Music Ministry
Principal Accompanist - Larissa Cherkasov
Larissa Cherkasov was born and reared in the city of Baku in the former Soviet Union, and received her first musical training at the age of six in a special school for gifted children. She graduated with honors from Baku State Conservatory, with a Master's Degree in Piano Performance and Pedagogy. In 1989 Larissa and her family were forced to leave their homeland due to civil war. Since coming to Fort Worth in 1994, Larissa has accompanied the Fort Worth/Dallas Ballet, the Arlington Ballet, the Van Cliburn Institute, as a soloist at music festivals throughout the country. She plays for TCU's Ballet and Modern Dance Department, teaches privately, and performs as soloist and chamber musician. Larissa is a regular featured performer with our classical "Wedgewood Series," along with her husband, vioinist Eugene Cherkasov, of the FW Symphony Orchestra.
Unity's Musical Ensembles
Unity Singers is a volunteer choir with membership of 60-70, performing approximately once per month, singing 3- and 4-part harmony on a broad range of musical styles. With no audition required to join, we ask that members commit themselves to being at all rehearsals and performances. We open to new members twice per year, in January and August. Rehearsals are Tuesday evenings from 7:30-9:00, with childcare provided.
Gospel Ensemble sings traditional and contemporary gospel music and is comprised of performers from Unity Singers.
Additional Musicians and Regular Guests
Gigi Cervantes has appeared as a professional actress on many local stages including Circle Theatre, Stage West, and Casa Manana. She has also been a member of the teaching staff at Casa Manana's Theatre School for several years. In addition to performing theatrically, Gigi is also an accomplished singer-songwriter. In 2002 she won the songwriting contest at the University of North Texas, and was one of the select few to perform at the prestigious Kerrville Folk Festival. Gigi has two CD's original music, "One of Those Years" and "Nothin' But Angels." Find her local performance schedule at www.gigicervantes.com.
Jay Adkins, is the principal keyboardist for Unity's contemporary music, leading the group in jazz, country, gospel, pop and rock performances throughout the church year. Jay is also musical director for the performing troupe Kids Who Care, and teaches music at Tarrant County College. Jay has been featured as musical director/accompanist at Circle Theatre, Theater Arlington, and Fort Worth Theater, and is also an accomplished composer with a CD of music for meditation.
Brent Dacus is a drummer extraordinaire. A touring, performing and studio musician for more than 25 years. Brent has played with national touring companies of broadway musicals, plays regularily at Bass Hall, Casa Manana, Stage West and other area theaters. He drummed on national tours with Reba McIntyre's bands and can be heard on many, many recordings.
Michael Kelley plays guitar, bass, and sings in our gospel and rock ensembles, as well as being a member of Unity Singers. Michael is a science teacher at Crowley High School and can be seen at live music venues around town, especially McHenry's Pub.
Pat Trimble is a guitarist, bassist, keyboard player and singer with our gospel and rock 'n' roll ensembles and the Unity Singers. A life-long musician with a penchant for playing the "blues," Pat also has a masters degree from Brite Divinity School.
