Music Ministries
“O sing him a song that is new; play skillfully, with shouts of joy.” – Psalm 33: 3
Sing
Explore the many opportunities to sing at Saint Matthew.
Saturday Choir – Our Saturday Vigil Liturgy has our most contemporary sounding music. Accompanied by a band, the choir at this Mass sings music that is mostly contemporary in style. The Saturday Choir rehearses on Wednesday evenings (after weekday Mass) in the church from 7:45-9 p.m. They rehearse with the band on Saturdays from 4-4:45 p.m. and sing at Mass at 5 p.m.
8:30 Choir – This choir sings our most traditional sounding music. Accompanied on organ and supported by additional instruments, this choir sings mostly traditional Catholic Hymnody. The 8:30 Choir rehearses on Thursday evenings between 7-9 p.m. Start times vary to accommodate the 11:00 Choir which also rehearses during this time period. They warm up on Sunday morning at 8:00 a.m. and sing at the 8:30 Mass.
11:00 Choir – Accompanied by an instrumental ensemble, this choir sings a blend of musical styles, from contemporary to traditional, and often sings many Catholic post-Vatican II “classics.” The 11:00 Choir rehearses on Thursday evenings between 7-9 p.m. End times vary to accommodate the 8:30 Choir which also rehearses during this time period. They rehearse on Sunday morning with the instrumentalists from 10-10:45 a.m. and sing at the 11:00 Mass.
Community Choir – Once a month, on Community Weekend, parishioners are welcome to join the choir for Community Choir. We rehearse briefly before each Liturgy and sing familiar music. It is an opportunity for those who cannot commit to weekly rehearsals to participate and share their musical gift as they are able.
Bereavement Choir – As needed, we gather together to provide music at Funeral Liturgies. The Bereavement Choir is open to anyone interested in sharing the gift of song as comfort in a time of loss.
Children’s Choirs – To learn more about our children’s choir program, click HERE.
Play
Explore the many opportunities to play at Saint Matthew.
Handbell Choir – If you read music (even only 2 or 3 notes) you are invited to join our handbell choir. Our handbell choir rehearses weekly and plays periodically throughout the church year. We have a lot of fun and enjoy the opportunity to share our music with the congregation. We also play at assisted-living facilities to spread our joy beyond the walls of Saint Matthew.
Saturday Band – The music at the Saturday Vigil Liturgy is our most contemporary sounding music. While it has a bit of a “praise band” feel, all instrumentalists are welcome. We enjoy the opportunity to welcome new instrumentalists into our group. They rehearse with the Saturday Choir on Saturdays from 4-4:45 p.m.
8:30 Ensemble – Led by organ, the music at the 8:30 Liturgy is our most traditional sounding music. Supporting the 8:30 Choir, this ensemble has more of a “classical” sound, though all instrumentalists are welcome.
11:00 Ensemble – The music at the 11:00 Liturgy is a blend of musical styles, from contemporary to traditional. Supporting the 11:00 Choir, this ensemble is often an eclectic group of instrumentalists. All instrumentalists are welcome.
Joy
Share the Joy of music.
Other – Often musicians don’t fit into a mold. Maybe you didn’t see the right ensemble for you. Maybe you play an instrument that you don’t know how we might incorporate. Maybe you can’t commit to weekly rehearsals. Maybe you haven’t sung in long time, or don’t have musical training and are tentative about joining a group. Whatever the case, if you have an interest, we will work to help you find your place in the Music Ministry at Saint Matthew.
Come be a part of the Music Ministry as we embrace what is possible.
For more information or to join, please contact Rebecca Harding, Director of Music Ministries. at rharding@stmatthewtn.org or (615) 550-5108