Music Ministry

Please join us for our Centennial Organ Recital on Friday, June 28, 2024 at 7 p.m. The recital will feature Dr. Patrick A. Scott, with reception following. Music will include selections that were written by composers who were alive 100 years ago including Howells, Tournemire, Stanford, among others.

Patrick A. Scott is Director of Music & Organist at Grace-St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Memphis and serves as the Artistic Director for the Memphis Boy & Girl Choir. A native of Mississippi, he holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Organ Performance from Birmingham-Southern College where he studied with Dr. James Cook. As a student of Drs. Judith and Gerre Hancock, Patrick earned a Master of Music in Organ Performance & Sacred Music and a Doctor of Musical Arts in Organ Performance, both from the University of Texas at Austin. Dr. Scott is recognized as one of the prominent organists of his generation having won both the first prize and the audience prize in the American Guild of Organists’ National Competition in Organ Improvisation held at the AGO National Convention in Boston in 2014.

Recital Flyer
 

The Choir welcomes singers (aged 14 and older) to assist at the 11:00 AM Sunday Mass, September through June. 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 “Christmas Choir” during December and sing for Midnight Mass or “Easter Choir” and assist with our Holy Week Liturgies.

These singers assist the Congregation’s song, leading the Psalm and 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 as needed. Training sessions for those new to this ministry are offered upon request. If you like to sing and have a desire to lead musical prayer – consider the ministry of Cantor.

Contact Jane Scharding Smedley about any role of Music Ministry or involvement in our Liturgies ([email protected])

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

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.

Our two-octave set of handbells are waiting for willing ringers! Some ability to read music is useful. Come be a member of our bell “team”

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. It supports musical prayer during parish liturgies, including weddings and funerals. Considered one of the premiere recital instruments of the area, it is frequently heard in concerts by guest artists.

In St. Martin de Porres Shrine Chapel is a 4-rank portative organ built by Dennis Milnar. It was donated by the Gammill Family in 2003.

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

A newly-restored Kimball piano in the Parish Hall was dedicated in January 2015 in memory of Brother Vincent Malham, FSC. The late president of Christian Brothers University was a concert pianist who frequently worshipped at our parish before his untimely death. Br. Joel McGraw, FSC, offered a short recital and was joined by other musicians from the Christian Brothers community.