MUSIC MINISTRY

The Music Ministry of Most Precious Blood draws upon the rich history of the Catholic Church. A variety of musical styles is in our repertoire. We choose hymns, songs, and antiphons that reflect the Sunday readings and reflect Catholic teaching and beliefs. Musicians of all levels can find a place to contribute! We have a flexible commitment schedule, so, for instance, if you can only join during special liturgical seasons, you may do so! We currently have the following choirs:

Adult Choir

The Adult Choir is comprised of SATB singers from high school age to adult. The Choir rehearses Tuesday evenings form 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. The choir alternates between the 7:30 am Sunday Mass and the 9:00 am Sunday Mass. Rehearsals begin after Labor Day and continue through Corpus Christi. The Adult Choir learns many special choir anthems, which are used to enhance the Sunday Liturgy. The Choir also sings for various special liturgies that occur during the Church year, i.e., Christmas, Holy Week, Easter, often combined with the other choirs. You do not need to read music to participate, just have a love of music and a commitment of your time. No audition is required and you may join throughout the year.

Children’s Choir

The Children's Choir is comprised of young singers from grades 2 through 6. The choir practices every Tuesday from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm in either the school music room or in the church office in a conference room. Rehearsals for Christmas begin in November and rehearsals for Holy Week/Easter begin with Lent. The choir currently sings seasonally for Christmas and then again for Holy Week (Palm Saturday, Holy Thursday, and Easter Sunday). If your child is either younger or older, but would still like to participate in the choir, exceptions can be made! Please contact the Director of Music and Liturgy.

Cantor

If you have a voice with good singing qualities (pitch, overtones, sight-reading abilities), becoming a Cantor might be for you! We need strong vocal leaders to encourage congregational participation in the Ordinaries, the Antiphons, and the hymns and songs. Typically, cantors are adults, but young persons with exceptional voices and leadership qualities can become cantors. Cantors learn weekly music on their own. Recordings can be provided to help you, but an independent learning ability is expected. A schedule is provided in advance. If extra practice is needed, a rehearsal can be scheduled. You may also come to any Tuesday evening choir rehearsal to practice the songs with the choir. It is encouraged that you join the Adult Choir, especially during the special Liturgical seasons. An audition with the Director of Music and Liturgy is required.

Handbell Choir

A newly formed group for Most Precious Blood is the Handbell Choir. We have a three-octave set of Malmark handbells. The Handbell Choir is comprised of young persons of high school or middle school age and adults who all have some musical experience, i.e., read music, understand musical notation, play an instrument. However, if you have a strong desire to join the group, you can learn to follow the music and play! We ring a variety of styles of music. The group can accommodate up to about 15 ringers. The Handbell Choir rings at weekend liturgies about once per month, alternating between the 4:30 pm Saturday Mass and the 10:45 am Sunday Mass. Rehearsals are every Saturday morning from 10:00 am to 11:30 am in the church. Rehearsals begin after Labor Day and continue through Corpus Christi.

Instrumentalists

We are always looking for instrumentalists to belong to the Music Ministry program. We currently have a need for the more orchestral instruments, such as trumpets, flutes, oboes, clarinets, and string instruments. We would also consider any pianists who might like to volunteer their time to accompany at weekend liturgies. You must play at a proficient level and also be familiar with Catholic Liturgy. During the special Liturgical seasons, intermediate players can contribute. If you are interested in lending your musical talents in some way, please contact the Director of Music and Liturgy.

Music Ministry is a rewarding and unique way to participate in the Liturgy. At Most Precious Blood we do our best to make rehearsals fun, make learning easy, and make learning about our Catholic faith ever more present. If you have any questions about the above groups or how to participate, please contact the Director of Music and Liturgy.