Music Ministries
Get involved in the Music Ministries of St. Leo.
Cantors
Cantors proclaim the word of God by singing the psalms at liturgy. They also serve as song leaders and soloists for other music in the liturgy and can be available to serve as music leaders for weddings and funerals. They form a schola to sing as a group on Good Friday and other special liturgies. They have a private rehearsal with the music director the week they are scheduled to serve, and are also encouraged to serve as section leaders for special services such as the Christmas Eve Mass and during Holy Week and Easter. Psalmists are expected to work regularly at their craft by taking voice lessons, attending an occasional cantor workshop/training, and studying the psalms as sung prayer.
*This ministry requires an audition and is open to all people of high school age or older.
Instrumentalists
These are students and adult musicians who play strings, brass, woodwinds, percussion, guitars, piano, and other instruments who accompany singing at the weekend liturgies, and provide special music at the Christmas Eve 10 PM Mass, Easter Sunday 10:30 AM Mass, and at other special liturgies or events as needed. The orchestra is open to all players who can read music reasonably well. Students who play in ensembles in school, and adults who maintain an instrument as a hobby (or play professionally) are welcome.
*Players should have at least two years of significant experience studying their instrument.
To schedule an audition, contact:
Robert McCaffery-Lent, Director of Music Ministry
Email: musicoffice@stleoparish.org
Choir
The 9:30 Choir leads the assembly in song at the 9:30 AM Sunday liturgy. Choir members are high school age and older, and commit for a full year of service or one quarter at a time. The choir rehearses Thursday nights from 6:45 PM to 8:00 PM September through Pentecost. The warm-up rehearsal is at 8:30 AM Sunday mornings. The time commitment consists of regular Thursday night rehearsals, Sunday liturgy, Christmas Eve 10 PM Mass, Holy Thursday 7 PM Mass, Good Friday liturgy at 4:30 PM, Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday night, and Easter morning at 10:30 AM. There are also very occasional Saturday rehearsals and a fall and spring gathering or retreat. Requirements are an openness to learning musical and vocal skills as a member of the group, and a desire to be a part of a small faith community, sharing and deepening their faith through music ministry. Auditions are not required.
CHRISTMAS EVE CHOIR & STRING ORCHESTRA
Christmas Eve Choir and String Orchestra is made up of students and families who sing and play on Christmas Eve at the 5 PM liturgy. Rehearsals for Christmas take place after the 10:30 AM Mass in December. Children and families of all ages are welcome. Children under 8 must be accompanied by a parent. Instrumentalists need to have two years of experience on their instrument and be willing to practice at home.
*Auditions are not required.
Youth Choir
Students in grades 3 through 12 help lead the assembly in song as part of an intergenerational choir for special occasions or liturgies.
The rehearsal schedule is determined as needed.