St. Peter Catholic Church

MUSIC MINISTRY

Jane Scharding Smedley
Organist-Choirmaster

Organist-Choirmaster since 1980, Jane oversees the musical and liturgical life of the parish. Contact her about participating in any area of music ministry. She assists couples in planning their wedding liturgy and advises in the preparation of funerals. She trains and coordinates volunteer Docents to serve as Greeters and to give tours of our historical church upon request.

Jane holds both Bachelor and Master degrees in Sacred Music, and the Colleague and Choirmaster certificates from the American Guild of Organists. A former Board member of the National Association of Pastoral Musicians, she serves as their regional liaison.

For more information, contact Jane Scharding Smedley at: (901) 527-8282, ext.15
or email mrsjane@bellsouth.net

Saint Peter Choir: The Choir welcomes singers (aged 14 and older) to assist at the 11:00 AM Sunday Mass, September through June. Rehearsals take place on Thursdays (7:30-8:45 PM). The ability to read music is helpful but not necessary. Repertoire is chosen from the rich treasury of sacred music spanning the centuries, chant to contemporary. Singers unable to make a long-term commitment may join the “Christmas Choir” during December and sing for Midnight Mass

Saint Peter Cantors: These singers assist the Congregation’s song at each liturgy, adding solo repertoire upon occasion. Cantors should have a clear, pleasant voice and possess basic music-reading skills. A strong sense of commitment is essential. Individual rehearsals are scheduled throughout the year. See side bar >>

Saint Peter Children’s Choir: Young singers, ages 4 to 10, are invited to sing for the Christmas Eve Family Mass. Rehearsals take place on the Sundays in December, following 11 AM Mass.

Saint Cecilia Ringers and Singers: Our two-octave set of handbells are played by the parish Youth at Christmas and other times. Some ability to read music is useful. To become a member of our bell “team”, contact Lisa Thompson, director, at: memphislthompson@hotmail.com

Teen girls who enjoy singing join Saint Cecilia Singers and offer special music at Christmas.

Adult Bellringers: See side bar >>

Instrumentalists: If you play an instrument and wish to share your talent with our parish, please contact Jane. There is always a need for pianists to accompany our children’s song during their Liturgy of the Word.

Our Pipe Organs and Piano: Our parish possesses three fine keyboard instruments:

The Sanctuary organ of 34 ranks was built in 1923 by the French-Canadian firm of Casavant Freres, and was restored by the same company in 1989. Considered one of the premiere recital instruments of the area, it is frequently heard in concerts given by guest artists.

A 4 rank portative organ built by Dennis Milnar is found in our Saint Martin de Porres Shrine Chapel. It was donated by the Gammill Family in 2003.

The 6-foot Boston grand piano in our Parish Hall was donated by Barbara and Bryan Simmons in memory of his mother, Lorraine Simmons.

Liturgical Ministry: For information on serving as a Lector, Eucharistic Minister, Usher, Gift Bearer, Server, or Greeter - contact Brenda Pryor or Jane at the Parish Office: (901) 527-8282.

For information on our parish Liturgy Committee, contact the Chair: Suzy Sullivan at: suzysullivan@webtv.net.

SAINT PETER CANTORS:
If you have a pleasant voice, a sense of commitment, and basic music-reading skills, you are needed NOW to help lead musical prayer at our 5:00 pm and 8:30 am Masses.

Training sessions for new Cantors are scheduled upon request

For more information, contact Jane Scharding Smedley:
901-527-8282, ext. 15

mrsjane@bellsouth.net

LITURGICAL SCHEDULE: