WHAT IS A CHOIR?

The dictionary gives us a simple definition:  a regular group of people devoted to singing together; a company of singers; a group of singers organized to sing together, especially in church.

 

WHAT DOES A CHURCH CHOIR DO?

At Holy Family several responsibilities fall on the shoulders of the choirs. First, support the congregational singing. How? The choir sings the hymns and service music along with the organ, musicians, and the congregation. Sometimes it introduces a new hymn by singing it as an anthem the week before the congregation will try it for the first time. At other times the choir adds harmony or a descant that soars above the congregation. Next, the choir uses its musical expertise to help the worshipers understand the transcendence of our faith by singing extraordinary music that can reveal the beauty, glory and the mysterium of God. One piece may derive its text from the psalms others from inspired writings, others directly from Scripture. The choral repertoire covers a myriad of theological subjects, and the liturgical seasons of the year covering the Lord's life, passion, death and resurrection. The choir welcomes the Holy Spirit and offers thanks at harvest. It remembers the saints, and the departed souls. It represents the congregation in its expression of worship - human response to the revelation of God. It sings of the pure joy of faith. By singing in other languages in honors the long tradition of sacred music and the multicultural dimension of our parish.

 

THE SACRIFICE OF MUSIC

The choir provides an opportunity to offer a unique sacrifice of praise to God. This sacrifice has been costly. Singers practice a piece for weeks. Some choir members have devoted themselves to this ministry for years. Some take the music home and work on it between rehearsals. When the congregation relates to a particular piece that the choir has sung, the music then becomes symbolically the congregation's sacrifice of praise.

 

PROMOTION OF THE PARISH

The choir promotes the church. Some people actually come to the church because of the choir. When the choir performs an oratorio or other major work the church has an opportunity to invite the community. If the congregation finds meaning in the choir's music, the congregation's word of mouth is a wonderful promotion for the church.

 

INDIVIDUAL DEVELOPMENT

Then there is the whole business of the development of the individual choir member as a person, as a Catholic Christian, and as a musician. The devoted singer studies profound texts and magnificent music, surrounded by the sound of peers drilling notes, reading text, drilling, laughing, drilling, inspiring drilling...did I mention drilling? When the choir works on a piece for several weeks, each singer has sung that text from twelve to 20 times, absorbed the music, and felt the passion. If text, music, discipline, and fellowship have any impact at all, that person has no choice but to improve in understanding of each of these.

There is also the small faith community that is built through a constant interaction as well as the social interdependence that makes what we call the choir family.