May 2, 2024

Dear members and friends,

We are excited to introduce you to our new Director of Church Music, Nick Place. Nick is an accomplished musician bringing an array of talents and experience.

Please scroll lower in this email to links with examples of his music.

The Parish Board and I thank the Search Committee for their dedicated work on this important search. We also thank the choir for their input and endorsement of this decision, and to those of you who emailed your thoughts. 

We are in for exciting music ahead. Know that as we diversify our music, we remain dedicated to strengthening our sacred music, including integrating other professionals and organists into our repertoire.

With gratitude, 

Rev. Rebecca  

Dear All, 

On behalf of Rev. Rebecca and the entire FRSUU Director of Church Music Search Committee, I am very happy to introduce you to Nicholas Place as our new Director of Church Music. Nick will join our church staff on August 1. We are incredibly excited about Nick as someone who can build on the legacies of Jay Lane and Justin Murphy-Mancini while also stretching the FRSUU further into more diverse musical offerings.  

Nick Place grew up in Maine and attended Ithaca College and Boston Conservatory for undergraduate and graduate degrees in Piano Performance and Collaborative Piano. He has served as pianist and organist at Arlington Street Church (UU) in Boston and as Director of Music at the Unitarian Society of East Brunswick, NJ. Nick has also worked extensively as a pianist, vocal coach, music director, and conductor in regional theater companies and opera houses, as well as served as music director for musical theater productions at several colleges and universities. His resume and links to three YouTube videos of his work are linked below. 

Nick is currently finishing out a contract with Virgin Voyages as a shipboard musician. After three cruise contracts, he is looking forward to being back on dry land and settling in one place for the next chapter of his life. We look forward to welcoming Nick to FRSUU and to his musical leadership!  

All blessings, 

Alan Seale, Chair

Director of Church Music Search Committee

Committee members: Rev. Rebecca Bryan, Jeff Bard, Lori Clark, Betsy Latham, Hugh Martinez, Alan Seale

Dear FRS congregation,

It is with a great sense of honor and elation that I accept the position of Director of Church Music. I am grateful to the search committee and Rev. Rebecca for their time and care during the interview process. With me, I bring an excitement for sharing with you familiar and traditional music, along with a desire to invigorate the music program with new songs and styles. I look forward to making new friendships and new colleagues, and I look forward to serving our community through music.

Nick Place

Sample videos of Nick’s work at the East Brunswick church during COVID:

One Day by Matisyahu: 

Where Do We Come From:

Solo Piano—Träumerei by Robert Schumann: