A Send-Off Fit for a King

Rick Wilkinson, our bass-baritone, 7:15 a.m. organist and bell ringer on demand is moving on to the role of Music Ministry Director at Our Lady of the Valley. The choir honored his countless contributions to St. Mel (which included the role of King Melchior in the 2008 production of Amahl and the Night Visitors) at an impromptu lunch on Sept. 13 after the 11 a.m. mass. Despite the short notice, there was no shortage of food, chatter, laughter and good wishes.

Online Library

Hector Hizon has set up a wonderful site that you can go to to listen to recordings of our music and get copies of the scores. Francesco will be adding to the site as we go along. Thanks Hector!

www.stmelchoir.com

Choral Singing Enjoying a Boom

According to a recent survey from Chorus America, more than 32 million American adults now sing in choruses. Listen to Charles Osgood on the CBS Radio Network as he talks about this boom in our nation.

http://tinyurl.com/m7sof7

Rehearsals Resume

Rehearsals will begin Thursday AFTER Labor Day (Sept. 10)
6 p.m. - Bell Choir
7:30 p.m. - Parish Choir

Francesco's Notes - Choir Trip to Rome

We asked Francesco to share his overall impressions on the choir's trip to Rome.

Q: How was the trip to Rome for the ICMF?
Francesco: Laura Gantenbein, Leslie Kearns, Emily Ormond, Tyleese Potter, Claire Raft, Precy Seraspi, Audrey Vasquez, and I had an amazing trip to Rome. We sang for, and had an audience with, the Pope, a concert at the Pantheon, and our big gala concert at St. Paul Outside-the-Walls Basilica. The tours, concerts and fellowship were all truly incredible. This was the best choir tour I have ever taken!

Q: Are there plans to share the Roman experience with the St. Mel community?
Francesco: On Saturday, November 21st, at 7:30pm, we are preparing to show video clips and photos of our time there while we sing the beautiful music of Puccini. Come celebrate the Feast of St. Cecilia with us and enjoy some fabulous music.