Music

Members and attenders are fortunate to include a variety of talented professionals and musical enthusiasts who freely share their gifts. The New Garden choir, directed by Marc Alley, regularly uplifts Friends gathered for worship, and guest musicians as well as vocal soloists frequently visit.

Young Friends also provide music—vocal as well as instrumental—including a children’s choir.

On any given Sunday, music may range from the communal singing of a well-known Protestant hymn to an African-American spiritual, to a solo sung in Hebrew, to a Pete Seeger anthem. You might hear a harmonica virtuoso playing an original composition, or Meeting keyboardist Michael Greene performing a familiar tune from the American songbook. There’s even a ukulele ensemble (or “ukestra”).

While silence is a meaningful part of worship at New Garden Friends Meeting, there’s also reverence for the joyful noise called music.

New Garden’s choirs (adult and children’s) are led by Marc Alley, music director. Contact the office for more information about practice times and locations.