Special Occasion Choir

Nowadays most people have difficulty committing to a weekly rehearsal of any kind, and the result of that reality is that maintaining a traditional choir is difficult.  So, at St. James we created our Special Occasion Choir that meets for an intensive rehearsal or two before designated liturgies. The beauty of this model is that it attracts many more singers who might not commit to the traditional model, but would love to contribute their time and talent as they are able.

The Special Occasion Choir sings for Thanksgiving, the Four Sundays of Advent, presents an Advent Evening of Scripture and Song, Christmas, throughout the Triduum, the Sundays of Easter, Pentecost, and for any other special occasions.

This is a warm, friendly, dynamic group of people who understand that their participation is not about performance, but about ministry, and that their role is not only to minister to and with the congregation through music, but to minister to one another.
No experience is necessary.   Rehearsal dates and times appear here and are updated seasonally.  Contact Jennifer Sokira, music coordinator, or Barbara Mariconda, music director for more information.
Jsokira.stjamesparish@gmail.com
Barjmar2@aol.com

---

Voices in Spirit

This vocal ensemble brings together the collective Spirit of voices young and old in a blend of contemporary and traditional liturgical music.  Accompanied by piano, acoustic guitar and small percussion, this energetic group experiments with harmonies and tempo inspired always by the Holy Spirit and God’s unending love.  Teens and adults who wish to participate should be able to read music, be able to sing harmonically and/or play an instrument with an ensemble, and are always encouraged to bring new ideas to the group.  Voices in Spirit meets once monthly for a rehearsal and provides music for the 6pm liturgy on the second Sunday evening of the month.

 

Children’s Music Ministry 

Each month the children’s choir leads the congregation in song at a Children’s Liturgy.  Children in Kindergarten through grade 8 develop a strong appreciation for the liturgy as a celebration when they join their voices with those of the entire community of faith.  Children in the Music Ministry will learn to sing as a liturgical choir and learn to to play the handbells.  They will gain a deeper understanding  of the parts of the mass and the role of music in the liturgy.  Instrumentalist will be given the opportunity to play their instrument to enhance the singing of the congregation. 

Children’s Liturgy Schedule 2008-2009

October 5                                9:00 AM          Word Sunday

October 26                              9:00 AM          Celebrating the Harvest

November 30                           9:00 AM          First Sunday in Advent

January 4                                  9:00 AM          Epiphany

March 1                                   9:00 AM          First Sunday in Lent

April 5                                      9:00 AM          Palm Sunday

May 3                                      9:00 AM          May Crowning

 

*St. James School Children participate in all school liturgies.

 

Rehearsal Schedule

Choir & Hand Bell Choir

Rehearsals are every Monday from 3:45 to 4:45. We also practice from 11:30 to 12:30 on the Saturday prior to the Sunday Children’s Liturgy. 

 

We do not rehearse on days that school is not in session (for example, Columbus Day).

 

Instrumentalists

Instrumentalists will rehearse the Monday and Saturday prior to the Sunday Children’s Liturgy. 

 

For further information regarding the Children’s Music Ministry please contact Therese LeFever at tlefever.stjamesparish@gmail.com.