Ministry Spotlight: Music
ST. ROBERT OF NEWMINSTER CHAMBER CHOIR
Benedict XVI has highlighted the fact that sacred music, as Vatican Council II had made clear, “is a treasure of inestimable value, greater even that that of any other art. The main reason for this pre-eminence is that, as sacred song united to the words, it forms a necessary integral part of the solemn liturgy.”
St. Robert’s Chamber Choir is a 60+ vocal ensemble committed to sacred music. The Chamber Choir will delve into a wide variety of music from different genres and time periods. Singers in Chamber Choir will work on developing healthy singing practices within the context of ensemble singing. The Chamber Choir aims to be a place where we sing together joyfully while also stretching ourselves as musicians supporting the congregation at all times. All parts are needed ~ Soprano, Alto, Tenor and Bass. Please come and talk with Music Director Jane VanHouten after Mass or email janev@strobertchurch.org for more information. Come join us in praising the Lord together and making music with all the hosts and angels! REHEARSALS WEDNESDAY NIGHTS 6:30-7:45/8pm
NEWMINSTER SCHOLA CONTORUM
From the time of Saint Gregory the Great in the fifth century the words schola cantorum (literally “school of singers”) has referred to a group of singers who devote themselves to enhancing liturgical worship through sacred music. This smaller ensemble focuses mainly on learning to sing sacred music primarily acapella of the Renaissance and Gregorian Chant as well as musical genres that are adopted as part of the sacred treasury of the Church. This ensemble is made up of 16-24 members by audition who have high reading skills and ability to learn music on their own and rehearse every other week prepared for balance purposes. Please contact Music Director Jane VanHouten after Mass or email janev@strobertchurch.org to schedule an audition. REHEARSALS WEDNESDAY NIGHTS 7:45PM EVERY OTHER WEEK.
NEWMINSTER RINGERS BELL CHOIR
“Play skillfully and shout for joy” ~ Psalm 33:3
Bell choirs offer a wonderful experience for people of all ages to enjoy making music together. Whether you’re a seasoned bell ringer or a novice, we have a place for you to hone your skills, to enjoy the fellowship and fun that happens at rehearsals, and to share the power of ensemble music making in our worship services. This is a seasonal ensemble playing for High Feasts and Solemnities. (Christ the King Nov. 26, Christmas Day Dec 25, Epiphany Jan. 7, Palm Sunday March 24, Easter Sunday March 31, Pentecost May 19) Need a minimum of 12 ringers. Rehearsals begin October rehearsal times to be determined.
YOUTH CHOIRS~ST. CECILIA AND CHERUB CHOIRS
Singing in a choir provides children a unique opportunity to grow in their faith and develop lifelong skills while building community and serving their parish and families with beautiful sacred music. In Fall 2023, SRN will be offering two children’s choirs which run concurrently on Thursdays 5:30-6:30! The St. Cecilia Choir for ages 8 and up will follow a year-long curriculum focused on teaching fundamental singing skills, musicianship and music theory, and expose children to the rich heritage of Catholic sacred music. The Cherub choir will be a seasonal choir for Christmas and Easter beginning Thursday November 2. Both choirs are open to all boys and girls in the parish or school.
CHERUB CHOIR –Grades K-2: focused on the fundamentals of singing, sight-reading, and musicianship.
ST. CECILIA CHOIR – Grades 3 and up (unchanged voices): focused on developing good vocal technique and musicianship skills necessary for liturgical performances and sacred repertoire. Choirs rehearse on Thursdays, 5:30-6:30 beginning September to May.