As described by the Bishops’ Committee on the Liturgy, “Among the many signs and symbols used by the Church to celebrate its faith, music is of preeminent importance… The quality of joy and enthusiasm which music adds to community worship cannot be gained in any other way.” They continue that music “can unveil a dimension of meaning and feeling, a communication of ideas and intuitions which words alone cannot yield.”
As Music Ministers, we have an awesome responsibility to help our community worship in spirit and truth. While we’re at it, we can also experience tremendous joy ourselves!
As your Music Director, I relish my role as “seeker and developer” of talent here at St. Charles Borromeo Parish. Please contact me at 407-293-9556 X103 or hbowen@stcharlesorlando.org.if you feel you have a talent to share. Here are details on our music ministries:
ADULT CHOIR
Our primary function is to enhance the liturgy and lead the assembly in song. Selected from a wide variety of musical styles, the repertoire ranges from traditional chant to spirituals and contemporary Choral.
HOW TO GIVE BACK: The choir usually sings at the 11 AM Mass and at all special liturgical celebrations throughout the year. Rehearsals are August-May on Thursdays from 6:30-8 PM in the Community Room, with extended hours during the holy seasons. Singing skills are preferred; there will be an audition to determine vocal range and ability to match pitch. Cantors are selected from the Choir.
INSTRUMENTALISTS
To enhance our choirs, worship experience, and heighten solemnity, instrumentalists are a wonderful addition to our music ministry.
HOW TO GIVE BACK: Rehearsal of 1-2 hours per week is usually required in able to perform proficiently at weekend Masses and/or special events. Instrumentalists are required to audition and have the ability to read music in many different keys and styles.
YOUTH CHOIR
All youth of the Parish in 4th-12th grades are encouraged to join the choir to minister through music. The youth are trained to read hymns and anthems, sing in parts, ring hand chimes and how to serve and lead the assembly in song. The Youth Choir sings monthly at Mass, rotating between the Saturday 5 PM, and Sunday 9 and 11 AM Masses.
HOW TO GIVE BACK: Rehearsals are August-May on Wednesday afternoons. Students meet from 5-6 PM in Mary Martha Chapel (behind the school). There is a short audition to determine vocal range and ability to match pitch. Cantors are selected from the Choir.
CHILDREN’S CHOIR
All children of the Parish in 1st -3rd grades are encouraged to join the choir to minister through music. The children are trained to read hymns and anthems and how to serve and lead the assembly in song. The Children’s Choir sings monthly at Mass, usually at either 9 or 11 AM Sunday Mass.
HOW TO GIVE BACK: Rehearsals are August-May on Wednesday afternoons from 4-5 PM in Mary Martha Chapel (behind the school). There will be a brief audition to determine vocal range and ability to match pitch.
For Disciple Volunteers (Adult assistants): This ministry runs from August through May, and if there are enough assistants, one should only have to monitor 2-4 times during the choir season assisting the director with the children at rehearsals and performances. Anyone with good parental skills is invited to help. Retirees would be great! Assistance is needed on Wednesday afternoons. Diocesan FBI/FDLE clearance and Safe Environment Training completion required.