From Moses and Miriam’s song celebrating the parting the Red Sea to help the Israelites escape Pharoah’s army, music has been integral to worshipping God.
The Constitution on The Sacred Liturgy (112) states:
"The musical tradition of the universal church is a treasure of inestimable value, greater even than that of any other art. The main reason for this preeminence is that, as sacred song united to the words, it forms a necessary or integral part of the solemn liturgy."
Music ministries at Holy Redeemer utilize this rich treasure trove of music to support the liturgical life of the parish by assisting the community in lifting their voices in praise, enhancing prayer, fostering musical growth, and enriching lives, all to equip the saints for service.
Please consider joining us and contributing your musical skills to the worship life of our parish!
Holy Redeemer Choir
The choir sings a broad mix of music supporting the liturgy with Gregorian chant to Renaissance motets to anthems of all periods up to the most contemporary music, from Tomas Luis de Victoria to John Rutter, from Gabriel Faure to Mack Wilberg. We strive to stay abreast of current liturgical and choral trends and composers but always with the underpinning of the finest traditional music of the church.
Anyone who enjoys singing is welcome in choir. While it is helpful to be able to read music, it isn’t essential and can be taught. More important is a desire to work together with other musicians to contribute musically to the life of our parish.
The choir sings for the 10am Sunday Mass from September until June as well as for Christmas Eve and major services during Holy Week and Easter. During the program year the choir rehearses on Wednesdays. In the post-Easter season, the choir rehearses and performs favorite pieces of the repertoire on a Sunday morning pick-up basis. This can be a good time to try choir, but please feel welcome to join us any time.
Holy Redeemer Cantors
Singers with solo experience are always needed to assist with worship leadership from the lectern and the ambo. They work together with the Organist/Director of Music Ministries to prepare hymns, psalms, and parts of the mass. They may also receive wedding or funeral assignments. For rehearsal information please contact Cheryl Duerr, Director of Music Ministies at cduerr@holyredeemerchatham.org.
Holy Redeemer Instrumentalists
Instrumentalists of all levels are always welcome to offer separate instrumental music with or without accompaniment, and are also sometimes needed for our choir or congregational music. The Director of Music Ministries can help you find music if you should need help.
