Children's Choir

 

The St. Peter Children’s Choir is always looking for new members who would like to use their God-given musical talents to be music leaders for the celebration of Mass. Please read on if you, your child, or someone you know would like to join.

 
 
 

(Subject to change as needed):

Practices: 
Every Wednesday evening beginning at 4:00 or 5:00 p.m. (depending on age/experience) in Church (except the week of Thanksgiving and possibly Ash Wednesday).  Some practices (TBA) will be for just the Small Ensemble (usually from 5:00-7:00 p.m.)  The 1st Small Ensemble Practice will be October 10th in the Music Office (Ministry Center) from 5:00-6:45 p.m.  The younger children end rehearsal between 6:30-6:45 p.m.  The Small Ensemble end rehearsal by 7:00 p.m.

Who We Are
We are a part of the St. Peter Parish Music Ministry with a mission of building a foundation of leadership and service for young children to their Church community, and thereby to our awesome God.  We strive to enable young children to be active participants in the joyous celebration of the Mass by leading the congregation in worshiping the Lord through song, and to help them see that they, just as every other member of the congregation, have a place in their Church, and a role in evangelizing and spreading the Good News.  Through this service, the Mass becomes a more natural, meaningful part of their lives.   Our purpose is not to have a perfectly well-tuned “performing” choir, but rather to stress participation with a program suited to the needs and abilities of the children using their God-given musical talents.
 
Who Can Join
Any child who wants to participate in the ministry of music is welcome.  There is no specific age requirement for the Children’s Choir and no previous experience is needed.  We have had children as young as 3 years old and others in high school.  The basic requirement is that the child be able to handle the practices and sit through Mass.
 
Small Ensemble
Older/more experienced children may be invited to participate in the Small Ensemble which sometimes sings harmonies, special parts, and/or certain songs that are too difficult for the younger children, and plays more difficult rhythm instrument parts.
 
Adult Participation / Volunteers
It takes a lot of time and effort to keep a children’s choir going strong and happy, and there are numerous opportunities for adults to help with the choir.  Volunteers are welcome to assist the choir by playing a musical instrument, helping the director with teaching/leading various parts in songs, facilitating with rhythm instruments, organizing special events, and/or general assistance with the choir.  As a ministry in the parish community, volunteers bring the concept of community to life for the children. (For additional "Volunteer Opportunities, click here.)
 
Masses
Generally we sing for the 11:30 A.M. Mass one time a month, as well as for the Christmas Vigil and 11:30 A.M. Easter Mass.  Occasionally we also sing for special children’s Masses at 9:30 AM.
 
Skill Building
During practice we often play choir “games” with the children, which help to develop and improve their singing abilities as well as their understanding of music.
 
Instruments
Instruments are often played with songs we sing.  These range from simple rhythm instruments to handbells at Christmas and Easter.
 
The Songs
Songs are chosen that are good, liturgical music appropriate for the celebration of the Mass and are suited to the needs of the varying ages of the children.  Some songs are chosen to be simple for the younger children, and others are more difficult ones especially for the older/more experienced children.  Children are welcome to join and participate at their own individual levels, especially considering that a main purpose of this ministry is to build a foundation of service in the community and joy in the participation of a ministry. Additionally, as a ministry of the Church, it is essential for them to be able to relate what they are singing to the Gospel, so brief teachings on the meaning of the songs and how they relate to Biblical truths of our faith are done.
 
Flip Charts & Song Sheets
To facilitate the learning of and singing of the songs, Flip Charts and accompanying Song Sheets are used for practices and Masses.  These contain the words to the songs as well as graphics relating to the words.  Even the youngest children who cannot read can know what to sing by associating the pictures with the words.
 
CDs for At Home Practice
As much as possible, CDs are sent home with the songs we will be learning so the children can practice at home. When children know the basic songs, we can focus on the finer points at practice: better vocal skills and dynamics, as well as a better understanding of the meaning and lessons of the songs as pertains to our faith.
 
Uniform
The Children’s Choir uniform consists of a white blouse/shirt and navy blue skirt/pants.  Dark, quiet shoes are preferable, but not required.
 
What Is Needed
A desire to participate and a willing attitude are all that are needed to join this rewarding ministry.
 
Adapting to a new experience
Children come into the choir with various levels of ability.  Some have experience and sound great, others are new to it and need time to figure out what it’s all about and what to do with it – and that’s fine.  We try to help new children adapt to the choir at their own, individual pace and do not put pressure on them to do anything for which they are not ready.  Again, one of the main goals of the choir is to build a foundation of being a member of and participation in their Church, and we will work toward making that possible for all who are interested in participating.  If your child wants to be there, we want to make it possible for him/her.
 
Final Note
The St. Peter Children’s Choir is a ministry to which God has lead me and I love working with the children - for “the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these...”  What a heavenly group with which to be blessed!  We hope to see your child in the choir.
 
“Make a Joyful Noise Unto the Lord”
 
Please feel free to contact me with any questions, and thanks for the gift of your children!
 
God bless!