Music Groups
Eno River Singers (ERS)
All adults (grade 9+) are welcome to join the Eno River Singers. No audition is required. The singers rehearse with our director, Dr. Kevin Badanes, on Thursday nights from 7-8:30 PM in the sanctuary. Standard repertoire includes classical, folk, and world music as well as traditional and modern UU hymns. In addition to singing during Sunday services 1-2 times per month, the singers also participate in the following special events and services:
- The ERUUF Gala, an evening celebration including classical music, jazz, and folk music
- The Holiday Singing Service in December
- UU Choirfest, where the choir performs in an evening concert and in a Sunday morning service with over a dozen other Unitarian Universalist choirs in the Southeast District during a weekend-long workshop
- Social events
Beloved Community Chorus
An intergenerational group that learns through the oral tradition, centering the music and experiences of people of color. We strive to reflect the multiracial, multicultural community that ERUUF is working to create. In this group, singing is a spiritual practice, a cry for social justice, a healing balm, and more. Meets Tuesdays from 7pm to 8:30pm in the Commons Room of the CARE building. Email to join the mailing list. No matter your singing experience, you are welcome!
- Contact Person: Lelaina Romero
- Role: Choir director
- Email:
- Staff Partner: Dr. Kevin Badanes, Director of Music, LeLaina Romero, Ph.D., Beloved Community Chorus Director
Sunshine Kids Choir
The Sunshine Kids (age 4-grade2) rehearse between the two services on selected Sunday mornings.
- Contact Person: Art Hollander
- Role: Coordinator
- Email:
- Staff Partner: Dr. Kevin Badanes, Director of Music
Chalice Singers
The Chalice Singers (grades 3-6) rehearse between the two services on selected Sunday mornings.
- Contact Person: Pam DiLavore
- Role: Choir director
- Email:
- Staff Partner: Dr. Kevin Badanes, Director of Music
River Folk
An informal group of singers and instrumentalists that share the joy of folk songs. Music is created by guitars, banjos, percussion, flutes and harmonicas. The group practices together prior to public performances at ERUUF (services, Cafe ERUUF) and elsewhere.
- Contact Person: Kristi Chilton
- Role: Coordinator
- Email:
- Staff Partner: Dr. Kevin Badanes, Director of Music
Eno River Drum Circle
Meets Thursday nights from 7-9 pm. The Eno River Drum Circle focuses on exploring different drumming traditions and creating new ones.
- Contact Person: Cliff Missen
- Role: Coordinator
- Email:
- Staff Partner: Dr. Kevin Badanes, Director of Music
River Rhythms Drumming Group
Meets Sunday night in the Commons Room or Fellowship Hall from 7-8:30pm. All levels of drummers are invited to join in. Every week we have lessons in a traditional West African style of drumming and then practice together. No need to bring your own drum. The group has a collection of drums you may use. Please do not feel shy, join us! It is FUN!
- Contact Person: Beth Seigler
- Role: Coordinator
- Email:
- Staff Partner: Dr. Kevin Badanes, Director of Music
ERUUF Ukulele Group
ERUUF's Ukulele Ensemble is a small group of experienced players who gather in fellowship and fun to play and sing songs which reflect UU's seven principles. We hold a rehearsal series prior to performing at Cafe ERUUF and other musical gatherings.
- Contact Person: Cheryl Fenner Brown
- Role: Coordinator
- Email:
- Staff Partner: Dr. Kevin Badanes, Director of Music
Small Singing Ensembles
ERUUF has several small singing ensembles, such as the Ad-Hoc-tet, the Men's Choir, LUUX Aeterna and the 16-voice Chamber Singers. These ensembles include both dedicated amateurs and professional musicians from the ERUUF congregation.
- Contact Person: Kevin Badanes
- Role: Choir director
- Email:
- Staff Partner: Dr. Kevin Badanes, Director of Music