Music Ministry
St. Elizabeth of Hungary parish offers a diverse array of music that equally reflects the diversity of the community. Faithfully servicing six weekend Masses, as well as Holy Days and other liturgical events, the music ministries of the parish cover an extensive range for our English, Spanish, and Creole parishioners, with a variety of traditional to contemporary settings among the three languages. Each of our choirs rehearses regularly on an evening during the week; no particular musical skill (such as reading music) is required, though some basic understanding of liturgical music and Catholic liturgy is encouraged.
The English Community
Traditional Choral
Our traditional choir sings primarily at our 9am Mass on Sunday mornings, and occasionally at the 4:30pm Saturday vigil, high feast days, and other seasonal occasions. The choir is under the direction of Ryan Rossi (the primary director of music for the parish), who accompanies the 4-part (SATB) arrangements on organ and piano. Musical selections range from chant, to seasonal octavos, as well as the standard Catholic hymns. They typically rehearse on Thursday evenings at 6:30pm in the main church.
Contemporary Choir
Our contemporary choir sings at the 10:30am Mass on Sunday mornings, as well as select communal Masses during liturgical seasons. Music is lively and energetic, reflecting a more contemporary style on both traditional and modern hymns. Directed by Tony Rao, and co-directed by Ryan Rossi, 4-part (SATB) is offered, and instrumental accompaniment includes piano, organ, drums, guitar, bass, and woodwind. Rehearsals are seasonal.
The Spanish Community
The Spanish Choir
There is one choir for the Spanish Mass offered every Saturday at 6:30pm. Director Ryan Rossi accompanies traditional Spanish hymns on the piano and organ, with a large Spanish choir that sings primarily from the Flor Y Canto repertoire. Occasionally, there are visiting musicians that offer guitar and percussion. For now, rehearsals are immediately before the Mass, beginning at 5:45pm in the main church. We are actively looking to add instruments consistently to this group.
El Coro Español
Hay un coro para la misa en español que se celebra todos los sábados a las 6:30 p. m. El director Ryan Rossi acompaña los himnos tradicionales españoles al piano y al órgano, con un gran coro español que canta principalmente del repertorio de Flor Y Canto. Ocasionalmente, hay músicos invitados que tocan la guitarra y la percusión. Por ahora, los ensayos son inmediatamente antes de la misa, comenzando a las 5:45 p. m. en la iglesia principal. Estamos buscando activamente añadir instrumentos de forma constante a este grupo.
The Creole Community
The Creole Choir(s)
There are a variety of Creole choirs at the parish that service the two Creole Sunday Masses, each offering spirited arrangements reflective of the community on a rotational basis. The 7am Sunday Mass alternates between the Assoiffes de L’Esprit Saint and Family Singers choirs; the Noon Mass alternates between the St. Joseph and Unity Choirs. At the Noon Mass on every 5th Sunday, the K.W.A.M. (Kids With A Mission) choir sings.
Koral Kreyòl yo
Gen plizyè kor kreyòl nan pawas la ki sèvi de mès kreyòl dimanch yo, chak youn ofri aranjman vivan ki reflete kominote a sou yon baz wotasyon. Mès dimanch a 7è nan maten an altène ant kor Assoiffes de L'Esprit Saint ak Family Singers; mès midi a altène ant kor St. Joseph ak kor Unity. Nan mès midi chak senkyèm dimanch, kor K.W.A.M. (Kids With A Mission) chante.
If you are interested in joining one of our music ministries, you are welcome to speak with any of our members/leaders following our Masses, or contact our primary Director of Music, Ryan Rossi via email: ryan.rossi24@gmail.com.
We look forward to lifting up our voices together in prayer each and every week!
