Music Ministry
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Our Lady of Peace Music Ministry
At Our Lady of Peace, we believe that praise and worship are an active, dynamic, integral link between God and His people. Opportunities to be a part of this ministry are available for those gifted with musical ability and have the desire to serve.Music at Our Lady of Peace
Saturday 5pm Contemporary Ensemble – Cantor: Mara Adler-O'Kelly Guitarist: Neil Mathias Sunday 8am Cantor: Christina Leslie Organist: Chun Tong Sunday 9:30am Cantor: Rich Liguori Organist: Joseph Suchocki Sunday 11am Adult Choir Organist / Ch. Director: Joseph Suchocki Cantors: There are opportunities for cantors to serve at special services or as substitutes for our regularly scheduled cantors. If interested, contact the Director of Music Ministries. See contact information below.Adult ChoirThe Adult Choir performs music representing centuries old through contemporary styles. The group sings selections ranging from one part unison through 4 part harmony arrangements. Currently we especially seek alto and bass voices, but all parts are welcome to join. Ability to read music is a plus, but not required.
Recruitment for new members occurs twice yearly, September/October and January/February. Age requirements are high school and older. See “Joining the Adult Choir” below for details.
Performance include:- weekly 11AM Mass, September through Corpus Christi (mid-June).
- major feast days including Christmas and Holy Week.
Joining the Adult Choir:
The first step in joining the choir is to meet with the director. While becoming acquainted, topics will be discussed such as past experience, voice placement (how high or low your voice is), where to sit, attendance, and any other questions that may arise during the discussion. After meeting with the director the new member will be introduced to the choir at the next rehearsal. New members may wish to attend several rehearsals before sitting with the group at Mass so as to better acclimate to the music. Others may wish to start singing at Masses immediately after only one or two rehearsals. Whichever works best for the individual will be determined by each new member.
A typical choir rehearsal begins with breathing and warm-up vocal exercises, followed by review of upcoming anthems and new music. Reinforcement of proper pronunciation and singing technique occurs throughout the rehearsal. Music is provided to all choir members. Choir members are required to provide an expandable file for storage of music. Pencils are also brought to all rehearsals for marking music as directed.
Youth ChoirYoung parishioners between grades 3 through 6 who enjoy singing are encouraged to join the Youth Choir. Cooperation with parents and children to commit to rehearsals and worship events is very important.
Performances include: Christmas Eve 4PM Mass, Epiphany Mass (with Adult Choir). First Communion Mass (usually in the spring), Mother's Day (with Adult Choir)
Fall Rehearsals: Thursday nights 7:00 PM – 7:45 PM starting first week of October through December.
Spring Rehearsals: Thursday nights 7:PM – 7:45PM starting first week of March through first week of May.
Joining the Youth Choir:
Joining the Youth Choir is easy; fill out a Youth Choir Registration (click here) and return to the Choir Director or church office one week prior to the first rehearsal. As there are a limited number of rehearsals each season, it is important for the children to attend all of the rehearsals. Any exceptions need to be discussed ahead of time with the director. It is the parent’s responsibility to deliver their child promptly for each rehearsal, as the rehearsals are only 45 minutes long, and promptly pick up their child at the end of each rehearsal.
Contemporary EnsembleThe Contemporary Ensemble is a new group at Our Lady of Peace and is seeking singers and instrumentalists to provide music at the Saturday 5pm Masses. The age range for this group starts from 7th grade students through adult. Rehearsals are held in the chapel weekly at 4pm Saturday afternoon prior to the 5pm Mass. Our goal is to provide a different, more contemporary feel to the Mass. If interested, please see contact info below.
Instrumentalists:
Parishioners with musical talent on instruments (flute, trumpet, violin, etc.) add a beautiful texture to services at OLOP. We encourage you to join the Adult Choir, Contemporary Ensemble, or Youth Choir. An audition is required.
Music Ministry Contacts:
Joseph Suchocki – Adult and Youth Choirs, Director of Music Ministry
732-718-3130
[email protected]
Neil Mathias – Contemporary Ensemble Leader
732-658-6712
[email protected]