MUSIC AT MASS

(September-May*)

4:30 Saturday:  Earthen Vessels folk combo (2^nd and 4^th Saturdays)

     Once monthly:  Hallelujah Chorus children's choir/Hosanna Teen Choir
                   Blended traditional/contemporary with cantor

7:30am Sunday: Traditional, organ-basedwith cantor

9:30am Sunday:  SJB Adult Choirblended traditional/contemporary

11:30 Sunday:  Wild Honey and the Locusts contemporary with a jazz touch

6:15pm Sunday:  spoken liturgywith instrumental background

 * Ensembles are off during the summer months, with the exception of Wild Honey and the Locusts at the 11:30, which continues year-round.  During the summer, the 4:30, 7:30, and 9:30 offer cantor and organ, with occasional special ensembles. 

Music at St. John's Offers the following:

We here at St. John. s seek to worship God through a variety of musical expressions and styles.  Whether you are classically oriented or a fan of contemporary styles, instrumentalist or vocalist, there is a place for you.  Joining our music ministry offers a fine way to develop and share your talents while helping create dynamic worship and a sense of community with others here. 

Our goal is to provide opportunities for all ages and all skill levels.  You may contribute on a regular basis, seasonally, or occasionally. No matter! 

If you have a gift to share, a question, or an opinion, we want to hear from you!  Contact Cheri Sykes, Director of Music, at the Parish Center, 651-633-8333x1231.

ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST ADULT CHOIR

We rehearse Wednesday evenings, 7:15-9:15 in the choir room.  The choir participates weekly in a scheduled liturgy, September through Pentecost, along with other liturgical and non-liturgical events throughout the year.  We sing a variety of styles from Mendelssohn through gospel, and have been known to sway on occasion!  No prior musical experience is necessary. You may join us on a seasonal basis as well, such as during Advent or Lent. You will learn something about vocal production and musicianship while performing the essential task of leading and inspiring the congregation in song.  Upon request, we offer free childcare for rehearsals (and mass), so consider this a fun night out with friends!

CHILDREN. S CHOIR:  THE HALLELUJAH CHORUS

The Hallelujah Chorus, directed by Mary Anne Bennek, is for grades 3-6.    We rehearse weekly, and sing at a scheduled liturgy approximately once a month throughout the school year.  There are no auditions and no prior musical experience is necessary.   Along with the experience of helping create vibrant worship, children will learn the basics of vocal production and musicianship. Ms. Bennek, also a cantor here at St. John's, a degreed, experienced music instructor and church musician. 

HOSANNA TEEN CHOIR

Open to all 7-12^th grade aspiring musicians of the parish.  This group primarily is a vocal choir. but youth who only/also play instruments of any kind are invited and encouraged to participate.  Rehearsals are weekly during the school year.  For more information, contact Mary Anne Bennek at 651-633-8333 x1220.   Ms. Bennek, also a cantor here at St. John's, is a degreed, experienced music instructor and church musician. 

EARTHEN VESSELS FOLK  GROUP

We are a group of singers and instrumentalists which leads the Saturday 4:30 liturgy twice monthly in acoustic folk/rock, gospel, Latin, and celtic styles. With an improvisatory approach.  O ur specialty is highlighting the lesser-known gems in the Gather hymnal.  Rehearsals are on Mondays twice monthly, except for summers.   Contact director Cheri Sykes at 651-633-8333 x1231. 

EVENSONG ADULT HANDBELLS

The adult handbell choir, conducted by Jay Hunstiger, rehearses September through May on Monday evenings.  The choir participates at scheduled weekend liturgies approximately monthly and at special liturgical and non-liturgical celebrations as needed.  Some prior musical experience is necessary, though not necessarily in handbells.  Handbell ringing techniques are taught at rehearsals.  Contact Jay, our parish director of liturgy, at 651-633-8333 x1212.

WILD HONEY AND THE LOCUSTS JAZZ COMBO

We are a small combo, including horn(s), vocals, and rhythm section, specializing in improvisatory jazz stylings.  Regularly appearing at the 11:30 Sunday liturgy, we rehearse on Tuesday nights.  By appointment.

SPIRITU  ELECTRIC COMBO

We feature electric guitar, bass and drums, with solo and background vocalists.  We frequently provide music for the 11:30 Sunday liturgy, rehearsing the  previous Tuesday.  By appointment.

CANTORS

Strong singers are needed as cantors to lead all liturgies throughout the year.  Acceptance is by appointment with the music director.  Scheduling is flexible.  Music reading skill necessary. 

INSTRUMENTALISTS

The 6:15 Sunday Mass, without sung liturgy or hymnody,  now does feature instrumentalists of all kinds to provide meditative background music at certain points in the liturgy.  As well, instrumentalists are needed at every other liturgy to enhance the hymns, choral pieces, and liturgy parts.  Our hymns encompass a variety of musical styles from traditional organ to gospel, latin, celtic, contemporary pop, and even jazz.  Your contribution can be occasional or regular.   For example, we always need  synthesizer keyboardists, horn players, guitarists, percussionists, bassists, cellists, and fiddle players.  We also seek keyboardists and guitarists to help with the children's religious education, "Celebrate the Word," on Sunday mornings. 

VOCALISTS

Perhaps you have only time for occasional contributions.  We welcome the occasional soloist or the opportunity to create a small ensemble for a special piece.