Music is a rich and vital part of worship at Central Unitarian Church, and our members and friends get involved as both listeners and performers.

Music of the piano and organ is woven into every service, as are hymns from our own faith tradition and those of others.  Thanks to our location near New York City, we frequently welcome professional guest artists from the worlds of classical, jazz and nontraditional music.  

Central Unitarian Church's Music Staff

Matt Anderson, Music Director - is a freelance musician, composer and audio professional. His primary instrument is piano; seconday instruments are guitar, violin and organ. As a composer, he has the ability to write, rewrite and arrange music according to the specific needs of ensembles to emphasize strengths, compensate for weaknesses and maximize the unique potentials of each group. He has an extensive background in musical theater. He has directed and/or musically directed nearly forty shows. He has performed in Off-Broadway, professional touring companies, college, school and community theater groups.

Gates Thomas, Choir Conductor - is a New York-based vocalist, keyboardist, recording artist, songwriter, arranger, conductor and teacher. He is equally at home in jazz, classical, R & B, rock and Brazilian popular music, and his musical philosophy is rooted in a commitment to growth. Since 2003, Gates has taught at the Guitar Study Center of the New School University in New York. His arrangements are published through UNC Jazz Press, and he has presented clinics and master classes in Rome, Toronto, Los Angeles, Boston, Cleveland and Atlanta. He has performed with Paula Cole, Will Lee, Rosemary Clooney, Peter Erskine, Rebecca Parris, the Grant Park Symphony and the New American Orchestra of Chicago; and has worked and written for Chris Willis, John Scofield, Sadao Watanabe and the American Jazz Philharmonic.

Choral Groups

Youth Choir - open to children ages 4-14, this group performs several times a year. It's repertoire has featured both contemporary as well as traditional non-denominational pieces.

Adult Choir - is the longest running choral group at Central Unitarian Church. This group performs at Sunday Services every three to four weeks. Under the leadership of Gates Thomas, the choir performs mostly fully scored selections (soprano, alto, tenor and bass). Its repertoire is very diverse from Handel and Faure to Lennon and McCartney to Ellington. Participation is open to both members and non-members of the congregation.

Big House of Music - is a fun and focused approach to choral singing. The group will typically perform one piece of music at a Sunday Service. Rehearsal is for sixty minutes before the performance. All ages and all levels of vocal talent participate.

Men Who Love Music - is a male peer-led choral group dedicated to having fun and singing at the same time. The group's membership varies depending on who is available and has time on their schedule. The singers range from near professional to bathroom bassists. Most members don't read music and are paired with a seasoned mentor to guide them along. Their music selections range from well known popular pieces to contemporary spirituals. The Men perform two or three times a year.

Music Ministry Vision Statement
The Music Committee's vision is a Music Ministry which includes all musical endeavors inside and outside Central Unitarian Church: choirs, instrumental groups, musical outreach and new directions. We envision a program that encompasses a wide variety of musical genres. The Music Committee will support and collaborate with the Music Director and will represent the interests of the congregation.