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"Music is the known in the present life which most strongly suggests ecstasy and infinity..."
C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity
Choral ProgramOur parish supports six choral programs and one handbell choir, which together create opportunities for parishioners of all backgrounds and ages, while providing music which enhances our liturgies with a rich and varied repertoire that is suitable for the Latin Rite Church. Our choirs welcome new members throughout the year. All interested singers and instrumentalists (or their parents) may contact Sarah Joblin, sjoblin@stritaparish.net, in the music department.
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Music plays a vital role in our liturgical prayer. In choir, children grow in their faith, develop an appreciation for the rich musical tradition of the Roman Catholic Church, and learn to provide an important ministry to their parish. The Children and Youth Choirs of St. Rita are affiliated with American Federation Pueri Cantores and the Royal School of Church Music.
Cherub Choir
Group music for children in grades K-1. These future choristers will learn the joy of music through singing and fun rhythm-based activities. The choir will sing for one Mass each semester and will participate in an Advent program. The skills learned in this informal setting will prepare them for future choir membership at the next level.
Rehearsals: Saturdays, 5:00pm-5:25pm
Director - Carmela Couvillon, ccouvillon@stritaparish.netSeraphim Choir
A parish choir for students in grades 2-4. The choir sings for one 5:30pm Saturday Mass and one all-school Mass each semester; on Christmas Eve, and for an Advent program in December. Emphasis is given to developing the singing voice, basic music reading, and fun learning about music.
Rehearsals: Tuesdays, 3:30-4:45pm
Director: Dr. Joe Henry, joe.henry@stmartininthefields.orgJubilate Deo Choir
A parish choir for students in grades 5-8. The choir sings one Mass each month, either at the 10:45 High Mass, or at a Friday morning all-school Mass. They also sing on Christmas Eve, Easter Sunday, and at various concerts and festivals. A singing tour through the Midwest is being planned for Spring 2019. Music is chosen from the vast musical tradition of the Church, from Gregorian chant to works of the masters, and folk songs and spirituals. In addition to learning music for Mass, choir members will be given vocal training, sight singing, and an introduction to the history and practice of liturgy and Catholic theology. Interested students will be encouraged to pursue additional instrumental training. A commitment to regular attendance at rehearsals and Masses is required.
Rehearsals: Thursdays, 3:45-5:15pm during the school year.
Director: Dr. Alfred Calabrese, acalabrese@stritaparish.net
Click here to register today for one of St. Rita's Youth Choirs!
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Saint Rita Choir
The Saint Rita Choir has been providing excellent sacred music for over 30 years, and is known as one of the premiere Catholic adult choirs in the country. Members rehearse together weekly and are then assigned to either the 9:00am or the 10:45am Mass. Members of the 9:00 choir specialize in choral music in two to four parts, from the Notre Dame Folk style to traditional Latin favorites. The 10:45 choir participates in a fully sung Mass, and presents a tremendous variety of fine choral literature, from timeless Gregorian chant and Renaissance polyphony to works of Bach, Haydn, Mozart, and contemporary masters such as Britten, Howells, Rutter and MacMillan. The full choir also presents concerts, Advent Lessons and Carols, and sings for the major feasts of the Church year. A placement hearing is required for membership. Music reading ability is a plus. A commitment to regular attendance at rehearsals and Masses is required.
Rehearsals: Wednesdays, 7:00-9:30pm.
Director: Dr. Alfred Calabrese, acalabrese@stritaparish.net
Bilingual Choir and Ensemble
This diverse group presents a blend of traditional and contemporary Hispanic and English music for the 12:30 p.m. Bilingual Sunday Mass. They also take part in the major ethnic feasts of the year, including the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Rehearsals: Tuesdays,7:00-9:00pm
Contact: Roy Gonzalez, roygonzalezc@gmail.com
Coro Bilingüe
Este grupo celebra expresando la alegría de la música tradicional y contemporánea en español e inglés durante la liturgia bilingüe de la Misa de 12:30 p.m. Invitamos a los feligreses a participar y contribuir con sus voces, su música y estilos culturales.
Lux Mundi Ensemble
This group of singers and instrumentalists presents a blend of traditional and contemporary Catholic music, including repertoire from the Taizé tradition. The choir sings for the 5:30pm Sunday Mass. Membership is open to high school students through adult, including instrumentalists such as flute, oboe, trumpet, cello, and guitar. The ensemble sings for the major feasts of the year including Christmas Eve and Easter, and performs at an annual Advent program. Music reading ability is helpful but not required. (9th Grade - Adults)
Rehearsals: Sundays, 3:45-5:15pm
Director: Carmela Couvillon, ccouvillon@stritaparish.net
Saint Rita Handbell Choir
The Handbell Choir, for high school students through adult, rings five octaves of Malmark bells and two octaves of choir chimes. They ring once a month at the Sunday 5:30 p.m. Mass; at an Advent program in December, at handbell festivals, and for special events in the community.The Saint Rita Handbell choir is currently on haitus.
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Cantors
Cantors provide a service by leading and encouraging the singing of the faithful during the Mass. Cantors must possess an attractive singing voice, excellent diction, and the ability to read music. They must also have a flexible schedule which allows them to be scheduled for Masses on Saturday evenings, early Sunday morning, and for Holy Days of Obligation. All cantors must pass an audition.Contact: Dr. Alfred Calabrese, acalabrese@stritaparish.net
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