Music

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Music
- There is such richness in the guidance given in the Music in Catholic Worship document: “Among the many signs and symbols used by the Church to celebrate its faith, music is of preeminent importance. Music should assist the assembled believers to express and share the gift of faith that is within them and to nourish and strengthen their interior commitment of faith. The quality of joy and enthusiasm which music adds to community worship cannot be gained in any other way. … music can also unveil a dimension of meaning and feeling, a communication of ideas and intuitions which words alone cannot yield.” (MCW 23-24) “We gather at Mass that we may hear and express our faith again in this assembly and, by expressing it, renew and deepen it.” (MCW 1)
- Virtual Choir
Our Music Ministry
- Our Music Ministry is committed to our calling to enable persons to use their talents through music to worship and witness for our Lord. Music Ministry at St. Francis of Assisi parish involves many people in music activities on a weekly basis. From youth to senior adults … from cantors, choirs, to instrumentalists … from classical to contemporary … St Francis of Assisi Church has many opportunities to worship God through music. Submit a form to indicate your interest in the parish Music Ministry.
  
  The following offers description of the various opportunities to participate in music at St. Francis.
  
  Cantors
  
  Members of this ministry lead and encourage the assembly's sung prayer. Cantors should have a pleasant voice and the ability to prepare the music for Mass. Ongoing training, assistance and support is provided.
  
  Coordinator: Janet Pate , 301-840-1407.
  
  Traditional Choir
  
  The St. Francis of Assisi 9:30 am Choir normally sings at Mass and on some Holy Days. These musicians enjoy singing beautiful choral music from many historical periods and styles. High school-aged youth through adults are welcome to participate. The Choir sings September through May.
  
  Coordinator: Janet Pate, 301-840-1407.
  
  Children’s Choir
  
  Children in grades 2-7 sing at scheduled Masses. Rehearsals are held at 5:15-6 pm on Tuesdays from October through December and January through April.
  
  Coordinator: Janet Pate, 301-840-1407.
  
  Contemporary Ensemble
  
  The Contemporary Ensemble normally leads music at the 11:15 am Sunday Mass. The Contemporary Group encourages the assembly’s singing of hymns and service music using a variety of styles and instrumentation. Music by Haugen, Keil, Manibusan, Angrisano, Farrell, Maher and others is used to create an active and vibrant liturgy. If you enjoy singing or playing the guitar, piano, flute, saxophone, trumpet, violin, clarinet or drums, this is the group for you. New members of all ages and cultural backgrounds are welcome to participate. Any interested children should be nine or older.
  
  Coordinator: Sue Madison, 301-977-6854 or John Ryan, 301-977-2690
  
  Youth Band
  
  Committed high school through college age singers and instrumentalists serve as members of the Youth Band at the Sunday 5:00 pm Mass each week.
  
  Weekly rehearsals are Sunday afternoons. Interested youth, please contact St Francis’ staff musician and Sunday 5:00 pm music leader, Marvin Arias to inquire.
  
  Coordinator: Marvin Arias, 301-840-1407
  
  Instrumentalists
  
  Interested instrumentalists, please contact Director of Music Janet Pate at 301-840-1407 to find out about participating.