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
at (847) 251-0771.
Parish Choir - Singers: High School through Adult
Meets Thursdays, 7:30 p.m. - 9:15 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. Contact Dr. Jill for more information on joining the choir.
Contemporary Choir - Singers & Instrumentalists High School through Adult
Meets Sundays, 9:00 a.m. - 10:05 a.m., then sings at 10:15 a.m. Mass
Provides liturgical music at weekly 10:15 am Sunday Mass, selected Holy Day masses, other liturgies as needed, concerts and events. Directed by Richard Schwegel, 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.
Children's Choir - Singers in the 3rd through 8th grade
Meets Wednesdays, 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Sings regularly at weekend Mass while children developing vocal and choral skills, general musical skills, and greater liturgical understanding, with some additional experience as Cantors. All children are encouraged to join this ensemble directed by Dr. Jill Nennmann.
Schola Cantorum - Men’s Gregorian Chant Ensemble
Meets Wednesdays as needed, 9:15 p.m. - 9:45 p.m. Audition is required.
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.
Handbell Choir: Youth through Adult
We are actively seeking new members so that we can get the Handbell Choir back in action. In order to re-start, this groups needs a minimum of ten (10) people to sign up, with mandatory rehearsal and performance commitment. Rehearsals will be set based on new member availability.
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. Music reading skills are helpful, but not required; a good sense of rhythm is essential.
Instrumentalists - Volunteers of all ages!
Meets as needed individually or to support other rehearsals. Rehearsal times vary.
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.
Choir Rehearsal Music Access to the rehearsal page is restricted to members of the church choir for legal reasons. |
