Music Programs at First Unity Church
In his role as Music Director at First Unity Church, Dr. Steven Schenkel arranges for leading members of the St. Louis musical community to be with us for Sunday Services. He retired after 37 years at Webster University, where he founded the Jazz Studies program, the Webster Jazz Concert Series, and the Jazz Studies/Music Technology program. Steve works at The Fox Theater as Orchestra Manager and plays for the Muny. He has also played for the Opera Theater of St. Louis and worked with The Rep and St. Louis Symphony. This puts him in touch with hundreds of area vocalists and musicians in the St. Louis area. First Unity Church’s weekly musical guests, featured below, integrate our Sunday message into the worship experience through music, song, and instrumental performance.
Scott Alberici, jazz clarinet, with Steve Schenkel, guitar Scott Alberici is one of America’s finest clarinet virtuosos. Known for his superbly rich and warm tone, lyrical phrasing, and command of the American songbook, Mr. Alberici has developed a personal style that is instantly recognizable. His rare ability to capture the…
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Joanna Serenko, vocals Joanna Serenko, a Saint Louisan since 2010, has been exploring her outlets for pursuing her passion from a young age. She has been involved in Jazz U, Sofar Sounds performances, won first place in St. Louis Teen Talent Competition, and in February 2020 she wowed all four…
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Michelle DeFabio, jazz violin. Michelle DeFabio received her violin performance degree from the Illinois Wheaton College Conservatory of Music. Her first CD entitled “A Gift of Hope” raised money to construct an orphanage in Juarez, Mexico. In 2005, Michelle and her husband, Gary, an accomplished pianist, released their first CD entitled…
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Brian Clarke, vocals and guitar Brian Clarke is perhaps the most beloved New Thought musician in St. Louis. He is most recently the recipient of the St. Louis Magazine “A-List” Award as Best Vocalist and Best Musician. Yes, this is the same Brian Clarke who played at The Opera House / Train Wreck…
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Mitzi MacDonald, vocals and piano Pianist and vocalist Mitzi MacDonald performs at numerous churches, peace events, pubs, coffee houses, outdoor concerts, and special events. She has opened for authors Alan Cohen and Neal Donald Walsh at Westport Playhouse and has performed at The Sheldon Concert Hall with CD release concerts.
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Chuck Flowers, vocals Chuck Flowers is a veteran singer/entertainer. He has recorded with the Gospel Symphonic Choir, The O’Neal Twins & the Interfaith Choir and the Golden Gospel Singers. He performed in Porgy and Bess with Union Avenue Opera Theater. He has a trio and/or 4-piece band and an acoustic group…
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Deborah Sharn, vocals, and Steve Schenkel, guitar Deborah Sharn has been singing in St. Louis for many years and is a guest vocalist at various places of worship each Sunday. She is also an actress who has worked with the Black Rep, New Line Theatre, The New Jewish Theatre, and the…
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Dan Rubright — Jazz Guitar Dan Rubright is a jazz guitarist and composer who recently received a prestigious 2019 Arts Fellow grant from the St. Louis Regional Arts Commission for his work as a composer and leader in the arts. In addition to composing and performing, Dan leads a workshop…
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Brian Clarke, vocals and guitar Brian Clarke is perhaps the most beloved New Thought musician in St. Louis. He is most recently the recipient of the St. Louis Magazine “A-List” Award as Best Vocalist and Best Musician. Yes, this is the same Brian Clarke who played at The Opera House / Train Wreck…
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Tyler Dale, vocals and guitar Tyler Dale is a professional recording artist, producer, guitarist, singer-songwriter, and bassist, who has taught guitar for over 10 years. In 2015, Tyler graduated from SIUE with a BA in Jazz Guitar Performance. He’s taught students of all ages in private and group lessons and…
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