Music Ministry Information
The Music Ministry at All Saints Church is a vibrant, volunteer-centered program that serves the parish community in all aspects of liturgical life. The choral and handbell choirs maintain an active rehearsal and liturgy schedule, which seeks to provide music of the highest possible quality for our parish liturgies. The Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy reminds us that “The musical tradition of the universal Church is a treasure of inestimable value, greater even than that of any other art. The main reason for this pre-eminence is that, as sacred song united to the words, it forms a necessary or integral part of the solemn liturgy” (CSL, 112). The liturgy is, in turn, at the heart of our Catholic Faith. The members of our music ministry participate in the program in service to the parish through the spirit of Christian Stewardship: Time, Talent and Treasure. The following list contains information about each of our parish choirs and ensembles and contact information for the corresponding directors.
Parish Choir In addition to 10:30 Mass each Sunday, the Parish Choir sings for Christmas Midnight Mass and the Great Easter Vigil as well as for other feast days and special liturgies. The Choir’s repertoire covers the entire range of traditional Catholic liturgical music. At this time, we are in particularly in need of women’s voice parts (soprano and alto). Contact director Bill Atwood at (703) 393-2146 or watwood@allsaintsva.org. Rehearsals are Thursday evenings from 7:30-9:30 p.m.
Contemporary Choir The Contemporary Choir sings at the Saturday 5:30 p.m. Mass and rehearses Wednesdays at 7:30-9:00 p.m. Directed by Nancy Bennett, the Choir offers a flair-filled mix of contemporary Catholic styles. Call Nancy at (703) 631-3756 for more information.
Young People’s Choir Directed by Nichole Dalusung, the Young People’s Choir practices Tuesday from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and sings for the 9:00 a.m. Mass each Sunday from September to June. Children in grades 4-8 from all schools as well as home-schooled are invited. For information on joining, please contact Nichole Dalusung at (571) 275-4701 or ndalusung@allsaintsva.org.
The Spanish Choirs The two Spanish Choirs cordially invite all men and women who like to sing in Spanish or can play appropriate instruments. Please come to any Sunday 1:30 p.m. or 7:00 p.m. Mass and introduce yourself.
Life Teen Choir The Life Teen Music group provides a mix of contemporary Christian worshipsongs and traditional Catholic liturgical music at the Sunday 5:30 p.m. Life Teen Mass during the youth group year. The music group practices at 4:30 p.m. in the Church before Mass. Needed: instrumentalists and singers with strong music reading skills or experience with worship music. Those interested of high school age and above are welcome to join! Please call Nichole Dalusung (571) 275-4701 or email ndalusung@allsaintsva.org.
Handbell Choir: Resounding Joy Adults or middle/high school students interested in this unique way of praising God and adding a special touch to our liturgies, please contact Kathryn Moore at (703) 257-0165. Ringers should be able to read music or have previous experience with bells or in a singing choir. Rehearsals are held on Wednesday evenings and the choir plays once a month at Mass and on special occasions.
Cantors Parish cantors are selected through a process of audition and interview with the Director of Music. Because this is a specialized ministry, music reading and voice training are highly recommended. For further information or to schedule an audition, please contact Bill Atwood at (703) 393-2146 or watwood@allsaintsva.org.
Buy-a-Bell Campaign The All Saints Handbell Choir cordially invites you to participate in our ongoing Buy-a-Bell Campaign. This is your opportunity to share in supporting the church community by sponsoring one of the bells used by the handbell choirs. Bells come in various sizes and price ranges. Please call Kathryn Moore at (703) 257-0165 for further information.
