“Singing belongs to one who loves,” writes St. Augustine. The choirs of St. Michael the Archangel Parish proclaim their love of God through joyous participation in the celebration of Holy Mass. Composed entirely of volunteer singers, the choirs draw on the great canon of faith-based choral literature, featuring Gregorian chant, polyphonic motets, and works by both classical and contemporary composers created for the celebration of divine worship. Each choir is a unique entity, yet shares a common repertoire. The individual choirs sing separately at the Saturday evening or Sunday masses. At times, they may unite as one for concert events, or with other choral groups and/or orchestra, as well as such special celebrations as the annual Corpus Christi procession.
We are always eager to welcome new members to our parish choirs. All that is needed is a pleasing voice, some ability to read music, and a desire to serve. All prospective choir members are required to meet with the Director of Music for an informal audition/interview to determine voice type and choir placement.
If you are interested in joining a choir, please click here.
The St. Cecilia Choir
From polyphonic motets to large choral works with organ and orchestra, this professional-level choir sings for Masses at St. Bernard Church on Sundays at 11:00 A.M., as well as on Holy Days and other liturgical events as scheduled. Most members have studied music in college and/or have equivalent prior choral experience. Because of its rigor, choir members must possess advanced music skills, good sight-reading ability, familiarity with Latin pronunciation, and a strong sense of commitment. Rehearsals are conducted on Thursday evenings in the 3rd Floor of Fontenay Center, St. Bernard Church, from 7:00-9:00 P.M.
If you are interested in joining the St. Cecilia choir, please click here.
St. Cecilia (3rd century AD), who “sang in her heart to the Lord,” is one of the Church’s virgin martyrs. She is the patron saint of musicians, inspiring singers and instrumentalists to prayerful song. (Feast Day: November 22)
The St. Hildegard of Bingen Choir
Perfect for music-lovers and those with busy schedules, the Hildegard Choir sings for Masses at Our Lady of Grace Church on Sundays at 9:00 A.M., as well as on select Holy Days as scheduled. The ensemble serves as a welcoming environment where singers learn the foundations of ensemble singing and liturgical ministry, with rehearsals just 1-2 times per month on Tuesdays from 7:00-9:00 PM at Our Lady of Grace Church.
If you are interested in joining the St. Hildegard choir, please click here.
Named a “Doctor of the Church” by Pope Benedict XVI for her “holiness of life and the originality of her teaching,” St. Hildegard of Bingen (1098-1179) was a writer, mystic, and one of the best-known composers of sacred monophony, writing chants for female choirs. (Feast Day: March 9)
The St. Gregory the Great Schola Cantorum
The Schola Cantorum is a small group of singers skilled in chanting the mass propers at the 7:30 P.M. Candlelight Mass each Sunday throughout the church year. Men’s and women’s scholas rotate on alternating weeks, accommodating various skill levels from beginning to advanced chant. An ability to read music and practice independently is helpful.
If you are interested in joining the St. Gregory Schola, please click here.
The familiar, haunting melodies of Western plainchant are attributed to St. Gregory the Great (540-604) in what has come to be known as Gregorian chant. He is a patron saint of musicians and singers. (Feast Day: September 3)