There are many wonderful opportunities for parishioners to share their talents with the assembly in prayer. It is hoped that this brief introduction to our vital parish ministry will entice some of you to join us on this journey of faith.
Please select from the following for further information or contact the Director of Music Ministries, David Dreher, at the Parish Center 724-625-1665 or via email to ddreher@saintkilian.org.
Music Ministry Philosophy
"Music is the flesh that hangs upon the skeleton of the liturgy!" The late Fr. Hugo, a renowned liturgist in the 1970's once proclaimed. It is the way we express our emotions in prayer. The Psalms, especially, are filled with all of our wants, desires, hopes, dreams, joys, sorrows, pain, thankfulness and praise.
Through music we express these emotions both collectively, as a community, and individually. When the music is successfully planned with the readings of the day we are presented with an opportunity to more fully enter into the mystery of God's word.
Music is essential to the prayer life of the community. Therefore, three considerations need to be kept in mind when deciding what music to use at what liturgy. Pastoral: does this piece of music reflect the needs, desires and abilities of this celebrating community? Liturgical: does this piece of music reflect the importance of the scriptural readings of the celebration or the ritual-action taking place? Musical: does this piece of music reflect a wise choice in style, taste, and quality?
There are many styles of music to choose from and many different resources. Consideration is given to the rich tradition of hymnody and to the "soundness" of theology presented in the hymns. Various styles are incorporated into the choices for each liturgy reflecting the various tastes of the assembled community. It is hoped that by experiencing these various styles, while retaining some of the rich tradition, the music experienced will appeal to the ever-growing diversity of our worshipping community.
The focus of today's music is to be inclusive of all forms of instruments in liturgical celebrations. This is not to say that at one particular Mass there will be only guitars, or at another only organ, or at another only flutes. But it is our intention to welcome the power of other instruments at all liturgies. Music is being written that tears down the walls of division between what was traditionally thought of as "folk music" or "contemporary music" and hymnody.
Cantoring
Cantors are essential at all the liturgies. This role was called the chazzan in the Jewish tradition. Cantors were trained professionals who instructed the faithful in the understanding of the biblical passages. They helped to prepare the liturgical space for community celebrations of prayer.
Today, cantors are trained to sing the scriptures (primarily the psalms) and to help lead the assembly in a sung form of prayer. Their job is not to "get the people to sing" but rather to enhance the prayer experience and to invite the assembly to join in the prayer through music. Often, cantors are not professional singers, but rather, individuals who reflect on the scriptures and have a talent to convey the essence of the scriptures with a pleasing voice. Being able to read music is not necessary but it certainly helps. Having a pleasing voice, a good ear, and a prayerful heart are the essential requirements.
Our cantors meet regularly with the Director of Music Ministries for individual coaching and lessons. They are scheduled to sing as often as every week or as little as once a month.
Junior Cantors
The children are our future. We take that very seriously here at Saint Kilian Parish. Children in grades 4 through 8 who demonstrate an ability to learn music and are able to express that music with clarity and correct intonation are encouraged to learn about the role of cantor. Rehearsals are every Thursday for ½ hour beginning at 5:30pm during the school year. Rehearsals during the summer months are scheduled by appointment. The Junior Cantors are always schedule with Adult Cantors and learn from their adult mentors.
Choral
The choir is a natural, progressive outgrowth in musical evolution. Centuries ago, groups of cantors, known as a schola, sang together. As they became more proficient in adding various harmonic lines, they developed a style of singing known as polyphony. Eventually, composers wrote specifically for these scholas and the cantor became the choir director.
Today's choir fulfills the same unique ministry as the ancient schola; to enhance the prayer experience of the assembly gathered at liturgy. By singing various anthems specific for choirs and by using harmonies to enhance congregational singing (such as during hymns and ordinary parts of the Mass), the gathered assembly assists the faithful gathered in their prayer experience.
Often, choir members are not trained musicians. The members usually have a love of music, a good ear and a pleasant voice that blends well with others. Children's Choir, Adult Choir, and our Bell Choir rehearse regularly and perform at specific Masses.
Children's Choir
For participation in the Children's Choir, members must be in at least Second Grade and may remain until Eighth Grade. The Children's Choir rehearses on Thursdays at 6:00 PM for one hour. The children sing twice a month from October until May. They alternate singing at the Saturday evening 5:30 pm mass and the Sunday 10:30 am mass.
Adult Choir
For participation in the Adult Choir, members must be in at least Ninth Grade. The Adult Choir rehearses on Thursday's at 7:30 PM for 1½ hours. The Adult Choir sings every week from September until May and alternates singing at the Saturday evening 5:30 pm mass and the Sunday 10:30 am mass.
Bell Choir
We are blessed at St. Kilian's to have a three-octave Bell set. We have also purchased a three-octave Melody Chime Set. The ringing of Hand Bells and Melody Chimes is a pleasant addition to the liturgy and they are utilized to help accompany congregational singing as well as solo meditation.
The Bell Choir rehearses regularly on Monday's at 7:00 PM for 1½ hours. All ages are welcome. The Bell Choir plays twice a month from October until May and alternates playing at the Saturday evening 4:00 pm Mass and Sunday morning 9:00 am Mass. While the ability to read music is helpful, it is not a requirement.
Instrumentalists
Instrumentalists are desirable at liturgy because they provide unique accompaniment to the music being sung. Through their efforts, the prayer experience is raised to a new level. In the Temples and Synagogues, instruments were used on special occasions and for unique liturgies. In scripture we hear reference made often to the cymbal and the lyre. In today's world, we are used to hearing the organ as the preeminent instrument to accompany liturgical functions. But many other instruments are also desirable. Many modern composers write music for wind, percussion and stringed instruments. If you play flute, guitar, oboe, violin, cello, drums etc. consider sharing your talent with us! Rehearsals are by appointment and your ministry will depend on your personal schedule. To share your talents with the parish, please contact the Director of Music Ministries, David Dreher, at the Parish Center 724-625-1665 or via email to ddreher@saintkilian.org.
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