Music Ministry

The Music Ministry welcomes singers and instrumentalists who want to share their gifts to help foster the sung prayer of our parish.  Over 100 adults and children participate in one or more of the six choral ensembles, which provide music for weekend liturgies as well as all solemnities and special occasions.  The Music Ministry also provides musical leadership, through our cantors and organists, for all weddings and funerals.  In addition to choral, instrumental and cantor programs, St. Mary continues to foster the performing arts through Concerts at St. Mary, a concert series which features internationally renowned solo recitalists and performing ensembles as well as programs presented by the choirs of St. Mary.

Parish Choir  

The St. Mary Parish Choir provides music primarily for the 10:30 a.m. Sunday liturgy as well as all solemnities.  In the past, the Parish Choir has presented programs at other area churches and in 2017, made a performing tour in Italy.  The repertoire of the Parish Choir includes a broad range or choral literature from chant and polyphony through contemporary compositions of the 20^th and 21^st centuries.  Members of high-school age and above welcome.  The Parish Choir rehearses on Thursday evenings from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. and on Sunday mornings at 9:50 a.m. prior to singing at 10:30 a.m. Mass.  Those interested should contact David Uschold, Director of Music and Organist, duschold@stmaryfred.org or 540-373-6491, ext. 217.

 

Festival Choir

The St. Mary Festival Choir is a group composed of members of the Parish and Magnificat Choirs as well as singers who wish to be a part of special liturgies and choral programs presented by the music ministry. Often times individuals, for various reasons, can’t commit to the weekly rehearsal and Mass schedule of the Parish Choir for the entire year.  The Festival Choir gives those interested an exciting opportunity to be involved with the music ministry with a limited rehearsal and performance commitment.  Often the programs are presented in conjunction with other musical ensembles and are part of Concerts at St. Mary.   For those interested in upcoming programs and opportunities please contact David Uschold, Director of Music and Organist, duschold@stmaryfred.org or 540-373-6491, ext. 217

 

Schola Antiqua

The St. Mary Schola Antiqua is a smaller mixed ensemble which provides music for special liturgical celebrations and concert programs.  With a concentration on more advanced choral repertoire, with an emphasis on early-music polyphonic compositions, membership to Schola Antiqua is by invitation or audition only. For those interested please contact David Uschold, Director of Music and Organist, duschold@stmaryfred.org or 540-373-6491, ext. 217

St. Cecilia Choir 

The St. Cecilia Choir provides music primarily for the 8:30 a.m. Sunday liturgy and, on occasion, for solemnities and special occasions throughout the church year.  The St. Cecilia choir follows the instructional model set forth by the Royal School of Church Music (RSCM).  The RSCM model implements instruction of proper vocal production, music theory and liturgical aspects.  Membership is open to children grades 2-8.  The St. Cecilia Choir rehearses on Thursday evenings from 4:45 – 6:00 p.m. and on Sunday mornings at 7:50 a.m. prior to singing at 8:30 a.m. Mass.  Those interested should contact David Uschold, Director of Music and Organist, duschold@stmaryfred.org or 540-373-6491, ext. 217.

Spanish Coro

The Spanish Coro is a group of singers who provide music for the 2:30 p.m. Spanish liturgy on Sunday and various solemnities and events throughout the church year. Singers who enjoy singing in Spanish are most welcome to join.  The Coro rehearses on Saturday evenings from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. and on Sundays at 1:00 p.m. prior to 2:30 p.m. Mass.  Those interested should contact David Garrison, dmg3312@gmail.com or 540-376-1401.