Sacred Music
"The primary role of music in the Liturgy is to help the members of the gathered assembly to join themselves with the action of Christ and to give voice to the gift of faith." This statement by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) in the document Sing to the Lord: Music in Divine Worship expresses the ultimate goal of every St. John the Apostle music ministry ensemble. Adults who work with children and youth in the music ministry are trained, certified, and registered with “Virtus, Protecting God’s Children” of the Diocese of Richmond.
St. John’s Choir
The St. John’s Choir sings a very diverse repertory in the standard SATB format, covering all periods and styles, but focusing on the more traditional sources of music associated with and growing out of the Roman Catholic liturgical music heritage. The age of its members ranges from high school to retirement. The ability to read music is always a plus, but not required. The choir rehearses Wednesdays from 7-9 pm in the church and sings for the 11 am Sunday Mass.
Youth Choir
The Youth Choir sings a diverse array of music in unison and two-part format, covering all periods and styles, but focusing on the more contemporary sources of music associated with and growing out of the Roman Catholic liturgical music heritage. The ability to read music is always a plus, but not required. The choir rehearses Mondays from 7-8:15 pm in the church and sings every Saturday at the 5 pm Mass.
Church Children’s Choir
The Church Children's Choir sings a diverse repertory in unison and two-part format. Though their repertory is suited to grade school children, all styles of music are included. Membership age ranges second through eighth grades. Our Church Children’s Choir sings every month at the 9:15 am Sunday Mass. The choir rehearses the Wednesday before their scheduled Mass at 7 pm in the church.
School Children’s Choir
The School Children's Choir sings a diverse repertory in one, two and three-part format and covers all styles and periods of music associated with and growing out of the Roman Catholic musical heritage. Membership in this ensemble is restricted to students enrolled in St. John the Apostle Catholic School. The ability to read music is always helpful, but not required. The School Choir sings at the School Mass on Wednesday mornings at 8 am. Rehearsals are Tuesdays after school at 3 pm in the church.
Instrumentalists
The Instrumentalist ensemble admits instrumentalist of every kind. Members study, practice and perform instrumental accompaniments for all styles and from all epochs deemed appropriate for use in Roman Catholic liturgies.
Schola
The Gregorian Chant Schola (men) sings only in Latin and music only from the Gregorian Missal (official source of Gregorian Chant for use in current Catholic liturgy). The ability to read music is helpful, but not required.
Contact Information:
Brandon D. Spence, D.M.A
Director of Music
St. John the Apostle Catholic Church
1968 Sandbridge Rd
Virginia Beach, VA 23456
bspence@sjavb.org