St. John the Apostle Catholic Parish

Virginia Beach, VA

Music Ministry

"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.

- Dr. Richard Rossi
  
  Director of Music
  
  rrossisjavb.org
Links
- Church Children's Choir of Angel's Registration Form

- Liturgical Music Schedule Cycle A
- Latin Responses Primarily used during Easter and Christmas seasons
- Latin Pronunciation Guide A guide to assist with Latin responses
- Church Children's Choir of Angels
  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.
  
  Director: Dr. Richard Rossi | 757.426.2180 | [email protected]
  
  Goals & Purpose: To allow children the opportunity to polish their talent as singers and/or musicians; to learn to work together as a group; to learn musical principles; to apply their talents to public performance; to learn the finer points of the Mass; and to make friends and have fun.
  Membership age ranges grades 3rd through 8th.
  
  Responsibilities: To sing on the 3^rd Sunday of each month at the 9:15am Sunday Mass.
  
  Commitment: Attend choir rehearsals from 6:00-6:50pm on the first TWO Wednesdays before their scheduled Mass.
  
  Church Children's Choir of Angels Registration form
- Instrumentalists
  Instrumentalists: St. John the Apostle Parish welcomes well-trained instrumentalists to share their talents to enrich the liturgy for special services. In addition to playing instrumental solos, there are also opportunities to accompany the choir on special occasions or as needed.
  
  Commitment: Attend practice and services as scheduled
  
  If interested: please email our music director, Dr. Richard R. Rossi, and submit a brief narrative of your credentials including a resume, if possible, and how you would like to serve the music ministry at St. John the Apostle. Dr. Rossi email: [email protected]
- St. John's Adult 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.
  
  Director: Dr. Richard Rossi | 757.426.2180 | [email protected]
  
  Goals & Purpose: To provide a wonderful opportunity for parishioners to find their inner voice, to sing in parts and expand their musical and liturgical knowledge and abilities. The choir is one of mixed voices (soprano, alto, tenor, and bass) and is a celebration through choral harmony.
  
  Helpful Attributes: The ability to read music is helpful, but not required.
  
  Commitment: Attend choir rehearsals on Wednesdays from 7:00 - 9:00pm in the church, and sing at the 11:00am Sunday Mass and Holy Day liturgies. Commitment/dedication to rehearsals/performances are required.
- School Liturgy Choir
  The School Liturury 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. Members are also welcome to participate in the Church Children’s Choir.
  
  Director: Dr. Richard Rossi | 757.426.2180 | [email protected]
  
  Goals & Purpose: To allow children in grades three - eight the opportunity to polish their talent as singers; to learn to work together as a group; to learn musical principles; to apply their talents to public performance; to learn the finer points of the Mass; and to make friends and have fun.
  
  Responsibilities: Those interested should sign up during the first week of the academic year. The choir sings at the school Mass on Wednesday mornings. To attend rehearsal on Tuesdays after school from 2:45 to 3:30 p.m. in the church.
- 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).
  
  Director: Dr. Richard Rossi | 757.426.2180 | [email protected]
  
  Goals & Purpose: To learn, sing and pray the official music of the Roman Catholic Church at its official liturgies.
  
  Helpful Attributes: Ability and desire to sing chant. Responsibilities: One hour weekly rehearsal. Performance primarily at 11:00am on the Sundays of the Easter and Christmas seasons.
  
  Commitment: Weekly rehearsal and weekly Mass during appropriate seasons.
  
  Meeting Schedule: Thursdays at 7:00pm.