Music Ministry
“The singing of the Church comes ultimately out of love. It is the utter depth of love that produces the singing.”
— Pope Benedict XVI
Youth Choirs
GRADES 1-3
St. Max welcomes our youngest of angelic voices to start becoming immersed in liturgical singing. For grades 1-3, we work on basic reading, rhythm, and music notation, mostly in unison singing. As with all groups, leading the sung prayer of the assembly is the primary focus. At this age, finding our singing voice and tone (not speaking or shouting) is a continual work in progress. As the year progresses we will work on simple anthems or parts of the Mass to raise our skill level. Along with the sound we make, we need to develop good habits in posture, sitting and standing still, holding our music, focus, and not being a distraction at liturgy.
GRADES 4-8
The St. Max Children’s Choir is the first avenue with a focus on advancement and development of choral singing. Open to children in grades 4-8, their reading levels and ability to understand basic music theory gives us the opportunity to work on choral anthems and hymns that give harmony and parts to our singing. Dedication and discipline are necessary attributes of any effective choir member which allow us to prepare for liturgy more comprehensively. This level of expectation becomes more crucial in Children’s Choir. Choir should always be an experience that is fun and rewarding, while understanding our role as ministers, not performers.
GRADES 9-12
Handbell Choir
The St. Max High School Choir is a low-commitment ensemble for our young people to have a place to sing and share their gifts with the comradery of their peers. Our focus is the selected hymns and psalm for the Mass, adding harmony to support the assembly. As time and participation allows we will prepare simple anthems or preludes that lend to young voices and appropriate for the liturgy.
*High School members are strongly encouraged to also sing with the Parish Choir as their schedule allows. This is an opportunity to advance their skills while lending to the growth and stability of the Parish Choir. It is the hope that our young people will transition fully to the Parish Choir as they become a young adult.
Parish Choir
The St. Max Parish Choir is the epitome of what music ministry is all about; the blending of voices, talents, and love of the Lord to lead and support our assembly in sung prayer. In the Parish Choir, we strive to have a well-balanced repertoire of both styles and difficulty; for enjoyable, sing-able, and beautiful music while also continually working on music that challenges us and helps us grow. We need skilled singers and amateurs alike. There’s room for everyone. The only prerequisite is that you love to sing and you love the Lord. Don’t worry, you’ll learn as you go along without even realizing it. All while making a glorious sound with your heart in rhythm with your fellow choristers.
Our Handbell Choir rings at Mass along with the choristers and other instrumentalists according to a published schedule (usually every 4-5 weeks). We also ring on Christmas Day, Holy Thursday and Easter Sunday. We also try to participate in one festival-type event every other year (Spring or Summer).
Handbells are a unique set of instruments in which each player is responsible for 2 to 4 notes on the grand staff. Because of this, attendance at weekly rehearsals is a must. It is, of course, understood that things come up and it is impossible to be 100%. However, all ringers are asked to make a full season commitment to participate in this ministry. Regular attendance at scheduled rehearsals as well as Masses/events must be a priority.
Cantors (by audition)
The role of cantor is to assist in leading music at Mass when a choir is not scheduled. On occasion, however, a cantor is needed to serve as a psalmist with a choir (i.e. our youth choirs). A primary focus is leading the psalm (the Psalmist) at a given liturgy. Cantors are by audition or selection by the Director of Music Ministry. Though not required, it is preferred that cantors be members of the parish choir. Your skill and leadership is valued in the larger group, and your participation is an example of being part of the ministry at large, rather than simply a soloist. The cantor is an “above and beyond” role.
Instrumentalists
Do you play an instrument confidently? By audition or selection by the Director or Music, instrumentalists are needed to accompany the music at various Masses. Regular opportunities are available as well as special occasions. Players should be well-experienced and disciplined in basic music theory and ensemble work.
