You're Invited to Join the Unity Christ Church Choir this Fall
Have you been thinking about joining the choir? This fall promises to be a joyous adventure with many
new members, many returning voices and a wealth of great new material just waiting to be sung. After a
fabulous season last year culminating with such a wonderful and successful concert in May, Judi and I
are so excited to resume our weekly rehearsals and see (and hear) all of you for our spirit-filled performances.New members are always welcome; and if you haven't sung in the choir, it's a very fun experience - all about heart and the absolute joy of singing! Recordings of our selections are available to help folks practice and feel comfortable with the songs, which greatly assists the many members in the choir who do not read music. So, in other words, the only requirement is a sincere love of singing and divine commitment to let go, let spirit lead the way and join in a community of so many wonderful friends, who wish to enrich our Sunday morning services.
Rehearsals will resume in September, and will be held every Thursday in the Sanctuary with a warm-up session at 6:45 PM and rehearsal from 7:00 to 8:15 PM. The choir will be performing throughout the year.
We look forward to seeing - and hearing - you this autumn!
Lori Dokken, Music Director & Judi Donaghy, Choir Director
Personal Messages
From Lori Dokken - Music Director
I have been involved in the music industry for almost 30 years - as a Cabaret performer, vocalist, pianist, arranger, producer, musical director and now currently am an educator on the voice faculty at McNally Smith College of Music.
My musical roots actually lie in the Lutheran Church, where I was very active until my early twenties. Over the course of about the past 12 years I have been active in the United Church of Christ. I was the Music Director at Minnehaha United Church of Christ for 8 years and have led the music and been the music director for many UCC conventions, from local youth conventions, to the Minnesota State conventions and all the way up to the National Convention when it was held here a few years ago.
I am greatly honored and humbled to be entrusted to lead the music at Unity Christ Church. I look forward to working with you and welcome any and all suggestions as to how the music ministry at Unity can grow in spirit and fulfillment.
About Judi Donaghy - Choir Director
If variety is the spice of life, call her "Curry". Judi grew up singing everything from Julie Andrews to Blood Sweat and Tears. By the mid-90's Judi was singing Swing on Wednesdays, Folk on Fridays, R&B on Saturdays, Cabaret on Mondays, and Gospel on Sunday. In 2001, vocal pioneer Bobby McFerrin hired her to join his 12 member a cappela group "Voicestra." Over the years, one-time gigs with such greats as Yo Yo Ma, Janis Siegel, Marilyn McCoo, and Carole King made for good diary days. In the Twin Cities, Judi works regularly with The Wolverines Classic Jazz Orchestra, JazzMN Big Band, The Girls, Urbanstride, and her own acoustic ensemble, Judi, Cliff 'n' Daves.
Judi has developed teaching techniques for healthy singing in any style. She was nominated for membership in the Who's Who of America's teachers in 2004. An award winning songwriter (JAZZIZ Magazine,) her songs have been recorded by Debbie Duncan, Three Hits and a Miss, The Girls, and Lori Dokken.