Midnight Mass Choir

One of the most wonderful music opportunities is here again, our opportunity to sing in the Christmas choir at Midnight Mass, singing our favorite carols and special music.  Drop by the choir rehearsals on Thursday nights between now and Christmas Eve at 7:30 p.m. in the music room of the parish hall, where we will be practicing the songs—all voices are welcome, and what a blessing you will be to your parish.  For any questions call 949.842.8529 or by e-mail at bgrant@sjboc.org.

Join Us for the Christmas Choir 2012

If you want to sing with the parish choir but can't make the regular fall commitment, why not join us for the Christmas Choir.  Contact Bob Grant for more information at bgrant@sjboc.org.

Join the Parish Choir Fall 2012

Mens Choir Open ...

Piano Donation: Thank you Jimmy Adams Family

We give special thanks to Mr. Jimmy Adams for his donation of a beautiful Yamaha upright piano for the choir loft, given in honor of his mother Mrs. Frankie Adams.

God bless you!
Bob Grant

Here's what people are saying about SJB

Here is what people are saying about SJB:

I came to St. John's this morning knowing (as usual) that I would participate in an appropriately solemn liturgy for Passion Sunday; I was not disappointed. I came to church this morning in a bad mood and left quite edified. Kudos to all of you for a most effective liturgical ministry! LP

The choir did an outstanding job on the anthems at both offertory and communion; the hymn choices for the day were "just what the doctor ordered." As usual, the canting was next to perfect (O.K., 'cause only GOD is perfect). PL

I have nothing but praise to offer for today's profound liturgy at 9:30 a.m. From the procession with palms to the doors of the church, the ceremony was not only lovely but reverent. (There IS a change in the tide: The congregation moved silently and reverently from the blacktop to the church.) PG

The chanted account of the Lord's passion was marvelous; I haven't experienced that since I was a Dominican friar. RD

But I Can't Sing!

When I invite members of the parish to sing in the choir, I am often given one of two responses, the most common being, "I can't sing." I enjoy the laugh we share when I tell them that their family or friends have assured me they can sing--especially in the shower. Well, the church building is no different than the acoustics of the shower, just a little bigger. In fact, it has been said that "If you can talk, you can sing," or, "singing is nothing more than controlled yelling." We can all testify to the awesome excitement we express at our favorite games, whether in the bleachers or in front of our big screen TV. So, because we know we can all sing, let's explore just what it really means to sing in the Parish Choir at SJB.

The first is to understand that singing in the choir is Stewardship. Yes, singing in the choir is a wonderful way to express your Stewardship to our Lord. It requires time, commitment, and sacrifice.

Part of the sacrifice involves the willingness to learn and be open to new adventures.

Fundamental to singing is … the ability to
--match pitches
--learn your voice part and sing it independently
--blend your voice with others in your section
--be present and willing to learn

At each rehearsal we incorporate learning how to sing and how to read music as a part of the weekly routine, including the above fundamentals. We have welcoming and friendly singers who are experienced in singing and reading music and are always ready to help their neighbors as we rehearse. What is so great about this program is that we offer free music education.

Secondly, the unity of the Church can be expressed in the unity of the choir when it strives for pitch accuracy, beautiful and blended tone, well-supported breath, and proper diction and unified vowels, moving as one great voice.

These are all layers or levels of music that we strive for during the weekly rehearsal. It is very rewarding and fulfilling.

Because it is important that the anthem be well prepared for each Sunday, it is expected that all members of the choir make a sacrifice to be present at the Thursday rehearsal and Sunday Mass.

Sunday warm-ups and rehearsal for Mass begin at 9:15 a.m. in the church choir loft

Thursday rehearsals are held from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with designated sectional starting at 6:30 p.m. in the music room of the Parish Hall

New Future Music Suite

As SJB looks to the future, exciting new plans are being made for a new music suite. A simple concept is seen in the attached image.