We typically use instruments such as organ, piano, and guitar for the instrumental foundation of our musical groups and basic song-leading at Mass. All other instruments including, but not limited to, the flute, violin, cello, oboe, clarinet, harp, and percussion are used as supplemental instrumentation for these groups. Rehearsal and Mass times/dates depend on the particular group or need. Qualified instrumentalists need to possess basic music reading skills, ability to play in tune and tempo with a group or a soloist. Anyone interested in sharing their musical gifts is encouraged to offer their talents to the parish.

CANTORS

Song leaders are needed at most Masses, especially those Masses with no ensemble or group present to provide the leading. In addition, cantors are scheduled for funerals, weddings, and also on various Holy Days and holidays whose dates may happen to fall within the week. Qualifications for a cantor include basic music reading skills, the ability to sing in tune and tempo with a group or a single accompanist, ability to effectively engage the congregation in song. Anyone interested in sharing their musical gifts is encouraged to offer their talents to the parish.

PARISH CHOIR

Our adult Parish Choir is a four-part harmony choir, singing everything from Capella gospel-style arrangements to traditional, full organ, full voice hymns. Singers high school age and older are encouraged to join. This choir leads songs at 9:30 a.m. Mass on the 2nd, 3rd, and 5th Sundays of the month. It will also lead songs on special Holy Days such as Thanksgiving, Immaculate Conception, Christmas Midnight Mass, Confirmation, and the Triduum.

Rehearsals are most Thursdays of the month from 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Participation in the adult choir requires singers to match pitch, possess the ability to sing with a group, attend rehearsals, and attend the scheduled Masses. The ability to read music is a plus, but not a necessity. Anyone interested in sharing their musical gifts is encouraged to offer their talents to the parish.

Children from the third through eighth grades are invited to join the Sacred Heart Children’s Choir. These children lead sung prayer on the 1st Sunday of the month and the 3rd Saturday at the vigil Mass from September through April. In addition to these regularly scheduled Masses, the children will also lead songs on special days such as Christmas Eve, Easter Sunday, and First Holy Communion. Rehearsals are on Thursdays during the school year, from 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

The choir sings a range of repertoire from Taize refrains to Contemporary songs to two-part choral anthems. Children joining the ensemble should be able to match pitch, possess the ability to sing with a group, and attend rehearsals and scheduled Masses and events. Anyone interested in sharing their musical gifts is encouraged to offer their talents to the parish.

CONTEMPORARY ENSEMBLE

A bright, energetic ensemble of adults with a variety of musical instruments leads worship at 9:30 a.m. Mass on the 1st Sunday of the Month and the 11:30 am Mass on the 3rd Sunday of the Month. Additionally, the ensemble leads songs at Christmas Eve 6:30 p.m. Mass, as well as joining with the other choirs for the Triduum. The ensemble sings mainly contemporary pieces, using repertoire from both Contemporary Christian music to liturgical songs of the past 20 years. The group uses instrumentalists capable of playing the guitar, piano, and drums.

Vocalists should be able to match pitch, sing with a group, and all members should attend both rehearsals and scheduled Masses. The ability to read music is a plus but not a necessity.

Anyone interested in sharing their musical gifts is encouraged to offer their talents to the parish

Each Sunday evening at the 5:30 p.m. Mass, which is devoted to the youth of the parish, the Life Teen Band leads song for worship. Their musical style is that of Christian semi-Rock and they lead the young people and adults in a powerful and prayerful spiritual worship. In addition, they play weekly prior to Mass at the “Rock the Pew” event. They use a wide variety of musical instruments including electric guitar, bass guitar, keyboard, and drums.

The main focus is contemporary praise and worship selections. The group also helps with Easter Sunday, as well as joining the other choirs for important liturgies such as the Triduum. Rehearsals are weekly on Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. The ability to match pitch, sing with a group, attend rehearsals, and attend scheduled Masses is necessary. Anyone interested in sharing their musical gifts is encouraged to offer their talents to the parish.