Music Ministry
The Choir is open to all ages – seventeen and up. This choir sings music ranging from chant, classical, praise anthems and contemporary Christian music. We are blessed with many talented instrumentalists who play violin, flute, trumpet, bassoon, guitar, bass and drums.
Thinking about getting Involved or want to know more? Feel free to read the frequently asked questions below. I’d also love to talk to you about membership and you’ll be glad you did!
Come see me after whatever service you attend. You can send me an e-mail, call me, or, sit in with us at a Wednesday rehearsal.
"And all the Levitical singers, Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun, their sons and kinsmen, arrayed in fine linen, with cymbals, harps, and lyres, stood east of the altar with 120 priests who were trumpeters; and it was the duty of the trumpeters and singers to make themselves heard in unison in praise and thanksgiving to the Lord, and when the song was raised, with trumpets and cymbals and other musical instruments, in praise to the Lord, “For he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever,” the house, the house of the Lord, was filled with a cloud, so that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud, for the glory of the Lord filled the house of God." 2 ~Chronicles 5:12-14
Talent Needed
The most important requirement is willingness to serve and ability to join us regularly.
Ability to read music at any level is an obvious advantage, but most of what you need is easily acquired through regular exposure.
Whatever your perceived assessment of your abilities, please consider that I’m in a position to know what is possible, and I will do everything I can to set you up for success.
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Choir Member Commitment
Rehearsals are on Wednesdays from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Also on Sunday mornings 30 minutes before the services, alternating weekend masses assembling at 8:30am or 11:00am
Christmas Eve services at 8:00 pm and 10:30 pm.
Christmas Day at 10:00 am.
Holy Week is a busy time – we sing at the Holy Thursday and Good Friday services (7:00 pm), the Easter Vigil (30 minutes after Community Sunset), and Easter Day at 8:30 am and 11:00 am, with breakfast in between.
The choir typically takes a break between Trinity Sunday and Labor Day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are we?
We are a loyal, dedicated group of volunteers who offer our time and talent as part of the worship leadership of St. John Neumann.
What do we do?
The choir provides congregational leadership in prayer, praise, and of course song. Full participation by the whole assembly is the expected norm in worship; the primary role of the choir is to support and encourage congregational song. In addition, we provide special music drawn from the great depth and breadth of literature from chant of the Middle Ages to the finest living composers of church music.
What is the time commitment?
We rehearse most Wednesdays from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm, and prepare on Sunday mornings 30 minutes before the service. We alternate singing at 8:30 am and 11:00 am, so we usually assemble at 8:00 am or 11:00 am. We sing Christmas Eve services at 8:00 pm and 10:30 pm, and Christmas Day at 10:00 am. Holy Week is a busy time – we sing at the Holy Thursday and Good Friday services (7:00 pm), the Easter Vigil (30 minutes after Community Sunset), and Easter Day at 8:30 am and 11:00 am, with breakfast in between. The choir typically takes a break between Trinity Sunday and Labor Day.
What is the talent requirement?
The most important requirement is willingness to serve and ability to join us regularly. Ability to read music at any level is an obvious advantage, but if your music reading is like Sanskrit to an Eskimo, most of what you need is easily acquired through regular exposure. Experience is also helpful, but not necessary – if this is your first time, you are warmly welcome and will be strongly supported and encouraged! Some of you will have been complimented on your voice for most of your life, perhaps from a young age; if so, please share it with us! Others of you enjoy singing but have assumed that choir membership is only for “the really good singers.” Surprise – this could be you!
Special note to those who have been told some variation of “just move your mouth:” First, adults who say that to children should be condemned to follow their own advice; it’s cruel and unnecessary. Second, if you have accepted this judgment and decided you “just can’t sing,” you are virtually certain to be wrong! I began working as a church musician at age 13; in the ensuing 51 years I’ve only met two people who were saddled with the combination of factors that meant they genuinely could not match pitch and/or rhythm. Desire and willingness to put in some reasonable, focused effort can result in a ministry opportunity to contribute to your congregation with a truly great group of people!
Whatever your perceived assessment of your abilities, please consider that I’m in a position to know what is possible, and I will do everything I can to set you up for success. Join us, and test me on this!