TOP: Pentecost - the coming of the Holy Spirit. The rays indicate the Holy Spirit coming down on Mary and the apostles. Note the little red flames over their heads, indicating the tongues of fire.
MIDDLE: Paul preaching in Damascus, shortly after his conversion.
BOTTOM: Paul preaching in Athens at the Parthenon.

Music Ministries

St. Joseph Church is blessed to have a tradition of quality music which enriches our worship of God at Sunday Mass, Holy Days and seasonal Concerts. With ensembles from Children to the über Mature, Voices to Instruments, and Historical to Contemporary — wherever your interest lies, there is a place for you to belong, expand your participation in the church, and offer your talents to the community. We welcome your involvement, and hope you will consider expanding your participation in the Music Ministry!

For more information on all groups, contact Dr. Jill Nennmann at (847) 251-0771.

Parish Choir - Singers: High School through Adult
MEETS THURSDAYS FROM 7:30 P.M. UNTIL ABOUT 9:00 P.M.
Provides liturgical music at weekly Sunday Masses (usually 11:30 a.m.), selected Holy Day masses, other liturgies as needed, concerts and events. Directed by Dr. Jill Nennmann, this group sings a variety of repertoire including Gregorian Chant, ‘traditional’ anthems, and more contemporary pieces. This season, the Parish Choir is also planning a Christmas Concert and a presentation of the Mozart Requiem during Lent. Additional singers are welcome for the entire academic year; you may also join the choir for a limited time for the Mozart Requiem. Rehearsals are ongoing!

Contemporary Choir - Singers and Instrumentalists High School through Adult
MEETS SUNDAYS FROM 9:00 A.M. UNTIL 10:05 A.M.
Provides liturgical music at weekly 10:15 am Sunday Mass, selected Holy Day masses, other liturgies as needed, concerts and events. Directed by Galen Prenevost, this group sings contemporary, folk and gospel music in both unison and parts, accompanied by piano, guitars, percussion and other instruments. New singers and players are always welcome to join this dynamic Ensemble. Rehearsals are ongoing!

St. Cecilia Choir - Singers in the 3rd through 8th grade
MEETS WEDNESDAYS FROM 4:00 P.M. UNTIL 5:30 P.M.
Sings regularly at weekend Mass (usually at 9:00 a.m., but sometimes at 5:30 p.m.), selected Holy Day masses, the Christmas concert, and other community events. The children develop vocal and choral skills, general musical skills, and greater liturgical understanding, with some additional experience with Cantilating, solo singing, and basic Handbell technique. All children are encouraged to join this ensemble directed by Dr. Jill Nennmann. Rehearsals are ongoing!

Bella Musica - Handbell Ringers: Youth through Adult
MEETS WEDNESDAYS AT 7:00 P.M. IN THE CHOIR/ORGAN LOFT
Handbell choirs are a beautiful example of the importance of working together in unity. Their strong, clear tones provide a unique worship experience that evokes a sense of the majesty and beauty of God. Using 50 bronze-cast English handbells, ringers perform a wide range of music for selected Sunday and Holy Day masses, and the Christmas Concert. Music reading skills are helpful, but not required; a good sense of rhythm is essential. Please contact Dr. Jill Nennmann for more information. Rehearsals are ongoing!

Schola Cantorum - Men’s Gregorian Chant Ensemble
MEETS WEDNESDAYS AS NEEDED FROM 9:00 P.M. UNTIL 9:45 P.M.
This unique ensemble sings many of the great chants of the church, including Mass settings, introits, and communion antiphons for Sunday Mass. (Rehearsals are held at the end of the Parish Choir rehearsal). Singers learn simple and more ornate chants in Latin or English. Members of this small group are also given the opportunity to learn to interpret chant scores, comparing modern notation with that of Solesmes (square neumes) and both Laon and St. Gaul. Rehearsals are ongoing!

Instrumentalists - Volunteers of all ages!
MEETS AS NEEDED INDIVIDUALLY, OR TO SUPPORT OTHER REHEARSALS
Instrumental accompaniment of all kinds is always needed, and welcome, to enhance the music at all of our liturgies. This may include solo and ensemble playing, accompaniment of hymns and acclamations, and the playing of obbligato parts on selected choral anthems. Rehearsal times vary; please contact Dr. Jill Nennmann.