Music Ministries of St. Joseph Church
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 for both children and adults, voices and instruments - wherever your interest lies, there is a place for you to belong, expand your participation in the church, and offer your talents in thanksgiving to God. The Music Director welcomes your involvement, and hopes you will consider expanding your participation in the Music Ministry!
For information about the recently renovated parish pipe organ, please follow this link.
The following choirs and ensembles actively contribute to parish liturgies after Labor Day and through the Feast of Corpus Christi each year. For more information on all groups contact the Music Director, Dr. Simone Gheller, at (847) 251-0771 or by e-mail at SGheller@stjosephwilmette.org
Parish Choir - High School through Adult
Thursdays 7:00 - 8:30PM
Provides liturgical music at weekly Sunday Masses (usually at 11:30 AM), selected Holy Day masses, other liturgies as needed, concerts and events. This group sings a variety of repertoire including Gregorian Chant, traditional anthems, and contemporary pieces. Members of the Parish Choir may also receive additional training from the Music Director to serve as cantors at Sunday masses.
St Cecilia Choir - Children 3rd through 8th grades
Thursdays 3:45 - 4:45PM (Children with late dismissal at area Middle and Junior High Schools may arrive at 4:00PM)
The parish children's choir sings twice a month at weekend Masses during the school year. This group focuses on children developing vocal and choral skills, general musical skills, and greater liturgical understanding. Children who develop more advanced vocal skills may also have the opportunity to receive additional training to serve as cantors. All parish children are encouraged to join this ensemble.
Schola Cantorum - Men's Gregorian Chant Ensemble
Meet at the conclusion of Parish Choir rehearsals
This unique ensemble sings many of the great chants of the church, including Mass settings, introits, and communion antiphons for Sunday Mass. 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
On scheduled Thursdays 5:30 - 6:30PM
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!
By appointment with the Music Director
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. Experienced volunteers also form instrumental ensembles and a chamber orchestra for selected Holy Days and parish concerts.
Please contact the Music Director to make an appointment to audition:
Dr. Simone Gheller
Director of Music
(847) 251-0771
SGheller@stjosephwilmette.org
