What's happening with the Music Ministry?

We are taking a new approach to music at Mass. Three scholas will be formed for each of the three Sunday Masses (Saturday 5 pm, Sunday 9 am, and Sunday 11 am) under the musical direction of three capable leaders. All schola members, including their leaders and accompanists, will be auditioned. You do not have to be "professional" to audition. If music is a fruitful part of your life and you are a strong team player, we would like to hear from you.

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What is a schola?

In this context, a “schola” is a small ensemble of strong singers and instrumentalists who sing or play collaboratively in multi-part harmony. We will no longer have Masses led by a single cantor or a congregational choir, except in special circumstances. Members of the schola will be required to commit to music rehearsals on a regular basis:

• Saturday 5pm Mass (Rehearsals on Saturdays at 4pm-4:45pm)

• Sunday 9am Mass (Time of rehearsal TBD)

• Sunday 11am Mass (Time of rehearsal TBD)

 

Why are we changing the way we do things in the Music Ministry?

These changes are directly connected to mission of the Church, which is to "Go and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28: 19-20). Two Parish Pastoral Councils have prayerfully discerned and recommended that Holy Name of Jesus Parish move forward boldly in our vision to become an apostolic hub. One of the ways we will do this is by focusing on how we celebrate Sunday Mass and strengthening all aspects of our celebration of the Eucharist.

 

What will the audition be like?

• There will be a small audition panel of 2 to 3 jurors appointed by the pastor.

• You will be asked to sing (or play) some musical exercises (such as scales or arpeggios), to assess your voice type & range.

• You will be asked to sing (or play) 1 verse & 1 refrain of a hymn of your choice from a list of selections. (We will provide you with the list when we confirm your audition time so that you can prepare.)

• Then you will be asked to sing (or play) a short excerpt of music that you have not seen or heard before.

• The whole process will take about 15 minutes.

 

When will I hear back?

The audition results will be posted on the parish website: www.holynameparish.ca/music no later than February 3, 2026.

 

When does the schola start?

The scholas will begin rehearsals the week of February 2-8, 2026. The first Sunday Mass with the new scholas will be the weekend of February 21/22 (the 1st Sunday in Lent).

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What if I like singing but I don't become part of the scholas at Mass?

We invite you to embrace the parish mission by forming a choir that will further our vision to become an apostolic hub. This choir will serve as a community-building ministry that hosts seasonal sing-along events in the parish and brings music as outreach to our neighbours in Honoria Conway, Youville, the new facility next to the Pastoral Centre, and the Opal Residence. We will provide resources for the choir, such as accompanists, song sheets, and rehearsal space, if a leader comes forward.

 

I am interested, but I'd like some more information.

Questions? Please contact Director of Music, Kristin Fung: kristin@holynameparish.ca or 604-261-9393 ext 6.

 

If you feel God is calling you to serve in the music ministry,

we invite you to sign up for an audition time below!