Communal worship includes the combination of many voices into one. In raising our physical voices, we likewise lift our souls up to the Lord; our prayers are carried to God in song. While the full and active participation of all God’s faithful people includes the music of prayer, a special role is fulfilled by those who seek to give of themselves by preparing songs for worship.

There are many ways to give this special gift of self; ALL GROUPS ARE ALWAYS ACCEPTING NEW MEMBERS:

Parish Choir

The Parish Choir meets every Wednesday from 7:30-9:00pm at the Parish Center and serves every Sunday at 10:30am Mass. Membership is not limited by age (though children’s choir is recommended for the very young) and includes some families. Repertoire features part-singing and is not limited by style or period. All levels of musicianship are welcomed. As a group of parish volunteers, we are blessed to welcome equally those with musical training and those with no previous experience. While membership is not limited by gender, at this time male voices are especially desirable. (Our current representation is approximately thirty-five members; thirty women and five men.) In addition to music, the choir offers fellowship and assists in coordinating parish-wide activities such as Lenten Soup Suppers and care packages for soldiers.

Kantorei

This small mixed-voice and guitar ensemble meets every Thursday from 7:20-8:30 at the Parish Center and serves every Sunday at 9:00am Mass. Membership is not limited by age (though children’s choir is recommended for the very young) and includes some families. Repertoire includes part-singing and is not limited by style or period. All levels of musicianship are welcomed.

Children’s Choir

Children ages five and up make up our Children’s Choir, which meets Wednesdays from 6:45-7:25pm at the Parish Center from October – May. In its present form, the children sing on Christmas Eve and Easter Sunday, in addition to one Advent Mass and one Lenten Mass. Future plans include more musical service opportunities for this growing group. There is no experience necessary and no reading requirement. (Adolescents also have the option of joining the Parish Choir, above.) Young instrumentalists are also invited (audition required).

Praise Band

Under the direction of Youth Ministry Coordinator Julia Strukely and Music Director Lauri Hofstrom, the Praise Band plays and sings Christian popular music as an expression of their love of Jesus. The Praise Band is just beginning to explore liturgical applications for their highly stylized renderings. Members are high-school students with playing/singing experience and/or some training. Ability to read music is recommended. (Auditions may be required.) Current instrumentation includes (but is not limited to) electric guitar(s), piano, trap set & vocals. Rehearsals are Sunday evenings. Performance and service opportunities are coordinated according to Parish and liturgical calendars, and according to the needs and availability of the members.

Instrumentalists

Players of all ages make a welcome addition to our worship. Our current representation of teens and adults includes two guitarists, two flautists, three violins, viola, cello, trumpet, and several piano/organ accompanists. These players’ gifts are used in a variety of ways on their own and/or in conjunction with singing groups. Most consistently, we are using guitars as the main support at 9:00am Mass with rehearsals on Thursdays from 7:30-8:30; and orchestral strings as the main support at 12:00pm Mass with rehearsals on Tuesdays from 8-9:30pm. Other playing opportunities of course mean other rehearsal times; every effort is made to meet the scheduling needs of our volunteers. While no specific liturgical experience is required, competency is expected. Adults who are former players are encouraged to explore anew their musical potential. Children and young players are invited to grow by adding liturgical music to their learning experience.

Cantors

There is a particular need for more cantors at this time. Cantors lead our assemblies in songs of prayer and serve at all of our Sunday liturgies. This gift of self requires an extra commitment of time and preparation. Cantors are people whose life of prayer and sacrament is very active in addition to their commitment to the Mass. A cantor proclaims the word of God in song and must possess a clear speaking voice, a confident presence in front of the assembly, a proficient singing voice and the ability to teach song. A knowledge of music and sight reading ability is preferred, but not necessary. Familiarity with the liturgical seasons and with the scriptures of the day are required; or at least, this knowledge is a part of a cantor’s development. Cantors rehearse with the Parish Choir on Wednesday evenings at 7:30pm in the Parish Center. Additional rehearsals and/or one-on-one meetings with the director are occasional requirements. Cantor Certification is optional. Information on Cantor Certification can be found on the National Pastoral Musician website www.npm.org

Schola Cantorum

A schola sings the prayers of the Church in the tradition of Catholic chant. St. John’s parishioners have expressed an interest in having a schola; but, there are not enough participants at this time to provide this music regularly. All ages are welcome; no experience necessary. While membership is not limited by gender, male voices (again, of all ages) are especially desirable. Rehearsals and service opportunities will be coordinated in accordance with the growth and development of this fledgling group.

If you are interested in serving our parish community by becoming involved with one of our music groups please contact Lauri Hofstrom at the Music Ministry office (703) 777-7847, or send email to music@stjohnleesburg.com