Information for New or Prospective Members
Posted September 2003 by the Director
What is the time committment?
Approximately four hours per week. Traditionally, the Christmas and Easter holidays increase that somewhat. There are usually two additional rehearsals are scheduled to prepare for each of those holidays.
When does the choir sing?
The choir sings the 10:00 AM Mass on Sundays with one regular exception. On the fourth Sunday of each month, that Mass features the St. Patrick's Children's Choir. They're great!
Christmas
At Christmas, the choir has traditionally sung the mass at 9:00 PM on Christmas Eve and the 10:00 AM Mass on Christmas Day.
Easter
At Easter,the choir has traditionally sung the Easter Vigil, a 7:00 PM mass celebrated on Saturday of Holy Week and the 10:00 AM Mass on Easter Sunday.
In addition, the choir has also sung for mass on Holy Thursday evening.
When does the choir rehearse?
7:30 PM Thursday and 9:00 AM Sunday (prior to the 10:00 AM Mass).
The Sunday morning rehearsals are more of a general warm-up and only occur on Sundays on which the choir sings.
Also, it can be expected that a couple of EXTRA rehearsals will be scheduled to prepare for either of the major feast days. The dates and times for extra rehearsals are worked out as needed by the choir director.
Is a musical background needed?
It depends... While some experience with choral singing or playing a musical instrument will probably help, it is not a requirement.
All that is really needed is the ability to carry a tune and a willingness to listen, learn, and grow under the mentorship of the Director or the more experienced choir members.
Where does the choir rehearse?
Rehearsals are normally held in one of two places. Thursday evening rehearsals are typically held in the Church - subject to availability.
Sunday morning rehearsals are typically held in the Meeting Room - adjacent to the gymnasium on the south side. It can be entered from the parking lot or the gymnasium.
What music will be sung?
The choir sings a mix of music drawn from the church hymnals, the classical genre, popular sacred favorites, and private collections.
Choir members work from a 3-ring binder that holds both performance music and music rehearsal. The best way to know what music has been programmed is to consult the Music and Archive sections of this web site.
See also our handy guide to caring for the music elsewhere on this site.
I'm convinced - What should I do next?
People interested in joining should contact the Director either by email (see above on this page) or via the Parish Office.
New members should relax, be on time for rehearsals, and enjoy being part of a fun and spiritual group!
