Music Ministry

This choir introduces young singers to proper singing technique, to the joys of group singing, to basic music theory concepts and lays the foundation for dedicated parish ministry. The choir sings once a month at the 11:00 Mass, generally with one or more older choirs.

Choir Leaders: Julianna Perkowski & Marysa Gonzalez

The girls in this choir refine their singing technique, using repertoire spanning the centuries from Gregorian chant through music newly-composed for them. The choir sings twice a month at the 11:00 Mass, usually with the Saint Gregory Choir. The girls’ and boys’ choirs are associated with Pueri Cantores, an international Catholic children’s choir organization.

Choir Leaders: Grace Peiffer & Tommy McKee

Following in a long tradition of boys’ choirs in the Church, these young singers work on developing good vocal technique. Repertoire includes chant and traditional boys’ music, as well as music of modern composers.

The choir sings twice a month at the 11:00 Mass. The girls’ and boys’ choirs are associated with Pueri Cantores, an international Catholic children’s choir organization.

Choir Leaders: Grace Peiffer & Tommy McKee

Named for Saint Dominic Savio, a student of Saint John Bosco and the Patron Saint of choir boys, this group allows boys in grade 8 or younger to continue to sing choral music as their voices change and mature. Particular care is given to choosing music that fits the narrow and lowering range of the cambiata (“changing”) singer. The group sings with the Saint Gregory Choir and occasionally on their own. 

Choir Leaders: Grace Peiffer & Tommy McKee

This chorale is made up of a group of dedicated high school singers whose ministry is to provide music for the Wednesday evening Mass (7:00 pm). Their repertoire ranges from unison Latin chants through full mixed-voice motets. The choir also joins the youth choirs or the adult choirs for special liturgies. 

Choir Leaders: Grace Peiffer & Tommy McKee

The Cappella Musica is the primary adult choir in the parish. They sing a variety of music, including Gregorian chant, Renaissance polyphony, Baroque and Classical chorales, Romantic era motets and music of today. The choir sings once a month at 11:00 Mass and at the primary liturgies of the liturgical year, including Holy Week. 

Choir Leader: Bill Mercier & Tommy McKee

This select ensemble specializes in Gregorian chant and Renaissance polyphony. The choir sings once a month at 11:00 Mass and for special liturgies throughout the year.

Schola Leader: Gary Penkala

This select high school/college ensemble sings occasionally.

Schola Leader: Tommy McKee

This choir performs a valuable service by helping the congregation to sing at funerals and also by presenting some appropriate choral literature in various styles.

Choir Leader: Tommy McKee

Warm-up rehearsals: 30 minutes prior to a funeral 

This auditioned youth schola provides music for Baptisms at Saint James Church and rehearses for specific events, like Carnevale, Olde Time Christmas (Harpers Ferry) and the Saint Lawrence Dinner.

Choir Leader: Madeline Tester & Grace Peiffer

Rehearsals: Extended rehearsals are scheduled prior to each event 

This group rings our set of English handbells and handchimes at the 5:00 pm (Saturday) Anticipated Mass. Members should have a comfortable knowledge of music reading.

Choir Leader: Jacob Perkowski

El equipo de música pastoral que ofrezcan sus talentos a la comunidad hispana aquí, esta encargada con la responsabilidad planear la liturgia con el sacerdote y elegir los cantos y respuestas apropiadas al tema del

día y la estación litúrgica.

Lidere: Jaime Romero 571-345-8005

The St. Zelie choir was initially intended for mothers of small children, but is open to any woman who is unable to commit to a more in-

depth choir. Practice is largely on your own, with 1-2 rehearsals before a performance. This choir sings only a few times per year.

Choir Leader: Grace Peiffer

Organists perform a vital role in Roman Catholic Church music, both in accompa-

nying the congregation on antiphons, hymns and responses, and in presenting solo

music from the vast repertoire for the instrument. Organists interested in helping

at the parish should contact Tommy McKee.

It is the cantor’s primary role to sing the Responsorial Psalm at Mass, but also to

lead the congregation in other responsorial music and to assist, if necessary, with

hymns. Singers with a clear voice who wish to serve in this ministry should contact

Tommy McKee to set up a meeting.

We are always looking for instrumentalists to enhance music at our liturgies. If you play an instrument well, be sure your name is on file with the Music Department -- we’ll contact you as needs arise.