Music Ministry

Music

St. Joseph Church has a vital music program with opportunities to serve at every age.  All are welcome. 

This coming school year there will be a few changes to the structure of the music program.  Click on the links below for more information and schedules.

Rehearsals for all choirs, vocal and handbells, are normally in the Parish Center (149 Goodwin St.) on Tuesdays between the hours of 4:00 and 9:30 p.m.  In addition, a warm-up/review happens ½ hour prior to whichever Mass the group is singing.  Music reading is not necessary.  Skills needed to ring bells or blend with a choir are taught during rehearsals.

Rehearsals for cantors are held on an individual basis at the cantor's request and convenience.

All instrumentalists are encouraged to share their talents. Please contact the director of music ministries for additional information.

MUSIC MINISTRY REHEARSAL SCHEDULE

All rehearsals are suspended for the remainder of 2020 due to Corona Virus Pandemic. 

We will resume as soon as it is deemed safe by the Archdiocese and those in the medical field.

Adult Vocal Choir—Traditional choir singing mostly in 4 parts (SATB).  Rehearsals are on Tuesday evenings from 7:15-8:30 PM.  Adult music ministry is shared among the 3 English Masses and some additional special liturgies throughout the year.

Youth Vocal Choir—Youth in grades 6-12 are encouraged to sing with this choir.   They normally sing at either the 10:00 Mass on Sunday AM or at the Vigil on Saturday at 4PM as well as some additional special liturgies throughout the year.  Schedules are coordinated with the school, Confirmation and religious education classes who will be attending a particular Mass.

Children’s Vocal Choir—students in grades 1-5 are welcome to sing with this choir.  Rehearsals are  ½ prior to the Mass when they will be singing.  This group sings at either the 10:00 on Sunday AM or the 4 PM Vigil on Saturday.  Schedules are coordinated with the school, Confirmation and religious education classes who will be attending a particular Mass.

Cantor—All confirmed in the Catholic Faith who have leadership skills in singing are encouraged to be part of this awesome group of volunteer cantors.  The cantors are scheduled for the three English Masses on a rotation that fits their schedules.  Usually a cantor will be scheduled for 2-3 Masses per month.  Cantors also help the school and religious education students who attend the Mass as lectors and cantors in training.  All cantors will receive music plans for Mass and any assistance needed to prepare properly.  No music reading skills are needed but are helpful.

Handbell Choirs--Anyone who would like to learn how to ring handbells and prerhaps join our handbell program is welcome.  A private one-on-one (or two-on-one) class will take place at your convenience to introduce you to the bells and the music.  NO PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE IS NECESSARY! All ringing skills and music reading will be taught to you by the director and perhaps another ringer from one of our groups so you can join in on the fun.  Now is the time to contact the Parish Center (860)583-1369 to see what this about.  You must be able to make mistakes and enjoy music. :)

Spanish Choirs — Coro en Español --  Si alguien esta interesado en participar en el ministerio de música hispano puede contactar a Kayla Rubio antes de la misa. Los ensayos son a las 11:00am en el Guild Hall. La misa dominical en español es a las 12:00pm. Anímate a participar.