In late June, the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Upper Valley hired its new Music Director, Elizabeth McCrae of Wilder thus fulfilling a long term goal of the congregation. She began on July 1st.

Dr. McCrae has lived in the Upper Valley since 1988, collaborating with many musicians in the Woodstock- Quechee area. She began by bringing the Summerstrings Ensemble from Boston, a group she founded, to Woodstock for a summer tour. She invited local musicians such as Elizabeth Clendenning to play with the ensemble. The Quechee Library Concert Series which she started in 1995 continues today, featuring performances by area musicians.

Combining music with the visual arts, Elizabeth invited musicians to the Woodstock Gallery for “Art & Music Afternoons” in the early 1990’s. She was also Producer and Artistic Director of the Festival of VT Composers in 1994. When Woodstock celebrated the 100th Anniversary of its Town Hall in 2000, Elizabeth researched and reproduced the pageant originally performed at its opening in 1900.

Elizabeth’s career spans arts administration and piano performances, vocal preparation and accompaniment, and much more. Her choral background includes, for example, conducting both the youth and adult choirs of First Congregational Church in Fremont, Nebraska. Later, while living in Boston, she sang in the choir at 1st and 2nd Unitarian Church on Marlboro Street.

Mother of three and grandmother of four, Elizabeth enjoys visiting her family regularly in Wolfsboro, NH, Boston, and now also in Minnesota.

Elizabeth has already had her first taste of playing with the UUCUV Ensemble organized this past year by Elsa Garmire and Bob Russell. This group continues to meet during the summer weeks. In August, Elizabeth will attend the national conference of the Unitarian Universalist Musicians Network, a source of great inspiration. She finds our choir, musicians, and collection of music equally inspiring, and has already begun collaborating with Mardy High to plan music for the fall. She will be working with members of the music committee and all of our musicians to bring beautiful music into our services and our lives.

Come and join the fun! New singers and instrumentalists are ALWAYS welcome!