Music Staff 
Music Director, Amber Fetner has been the Music Director at UUFA since 2001. She leads the Chalice Choir, JUUbilation Singers, Palms of Fire drum circle, and coordinates other musical activities. Amber is also an active member of the Unitarian Universalist Musicians Network and is a UUMN Mid-South District Liaison. She most recently completed her Master’s work in Ethnomusicology at the University of Chicago. She also earned a Bachelor of Music and a Bachelor of Music Education from Shorter College in Rome, GA.
Pianist/Accompanist, Shane became the Pianist for UUFA August 1, 2010. He acompanies the JUUbilation Singers and Chalice Choir and plays for the worship services. Shane Aldredge is a 1998 Bachelor of Music Graduate of Georgia State University. He has taught piano privately and also worked as a legal recruiter. In 2009 he opened a piano studio in Athens and currently has 20 students.
Volunteer Musicians
Our music activities and programming rely on the work of dedicated volunteer musicians. We welcome new voices and gifts to join us in creating a musical community. If you have a gift you want to share, please contact our music director, Amber Fetner
Music Activities
NEW! Hootenanny Potlucks
Grab your guitar, mandolin, or fiddle (or just come to sing along). Once a month, UUFA members and friends will host a family-friendly potluck where folk music-lovers can jam together. No experience required, just bring a dish, make music, and meet some nice folks. Check the calendar and announcements for the time and location each month or contact Amber Fetner for more information (706) 546-7914.
Chalice Choir
Meets Wednesdays 7:15-8:15p.m.
The UUFA Chalice Choir is an inclusive group, welcoming all those who share our commitment to developing our voices, musical skills, and connections with each other and the larger community. They sing for worship services on first and third Sundays. They also take part in musical outreach, interfaith events, denominational activities, and all things fun and musical! Contact Amber Fetner for more information (706) 546-7914.
JUUbilation Singers
Meets Wednesdays 8:15-8:45p.m.
The JUUbilation Singers sing on fourth Sundays. We sing mainly music that is learned aurally, without sheet music, so regular attendance is very important. Most people in this group are members of the Chalice Choir who are willing to make an additional Sunday commitment.
Contact Amber Fetner for more information (706) 546-7914.
Palms of Fire
Meets Wednesdays 5:30-6:30 p.m.
No experience (or drum) necessary!
This is an intergenerational group in which you will learn drumming basics and have fun exploring the sounds of the circle. Palms of Fire drums for the worship service once a month. They also drum in the Athens community. Contact Amber Fetner for more information (706) 546-7914.
Religious Education
Rather than offer a Children’s Choir, we have volunteers who teach musical lessons as a part of the regular Religious Education curriculum. We also sing together during the Children's Worship Services on first Sundays. Contact Amber Fetner for more information (706) 546-7914. To find out more about our exciting Religious Education program, click here!
Other Opportunities
We support many other musical activities in our congregation and the greater community, including concerts, sing-alongs and hootenannies, theatrical performances, and dances. It is our vision that music in all of its forms may be available for worship, fellowship, and enjoyment, wherever and whenever members of the Fellowship gather together.
Music Committee
The Music Committee meets monthly to assess the developing needs of the music community (music library, budget, mission, objectives) and to plan music activities and events (services, fundraisers, music outreach, retreats, interfaith festivals). Stu Fors is the committee chair.
Mission Statement of the UUFA Music Committee
The mission of the Music Community of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Athens is to promote and develop the expression and enjoyment of all forms of music for all ages in worship, fellowship, and other settings; to support UUFA music staff and volunteer musicians; to encourage emotional, spiritual, and intellectual growth; and to promote Unitarian Universalism by sharing our music with our local and greater communities.
