St. John Music Ministry

The St. John Music Ministry is alive and thriving thanks to dedicated people with the love of God and music in their hearts!  We invite you to get involved and share the gifts that were given to you by our Lord and Savior.  There are many different ways you can get involved.  Call our Music Director, Ellen Soukup at 467-3123.

Organist/Pianist…There are several masses each weekend that are available to accompanists.  Each will work with a cantor (song leader).  Most work with one specific cantor and find the method of practice  that best suits both of the people involved.  The accompanist and cantor often choose their music selections with music liturgy guides although other suggestions are available.  The schedule is done on a 3-month basis and allows much flexibility.  The music director coordinates the schedule.

Cantor (song leader)…See above organist/pianist category.

Choirs…There are five choirs that are available.

• Praise Choir…This is a large adult choir that sings at the 9:00am masses from October to May.  They practice on Thursday evenings and primarily sing traditional music although they do sing some gospel and contemporary selections.  Written two to four part harmony choral pieces are used so knowledge of reading music is preferred but not completely necessary.  They are accompanied primarily by organ. Contact:  John Schomerus  465-8338

• Celebration Choir…This is a small adult choir that sings primarily at the 10:30am mass year around.  They usually sing contemporary and gospel music and they do sing some traditional music.  Most of the music sung by this group is not available in written harmonies so the group sings parts by ear and improvises a lot.  Some written harmonies are utilized.  They are accompanied by piano. Contact:  Ellen Soukup  467-3123

• Guitar Choir…This is a small group of adults that utilize a variety of music which is primarily contemporary.  They play several guitars and a bass guitar and have a varying number of singers.  Their schedule is coordinated by the music director. Contact:  Phil Ruhlman  467-0800

• Teen Choir…This is a growing group of teens that sing at the 5:30pm mass on Sunday (usually the 3^rd Sunday of the month) They primarily sing contemporary music and are accompanied by piano and guitar.  A strong desire to sing is all that is necessary. Contact:  Ellen Soukup  467-3123

• Children’s Choir…This is a group of young singers that practice right after school in the St. John School Music Room.  (call for dates and times)  They will sing several times during the school year at the 10:30 mass and some years at the 5:30pm Christmas Eve mass. Contact:  Stan Raetz  488-1944