"Sing joyfully to the Lord, all you lands; break forth into song; sing praise." Psalm 98:4
The members of the assembly are the primary music-makers in the liturgy, and it is the goal of the music ministers to bring the song of the assembled community to life during each Mass. Our music ministry provides vocal and instrumental music for all weekend Masses, funerals, weddings, and special liturgies. There are a variety of opportunities available for people wanting to share their musical gifts with the parish, including the following:
Adult Choir is a choir of adults and high school students that sings traditional and contemporary choral music in two and four-part harmony at Sunday Masses and at special liturgies for Christmas, Holy Week, Confirmation and First Eucharist. If interested in joining this choir, please e-mail the parish office at rector@stphilipsbemidji.org or call 218-441-490.
Praise Bandconsists of vocalists and instrumentalists, including guitars and drums, who sing praise and worship songs and the music of rising contemporary Christian artists. If interested in joining this group, please e-mail the parish office at rector@stphilipsbemidji.org or call 218-441-4905.Youth Choir consists youth in grades 3 - 8. Rehearsals are from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. most Wednesdays during the school year. The group sings 3-4 times per year on Sundays at 11 a.m. and some Wednesday school masses. Join any time!
Cantorsproclaim the Word of God in the Psalms and lead the assembly in sung prayer. Those wishing to serve in this role must have a pleasant voice, a good sense of pitch and rhythm, and a prayerful, joyful spirit. Music is distributed in advance so that cantors may prepare at home. Private rehearsal with the director of music can be set up on an individual basis. Practical training is provided and singers who are not comfortable singing alone can be paired up with another to lead the singing at Mass.
Accompanists support the cantor or choir musically by playing the piano, organ or guitar. Those wishing to serve in this role must be able to work with a variety of musicians, read music, have a good sense of rhythm and tempo, and be able to follow the cantor or choir director’s lead. Music is distributed in advance so the accompanists may prepare at home. Practical training is provided.
Instrumentalists include people who play a brass, percussion, string, or woodwind instrument and are willing to share their talents at Mass.
Further information For more information about any of the music ministry opportunities at St. Philip’s, contact Bonnie Lee, Director of Liturgy & Music, at 218-441-4905, or by e-mail at blee1@stphilipsbemidji.org.