The Basilica Music Program
Music Ministry
The Queen of All Saints liturgical music program is designed to offer a variety of musical prayer forms to the community gathered for worship at Queen of All Saints Basilica. The choice of music ranges in style from Gregorian Chant to contemporary hymns and songs, from traditional choral works to music in a contemporary, popular style.
Music ministers use their talents 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.
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.
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.
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.
The Contemporary Ensemble is a mixed choir accompanied by piano, synthesizer, guitar, percussion and other instruments. Repertoire draws primarily on music in a contemporary, popular style, although a broad range of musical styles are explored. This group takes part in the 5:00 p.m. Saturday liturgy, the 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Sunday liturgies, and special services throughout the year.
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 more information, including membership requirements and scheduling for the above organizations please call the rectory to speak with our Music Director, Ken Sotak or Paul Scavone.