Music Ministry

We offer combined music ministry programs for Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish. Thinking about joining one of our growing choirs or groups? Whatever musical gifts and talents God has blessed you with, please join us. YOU are most welcome!

Please contact Mr. Ted Rybka at trybka@mountcarmelpgh.org or call 412-367-9001 ext. 8514 for more information about any of the music programs listed.

Adult Choir
Calling all sopranos, altos, tenors, and basses! Since this is the main choral program of our parish, this eclectic chorale offers music in all styles. We sing each Sunday on a rotation at 8:00 am (Incarnation of the Lord), 9:00 am (St. Athanasius), 10:00 am (St. Sebastian), and 11:00 am (St. Teresa of Avila) as well as other liturgical celebrations and major feasts. Rehearsals are held on Monday evenings at 6:30 pm.

Cantors
Maybe you’ve had a little vocal or musical training? Or perhaps you’ve had some previous experience as a cantor, or even as a soloist? We are always looking for courageous “leaders of song” to help lead the congregation in prayerful song! Cantors can sign up for the Masses/locations they want, and may do so as often or as little as they like. Rehearsals are held on Tuesdays once per month at 6:30 pm.

Caritas Concert Series
Our Caritas Concert Series features numerous musicians, choirs, and performers in all musical styles (both sacred and secular) from the greater Pittsburgh area. Concerts are offered three or four times annually on Sunday afternoons at 3:00 pm. All concerts are free-will offering and open to the public. Why travel all the way downtown Pittsburgh for a concert or event? We bring music and the arts to you right here in the pew!

Good News Band
The Good News Band is a group of adult musicians and singers who provide music throughout the parish’s Lifted service.  Lifted consists of prayer, an inspirational talk/guest speaker, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament with Procession and Benediction. Good News Band is composed of three cantor/solo quality singers, keyboard, guitar, bass and drums.  The contemporary style exudes reverence and praise to help create a personally spiritual worship experience.  Lifted services are held on Tuesday evenings at 7:00 pm.

Gospel Mass Series
We offer Gospel Masses two or three times annually, featuring our Adult Choir and Instrumentalists leading the congregation in contemporary and gospel music and spirituals. Our Gospel Mass Series is a popular and lively choice of worship among many of our parishioners.

Handbell Choir
Don’t like to sing? Don’t play an instrument but want to learn how to make music or learn something different? Our Handbell Choir rings at Masses approximately every three weeks on a rotation. You only need to know how to identify the notes on the page (the most basic music reading skills), and know how to count to four in music. You will be taught everything else as you go. Rehearsals are held on Wednesday evenings at 7:00 pm.
 
Instrumentalists
Play the violin or the guitar or the flute? How about the drums or maybe brass? Thinking about dusting off that clarinet and getting back into the swing of things? We are always looking for more instrumentalists of all kinds to offer their gifts and talents on a regular or seasonal basis. Rehearsals are scheduled as needed.
 
Joyful Noise Ensemble
This ensemble consists of junior high and senior high singers and musicians (including instrumentalists) in Grades 6—12, and students from any school are welcome to participate. Service hours are also available. Rehearsals are scheduled as needed on Tuesdays at 4:30 pm, and Mass is scheduled every other month on a rotation or on special occasions.
 
Resurrection Choir
The Resurrection Choir ministers to grieving families at funerals. Anyone who is available weekdays or Saturdays is welcome to participate, and the participation schedule is extremely flexible. You do not sing any prior singing experience—only a desire to help lead the sung and spoken responses throughout the liturgy while ministering to the bereaved.
 
Spirit Band
Do you play the trumpet or trombone or tuba? How about the French horn? Perhaps the saxophone, or even the clarinet? The wonderful sextet ensemble plays for special occasions and weekend Masses on a rotation. This program requires the more “seasoned” musician with at least some experience. Rehearsals are held on Thursday evenings at 7:30 pm.