For as long as there has been a Unity presence in Raleigh, there has been a Unity choir. In the early days, our fifteen-voice choir made up about half the congregation. From the beginning, our church has attracted musical talent.
What distinguishes Unity choir is its spirit. More than a collection of singers, it is a family, a blending of lives as well as voices.
The choir welcomes everyone who enjoys singing, from new singers to professionals. We rehearse on Wednesday nights at 7 p.m. and perform at two Sunday services each month as well as special services and concerts.
The Unity Christmas concert, a spirited performance with choir, band, and orchestra, is a community favorite. The program draws from different faiths, cultures, and musical genres—sacred, classical, popular, and world music, as well as traditional carols.
The choir performs other concerts during the year, often with guest conductors, and provides music for special services. Please check our calendar for the latest.
Unity hosts a musical open mic night the third Thursday of every month from 7-9 p.m. in the fellowship hall. The event is free and open to the public, and all ages are welcome. We provide microphones and a PA system with inputs for instruments and Bluetooth for vocalists who want to sing with recorded music. We welcome solo performances and encourage collaboration between fellow musicians. There’s a sign-up sheet by the door so that when you arrive, you can select your time to perform. Snacks and libations are provided. Come to play and sing, or come to listen and enjoy the camaraderie.
Dan Wilkinson
Tim Smith is a multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, and composer. He earned his music degree at Oberlin College, where he studied voice and jazz theory. He has been a fixture in the local music scene for over twenty years, playing with such bands as Countdown Quartet and the Squirrel Nut Zippers. He now leads the Tim Smith Band and sings in the a cappella jazz group Thelonius.
As Music Director, Tim writes and arranges music, conducts, and performs with the Unity adult choir. He is a vibrant performer and a gifted teacher. He embodies the spiritual nature of music and imbues the choir and the congregation with that spirit.
Assistant Music Director Jay Wright trained as a jazz pianist at East Carolina University and North Carolina Central University. He has played all over the world on cruise ships, in theaters, clubs, and churches. He is now a mainstay in the local jazz community.
Jay is equally talented as a conductor, composer, and arranger. At Unity, he co-conducts, arranges for, and plays with the adult choir. He also organizes the annual Unity’s Got Talent show, and often sits in on open mic nights.
Kim Church
Tim Smith, Music Director
