ST. VINCENT MARTYR MUSIC

MINISTRY There are many opportunities here for those interested in offering their musical gifts in the form of Music Ministry service.

Our ADULT CHOIR is a four-part group of adults ranging in age from 18 to 80. This group meets every Wednesday evening (7:30 - 9:00 p.m.) during the choir season (mid-Sept.-May) to prepare for service to the Sunday 10:30 Liturgy. There is typically some type of additional Christmas Season offering (i.e. "Lessons and Carols", concert, etc.) The music selections are mainly traditional and in keeping with the current liturgies and/or celebrations. Social occasions such as "pizza parties" and an annual Choir Party are planned and held for this friendly group of men and women. All voice parts are welcome.

The CONTEMPORARY ENSEMBLE is an Adult group of smaller number. There are three instrumentalists and 5-6 singers presently. They rehearse on Thursday evenings (7:30 - 9:00 p.m.) and serve the Saturday 5:00 p.m. Liturgy. The style of this group is somewhat more current but they too enjoy serving up an array of traditional sacred music (often with a "contemporary" twist. ) This group welcomes new members, especially those who enjoy independent part singing.

Joining the Adult Choir and sometimes serving alone is our HANDBELL ENSEMBLE. This changing number group (currently 4 members) is a highly dedicated ensemble serving to enhance various liturgies with the beauty and unique sound of Hand bells and Choir Chimes. The rehearsals are planned according to need but usually occur on Tuesday or Monday evenings throughout the choir season. The time commitment is much less for this group but playing hand bells proves to be very easy and rewarding. New members who read music are most welcome. The CHORISTERS are the main Children’s choir. They rehearse early on Wednesday evenings during choir season (6:15 p.m. - 7:15 p.m.) and serve at the Sunday 9:00 a.m. Liturgy. This young group of music ministers accepts members from 3rd - 8th grade boys and girls in treble voice range. Music for these children while "youth" centered includes much of the traditional repertoire of the congregation. Older children (7th and 8th graders) receive training as young Psalmists and Cantors as well.

During the Advent season, a younger group of children (Gr. K-3) make up the CHERUB CHOIR who prepare and sing for the Christmas Eve "Family" Liturgy in the school auditorium at 4:00 p.m. Information about rehearsals is posted in the church bulletin. All young children are welcome to participate.

There are further opportunities for individuals with extra leadership talent in the area of CANTOR MINISTRY. Mostly drawn from the Adult Choir and Contemporary Ensemble, these men and women serve to lead the sung prayer at liturgies throughout the year whenever choirs are not present. Training in Psalm singing and Cantor leadership is provided by the Director of Music Ministry.

Special instrumentalists of all kinds are most welcome to co-ordinate with the organist and plan additional musical offerings which would enhance our liturgies.

Please contact Barbara Armenti, Director of Music Ministry for more information on any of these groups.

(home) 973-966-6260
(work) 973-377-4000 ext. 262