The changing color of the leaves in September does not give me a sense of the year winding to its close, but speaks to me rather of new beginnings. The reddening foliage and hazy air signal the start of a new school year, and the re-gathering of the church worship staff. I am once again back at my desk, and I am full of plans for the coming year. The Adult Choir has already started off with a successful retreat, and the Music Ministry Committee has met to review the summer, which was a productive and busy one for us. This year, the Music Ministry Committee had oversight of the summer worship music, and our Instrument Sub-committee worked with Andover Organ Company to begin executing the renovation and maintenance plan formulated for us about four years ago by noted historical organ surveyor, Barbara Owen. The summertime Friday Noon Concert Series continues to be successful, with the last concert of this year's series scheduled for October 14 (you can see the full schedule here: http://fplex.org/index.php/friday-noon-concert-series). It was a busy summer for our Music Ministry, and now as we start the new church year, we will continue to enrich our weekly worship and to create more opportunities for people to take part in the musical life of the parish.

Last year, Faith Kasparian did a fabulous job directing the Children's Choir. She will continue to do so this year, with kids K through 4th grade. This year, I am hoping to start a Youth Choir for 5th graders and up. Faith and I will be recruiting members and publicizing rehearsals within the next few weeks, so stay tuned! We are looking for a couple of rehearsal accompanists for these groups—it would be for rehearsals only, not for performances, so it should be a fun and stress-free opportunity even for those of us who need to brush up on our piano skills, or who feel shy about performing in public. Volunteers of all ages are welcome! If you are a youth with intermediate to advanced piano skills, we are happy to hear from you, too.

Another opportunity we are working on is the FAMILY BAND--- all ages, skill levels and instruments welcome. Jeffrey will be directing this group, and we will probably begin with a potluck jam session, come one come all. Jeffrey would love to hear from those in the congregation who have access to band music that is suitable for many different instruments, preferably interchangeably, since part of the magic of Family Band is that we have NO IDEA who will show up, and what their instruments are! In the past, we tried being more organized about this, but it never really got off the ground. Family Choir has taught me that sometimes a spontaneous approach is more fun and interesting, and also less daunting. Once we get some music together and a time and place secured for a Family Band Kickoff Jam (Family Jam?), you will be the first to know. I'm looking forward to it, and hope to take part as a band member.

As always, our wonderful Adult Choir meets on Thursday evenings at 7:30 for weekly practice that includes time for connecting spiritually and for getting to know each other as well as focused rehearsal on upcoming music. There is no audition for joining the Adult Choir; if you don't read music, there are plenty of people in the choir who do, and there are section leaders with strong voices who can help you. If you're curious about singing in the choir, don't be shy;  talk to me or Jeffrey, or talk to a choir member on Sunday morning (we're the ones in the maroon robes) or come to a choir practice—you can sit and watch the rehearsal,or you can take part, to try it on for size.

And if you want to sing in the choir but have too many other commitments, we will be posting opportunities for participating in Music Sundays (December 11 and May 20) and for taking part in the annual Auction Anthem, yet to be scheduled, as well as ad-hoc groups for Patriots' Day and Christmas caroling.

It is good to be together with you again. I look forward to a year of growth and deepening connections, with lots of opportunities for music-making at First Parish.