OLA Teen ChoirThe age range of Teen Choir is students from 9th grade and up. The OLA Teen Choir typically serves at two Sunday 5:30 PM Masses per month; dates are based around the school calendars and other parish events. The calendar is announced at the beginning of the school year. Rehearsals take place in the Choir Room (2nd floor of the church) and start at 4 PM on the day the Teen Choir is singing at Mass. Rehearsal usually lasts an hour to an hour and fifteen minutes; choristers than have a few minutes to prepare themselves for Mass.
The music for each Sunday is made available online and is emailed out to the Teen Choir. Both sound files and sheet music are provided so choristers can get familiar with the tunes and words. The Mass parts (such as the Alleluia, Lamb of God, and the Gloria) are also available online. At rehearsal, everyone is provided with a folder of sheet music (you do not need to print your own). We rehearse each song and address any tricky parts, melodies, etc. We also go over the Mass parts and practice the different ones for different liturgical seasons (for example, there is a different Alleluia for Advent than Ordinary Time, and the Alleluia is not sung during Lent so there is a different piece sung at the time). The choristers are accompanied by musicians, both paid and volunteer. Teens who play an instrument are welcome to join the ensemble but must demonstrate the ability to play as part of the group. At each Teen Choir Mass, one teen will be the cantor. The cantor will lead the psalm and other Mass parts that necessitate a single voice. Anyone interesting in being a cantor should talk to Andrew about it. Cantors must familiarize themselves with the psalm before rehearsals. Cantors are scheduled in advance. |
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Teen Choir Expectations
It is very important that members of the Teen Choir commit to regular attendance. The faithful and regular commitment to the rehearsal and liturgy schedule is integral to the success of the choir’s ministry. Every person in the choir is very important, and each absence affects the choir’s ability to perform its ministry at the highest musical and spiritual level. If you’re not able to make a rehearsal, please let Andrew know as soon as possible.
During rehearsals, choristers and musicians are expected to be devoted to the task at hand. At some points, there may be a break while the cantor works with the musicians on his or her part. Quiet conversations are allowed but please be mindful not to distract the people who are rehearsing. Phones should be silenced at the beginning of rehearsal and should not be out while the group is rehearsing.
Since members of the Teen Choir are ministering at Mass, they are expected to dress in a way that glorifies God. This means wearing garments that are not overly casual, sleeveless, tight fitting, or otherwise immodest or provocative. Examples of overly casual clothes include jeans with rips or tears, t-shirts, shorts, flip flops, and sneakers. Please ask Andrew if you have questions about the dress code.
During rehearsals, choristers and musicians are expected to be devoted to the task at hand. At some points, there may be a break while the cantor works with the musicians on his or her part. Quiet conversations are allowed but please be mindful not to distract the people who are rehearsing. Phones should be silenced at the beginning of rehearsal and should not be out while the group is rehearsing.
Since members of the Teen Choir are ministering at Mass, they are expected to dress in a way that glorifies God. This means wearing garments that are not overly casual, sleeveless, tight fitting, or otherwise immodest or provocative. Examples of overly casual clothes include jeans with rips or tears, t-shirts, shorts, flip flops, and sneakers. Please ask Andrew if you have questions about the dress code.
