Anne Scott, Choir Director music@westsideuuc.org
You may call this the season of joy... of light... of miracles… of family. I call this the season of music. There are choirs and carolers, bells and trumpets, drums and guitars, all singing out praises and calling for peace. Remember the scene in “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas”, of the community gathered to sing on Christmas morning, even when all of the presents and decorations were gone? That’s how I feel about music. The song lasts long after the symbols have disappeared. Music is our ongoing prayer for peace. On Christmas Eve, you’ll hear our choir share their voices. And you will get to lend your own. And we will pray for peace together.
I’m so glad to be joining Westside to direct the choir at this wonderful, musical time of the year. While you may recognize me as the Music Coordinator for Rev. Bodeau’s installation in October -- or as a member of ORUUC’s Mighty House Band -- you may not know much about my background. So here is a little introduction:
In July of 2014, I woke up with a purpose. A calling. A flame so bright inside me that I cried. A deep sense of knowing that my life’s work is to inspire others on their spiritual journeys and help them to create meaning in their lives through music. I want to change the world through song. I want to be a UU Music Director.
Since that day, I've worked to formalize my musical knowledge and experience, reflect on previous musical experience, build my network of music directors within UU and other churches, and explore best practices in church music programs. I have held a variety of music leadership roles, including serving as the Music Coordinator for Young Adult Worship at this year’s General Assembly and as Temporary Music Director at ORUUC in Fall 2014. Beyond my UU roles, I am currently pursuing a degree in music at Pellissippi State and singing with both the Knoxville Choral Society and the Knoxville Chamber Chorale. You can follow my adventures through my blog: annesmusicaljourney.blogspot.com.
My “day job” is in developing online learning for Humana’s sales teams. I’ve been in the learning & development area for more than a decade and value life-long learning. I’m also pretty tech-savvy, helping to build and maintain websites and social media outlets for several organizations. And, just in case you thought I needed more to do, I’m also the co-founder of the Allies for Racial Equity group at ORUUC, advancing the church’s racial justice efforts in the community.
All of these facets of me would not be complete without the love and support of my family. My husband, Joshua, and I are high school sweethearts and we have two wonderful kids -- Jonathan (12) and Laura (10). We’ve also recently adopted two dogs (Clara and Milly) and round out our family with a betta fish named Sushi.
My musical journey continues here at Westside and I’m so happy to be with you all! Perhaps in the new year you’d like to explore singing? The choir rehearses on Tuesday evenings at 7pm and we’re happy to have new members with any level of experience. Come and add your voice to our community!
Make a joyful noise!
Anne