The Youth Choir
5th - 12th Grade
The Youth Choir is for singers in 5th through 12th Grades. Rehearsals after the musical are Monday evenings from 7:00-8:30pm. Youth Choir members further their understanding of musical concepts, and learn to sing mixed chorus pieces in three, four, and sometimes even more parts.
The Alumni Choir
Young Adult Alumni
The Alumni Choir is formed of former Youth Choir members who return to sing at the 11pm Christmas Eve service. This is a wonderful opportunity for singers to reconnect with old friends, as well as to once again make music together.