Music Ministries

Music ministry is an integral part of the liturgy in which the assembly is invited to pray, evangelize, and draw closer to God and His church.  Whether your talent is in singing or playing an instrument, all are welcome and invited to lead the assembly in sung prayer!  All music ministers are asked to commit to music formation sessions; specific time commitments and schedules vary with each ensemble and/or ministry and are scheduled through the Director of Music for each Mass. To volunteer for a ministry, fill out a Time and Talent form here.

MUSIC NEWS…..
The Saturday Ensemble is looking for singers and instrumentalists (guitar, bass, percussion, flute) who are interested in singing or playing with a fun group that ministers through a diverse selection of liturgical music.
A new chamber choir will be soon forming at St. John Neumann. This ensemble will provide music for liturgy and also in performance. If you are interested in singing choral octavos of the Renaissance, Classical, and modern periods, and learning more about the rich tradition of Catholic liturgical music, come join us!
Call or see Chris Albanese for details on either group.

INTRODUCING OUR NEW DIRECTOR OF MUSIC…Chris Albanese
Let me start by saying hello and letting you know how wonderful it truly is to serve and become part of your community, and the greater Church as your Director of Music. This parish is truly blessed to have an abundance of gifts within its music ministry program. I was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio. I just recently graduated from the University of Dayton in May with a double major in Music Education and Music Performance (voice), and with a minor in Religious Studies. My musical background is fairly diverse. As a classically trained singer, I have performed leading and chorus roles in musical theater, oratorio, and opera on the collegiate and professional stage here and abroad. I am also a jazz saxophonist, formerly of the Dayton Jazz Ensemble and Combo. I spent several years in a band, playing keyboards, saxophone, and as the lead singer. I still remain active as a song writer, and a composer of choral, sacred, jazz, and other types of music. My true passion comes from conducting and spending my creative gifts working with and teaching people. Before coming here, I held the position of Director of Music for the 9 p.m. liturgy at University of Dayton. I also held the position of Director of Music at St. Agnes Parish in Dayton, and as an Assistant Director of Music in a Methodist Church. I hope eventually to pursue
advanced degrees in choral conducting and remain active in this field. It is my mission as your new Director of Music to empower this community into a deeper understanding and actualization of your role within the Body of Christ. In Eucharist we become who we are: members of His body, broken yet shared for the well being of all. Music in liturgy serves this purpose of deepening a human understanding of Christ’s Paschal Mystery, as we ritually recreate it. I am so
happy to be in your presence as we share all of our joys, burdens, and voices together.

Cantor
The role of the Cantor is to lead the parish community in song at Mass as a solo voice. Requirements are a clear, pleasant voice, a willingness to serve, time for planning and rehearsals, and a commitment to your scheduled service which varies weekly. Auditions are required.

Accompanists
Leading the congregation in song by playing the piano, keyboard, organ, or guitar is the primary role of the accompanist at Mass. Solo proficiency on these instruments and an audition is required. Commitment: Serve as scheduled, with regular rehearsals.

Instrumentalists
Instrumentalists work with various music groups to add depth to their accompaniment. Choose the group that suits your musical style. An audition is required. Commitment: Serve as scheduled, with regular rehearsals.

Neumann Echo
Students entering second through fifth grades are invited to join the Neumann Echo and learn about music ministry through singing.  This fun and exciting junior ensemble leads the music at the 10:30 a.m. Family Center Mass about once a month  and at special Religious Education events from September through May. Rehearsals are on Wednesday afternoons from 5:40-6:40 p.m.

Neumann Sound
Come join the all-new Neumann Sound, a contemporary music ensemble for teens and pre-teens only!  Singers and instrumentalists entering sixth grade through high school are invited to join this group that provides the music bi-weekly at the 12:00 noon Mass.  Rehearsals are held weekly, and there’s no experience required to come and sing!

P.R.A.I.S.E. Choir
This fun and faith-filled group is an SATB choir whose style ranges from classical to gospel and everything in between. Commitment: Rehearse weekly on Wednesday evenings and minister 3 times each month at the 10:30 a.m. Mass and as needed throughout the year.

Contemporary Ensemble
This ensemble is a mix of vocalists and instrumentalists, and focuses on an upbeat, contemporary music style. Commitment: Rehearse weekly on Monday evenings and minister at the 9:00 a.m. Mass twice a month and as needed throughout the year.

NeuMann Band
This group of musicians supports the people's sung prayer with drums, bass, guitar, keyboard, flute, sax, and vocals. Their music is upbeat, very contemporary, and often times original. Commitment: Rehearse weekly and minister twice a month at the 9:00 a.m. Mass and as needed.

Saturday Ensemble
As an ensemble designed for those who wish to sing on Saturday liturgies, the Saturday Ensemble rehearses weekly on Tuesday evenings and leads the sung prayer at the Saturday 5:15 p.m. liturgy every other weekend and as needed.

Special Music Ensembles
From time to time throughout the liturgical year there will be opportunities to sing for special events such as Christmas, Triduum, Easter, and Confirmation (just to name a few).  Rehearsal schedules and contact information will be printed in the bulletin in advance and members may join for any or all of these events.  This group is designed for all of the existing music ministers and those that may not wish to have the weekly commitment but would still love to give of their talents in music ministry.  

Sound Technician
Assist the music ministry of the parish by learning the sound system and operating the sound board as needed.

Video Recording Technician
Use our in-house video equipment to record liturgies and/or to operate cameras for video replay to the chapel. Commitment: Five to ten Masses per year.