Music Ministry

We are very excited to offer a combined music ministry program for Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish. Thinking about joining one of our growing choirs or programs? Or maybe you play an instrument? Whatever musical gifts and talents God has blessed you with, please join us! YOU are most welcome! Please contact Mr. Ted Rybka at trybka@avilaparish.org or call 412-367-9001 ext. 514 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 grouping, this eclectic chorale offers music in all styles. We sing each Sunday on a rotation at 10:00 AM (St. Sebastian), 10:30 AM (St. Athanasius), or 11:00 AM (St. Teresa of Avila) as well as other liturgical celebrations and major feasts. Rehearsals are held on Thursday evenings at 7:15 PM in the music room at St. Teresa of Avila.

Contemporary Choir
We welcome all sopranos, altos, tenors and basses, as well as instrumentalists! The Contemporary Choir practices on Wednesday evenings from 7:00-9:00 PM in the music room at St. Teresa of Avila. We sing each Sunday on a rotation at 10:00 AM (St. Sebastian), 10:30 AM (St. Athanasius), or 11:00 AM (St. Teresa of Avila). The repertoire consists of music typically more contemporary in nature, with an emphasis on Worship and Praise selections. Ages 18 and over are welcome to join!

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—you decide! Rehearsals are scheduled as needed.

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 every other Thursday at 6:30 PM or every other Friday at 1:00 PM in the music room at St. Teresa of Avila.

Cherub Choir
The Cherub Choir is offered for all children in Grades 1-5, and students from any school are welcome to participate. Rehearsals are held on Thursdays from 4:30-5:30 PM twice per month in the music room at St. Teresa of Avila, and Mass is scheduled only once per month on a rotation at 10:00 AM (St. Sebastian), 10:30 AM (St. Athanasius), or 11:00 AM (St. Teresa of Avila).

Joyful Noise Ensemble
This ensemble consists of junior high & senior high singers and musicians (including instrumentalists) in Grades 6-12, and students from any school are welcome to participate. Service hours are also given to students who participate. Rehearsals are held on Thursdays from 4:30-5:45 PM twice per month in the music room at St. Teresa of Avila, and Mass is scheduled only once per month on a rotation at 10:00 AM (St. Sebastian), 10:30 AM (St. Athanasius), or 11:00 AM (St. Teresa of Avila).

Spirit Brass Band
Do you play a brass instrument? This small brass ensemble accompanies the adult choir for special occasions throughout the year, and plays Sunday Masses on a rotation approximately every three weeks at 10:00 AM (St. Sebastian), 10:30 AM (St. Athanasius), or 11:00 AM (St. Teresa of Avila). This program also has an outreach ministry to nursing homes and hospitals, and plays for the parish festival and other community events. This program requires the more “seasoned” musician with at least some experience. Rehearsals are held on Thursday evenings at 7:00 PM in the choir loft at St. Athanasius Church.

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 rotaton at 10:00 AM (St. Sebastian) or 11:00 AM (St. Teresa of Avila). 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 on Wednesday evenings at 7:00 PM in the narthex of St. Teresa of Avila Church.

Resurrection Choir
Calling all retirees, stay-at-home parents, and daily Mass attendees! The Resurrection Choir ministers to grieving families at funerals at St. Athanasius, Incarnation of the Lord, St. Sebastian, and St. Teresa of Avila Churches. Instead of sitting out in the pews at Mass, please consider coming forward to sit in the choir stalls and help lead the sung and spoken responses of the Mass. This program is considered an extension of the bereavement ministry of our parishes. Anyone who is available weekdays or Saturdays is strongly encouraged to participate, and the participation schedule is extremely flexible. You do not need any prior singing experience. We just need folks from the congregation to sit together and help lead the communal prayer, both the sung and spoken responses throughout the liturgy. Rehearsals are scheduled about four to six times per year on Wednesday mornings at 11:00 AM in each of the churches when needed.

Please join us—We have something for everyone!