"The singing of hymns and psalms are so useful for inducing a devotional frame of mind and inflaming the strength of love to God."
- Saint Augustine, Letter 55, ch. 18
All Villanova students (including first-year, new, graduate and law students) are welcome to join. The first rehearsal of the fall semester is an organizational rehearsal. Our Leadership Board recruits new members at the August Activities Fair, and our open enrollment period runs from the beginning of school through Fall break.
Vocalists
Tenors, Bases, Sopranos, Altos (in that order) are always needed. To achieve the proper voice balance, we need two new male recruits for every one female recruit!
Previous choral experience is very helpful, but not required. While we do not require the ability to sight read, our demanding and frequently changing repertoire makes it a highly desirable skill. Section leaders are available to help new members, with little prior choral experience, learn voice parts and sight reading.
Additional Opportunities
At Mass, the group’s cantors lead the congregation in song, and psalmists proclaim the responsorial psalm during the Liturgy of the Word.
A third opportunity is Select Ensemble. This SSAATTBB a capella group is devoted to sacred works from the 16th century to the present. Participation in the ensemble requires an additional rehearsal from 9:00–10:30 PM on most Tuesdays.
Participation in any or all of these additional opportunities is determined by separate application and listening session.
Instrumentalists
Intermediate level skills are a must. Successful members should be able to sight read fairly well, and possibly transpose concert C music into the instrument's key. Instrument lessons are generally not provided.
Currently our group includes:
- Flute
- Clarinet
- Trumpet
- Violin, Viola
- Piano, Organ
- Percussion
Additional Opportunities
Students who have intermediate/advanced piano/keyboard skills are needed to assist with whole group rehearsals, sectionals, and ensemble leadership at the 8pm and 10pm Sunday Masses. If you sight read well, have prior choral/instrumental accompaniment experience, these positions are certainly for you.
Students with advanced piano training will be offered the opportunity to transfer their gifts to the pipe organ. For further information, contact Don Giannella, director.
For More Information
Any member of our student leadership team will be happy to talk with you about joining our group, or you can email Don Giannella directly.
