8:30 Ensemble - This group of musicians support the sung worship at the 8:30 a.m. Mass on Sunday. These talented vocalists and instrumentalists form the core of a growing ensemble, dedicated to providing vibrant music at this Liturgy. Rehearsals are weekly on Thursday evenings, typically starting around 7:45 p.m. Rehearsal times vary, so check the calendar below for more detailed information. They meet Sunday mornings at 7:45 a.m. for warm-ups and review. During June they do not rehearse on Thursdays. During July and early August, they are on break.
Parish Choir - The choir is responsible for supplementing the congregational singing at the 11:00 a.m. Mass. They sing a variety of musical styles, from traditional hymns to contemporary liturgical works. The choir also presents anthems periodically throughout the year, allowing the congregation to reflect on the text and enter a time of spiritual reflection. Rehearsals are weekly on Thursday evenings, typically starting at 7:00 p.m. Rehearsal times vary, so check the calendar below for more detailed information. They meet Sunday mornings at 10:15 for warm-ups and review. During June they meet at 10:00 a.m. and do not rehearse on Thursday evenings. During July and early August, they are on break.
Saturday Ensemble - The Saturday Mass is supported by a group of vocalists & instrumentalists who prefer a more contemporary style of music in Liturgy. Our vocalists form a mini-choir/praise team hybrid. We typically sing music in three or four parts and are accompanied by piano, guitar, bass, flute or sax, and percussion. Rehearsals are weekly on Wednesday evenings, starting after the 7:00 p.m. Mass has completed, typically about 7:40. They meet Saturdays at 4:10 p.m. for warm-ups and review. During June, July and early August, they rehearse at 3:45 p.m. and do not rehearse on Wednesdays.
Children's Choirs - Children's Choirs are open to all children of the parish. Children who attend a school other than St. Matthew are encouraged to participate. They may join rehearsal in progress as their schedules allow. They sing at the 8:30 a.m. Sunday Mass at various times throughout the year.
Kids Choir, for 1st and 2nd grade choristers, rehearses weekly on Thursday afternoons from 3:00-3:50 p.m. Their rehearsal schedule follows the school year.
St. Matthew Chorale, for 3rd - 8th grade choristers, rehearses weekly on Tuesday afternoons from 3:00-4:15 p.m. Their rehearsal schedule follows the school year.
Middle School Handbell Choir, for ringers in grades 5th - 8th grades, rehearses weekly on Thursday afternoons from 3:00-4:00 p.m. Their rehearsal schedule follows the school year.
Handbell Choirs - Our newest ensembles are our bell choirs. In September 2007 we launched our 2 adult bell choirs. They play at the Sunday Liturgies about once every 6 weeks and also at major Liturgies throughout the year.
Handbell Choir I rehearses weekly on Tuesday mornings at 8:45 a.m.
Handbell Choir II rehearses weekly on Wednesday evenings at 5:45 p.m..
Cantors - Cantors are special ministers who guide the congregation through their sung participation in liturgical celebrations. They are not soloists, but facilitators of sung prayer.
Instrumentalists - Instrumentalists are always welcome at any service. If you want to participate weekly or if you would like to participate periodically throughout out the year, we would love for you to join our music ministry.
Soloists - If you have special musical abilities and wish to share your gifts with the St. Matthew’s community, we would love to incorporate you into our music program.
Combined Adult Choirs - Our three adult choirs combine to sing special Liturgies including Christmas, Holy Triduum, Confirmation and First Holy Communion. This allows us to present music that is fuller and more challenging for these important Liturgies.
Church of Saint Matthew Recital Series - A series of monthly recitals presented by parishioners and friends of St. Matthew in the church or Cohan-Hansom Building on Sunday afternoons.
Music Classes - Music classes will again be offered in the future.
Planning a wedding? - Please contact Joel Bolen in the music office 550-5108 or by email jbolen@churchofstmatthew.org.