Queen of All Saints Basilica

Queen of All Saints
Music Program

The liturgical music program is designed to offer a wide variety of musical prayer forms to the community gathered for worship at Queen of All Saints Basilica. The repertory ranges in style from Gregorian Chant to contemporary hymns and songs, and from traditional choral works to music in the folk style.

Music ministers use their talent to lead the sung prayer of the assembly and provide choral and instrumental reflections on the scriptures of the day. The music program is open to all parishioners who sing or play an instrument, and would like to minister to the parish in this special way.

The following outline briefly describes the music ministries that participate in the weekend liturgies, feast days and other special parish celebrations. Please contact the music office for additional information.

Cantors

The cantor plays an integral role in our liturgy. It is the ministry of the cantor to facilitate the active participation of the assembly in the sung prayer of our parish liturgies. The cantor invites the assembly to take part in the singing of congregational hymns, and leads the singing of psalms and inspired songs. Requirements for participation in this ministry include a good singing voice, strong musicianship skills and an understanding of and commitment to the role of sung prayer in the liturgy. For more information, or to set up an interview and audition, please contact the music office.

Basilica Choir

The Basilica Choir is a traditional choral ensemble that concentrates on the large-scale choral works of the Great Masters. The Basilica Choir rehearses on Wednesday evenings and sings for Sunday morning liturgies, special services and sacred choral concerts from September through May. The group is open to all parishioners age fourteen and over and does not require an audition.

Contemporary Ensemble

The Contemporary Ensemble is a mixed choir accompanied by piano, synthesizer, guitar, percussion and other instruments. Repertoire draws primarily on the contemporary idiom although a broad range of musical styles are explored. This group takes part in the various liturgies on the weekend, as well as special services throughout the year. An audition is required.

Children’s Christmas Choir

The Basilica Children’s Christmas Choir sings at the 4:00 p.m. Christmas Eve liturgy. Rehearsals take place in the weeks prior to the Christmas liturgy. The group is open to all children in grades three through eight. Membership in this group does not require participation in the regular Children’s Choir.

Instrumentalists

Instrumental music plays an important role in our liturgical worship. We are always interested in hearing from those who demonstrate an expertise in musical performance and would like to share this gift with the worshipping community of Queen of All Saints parish. Participation could be in a regular, ongoing way, or on an occasional basis, providing prelude music, music at other reflective points in the liturgy, or supplementing the accompaniment of hymns and acclamations.

For further details, including membership requirements and scheduling for the above organizations please call the rectory to speak with our Music Director, Ken Sotak.