Liturgical Accompanists
Liturgical accompanists play instruments that can accommodate both rhythm and full chordal harmonies in support of the ensemble and congregational song. They hone their skills on their instrument, accompanying a soloist and ensemble, developing a sense of ritual timing, following a conductor, and even directing an ensemble from their instrument.
Parish Community Ensembles, Holy Days, and University Liturgies
The Saturday 5pm Ensemble, Sunday 10:30am Ensemble, and ensembles for liturgical feasts and university liturgies have volunteer accompanists.
Sunday 8:00am Mass
Instrumentalists can serve on a rotation at this Mass. They accompany the processional moments of the liturgy (entrance, offertory, communion, and closing) with instrumental music. A cantor leads the Psalm, antiphons, and Mass parts a cappella. If an accompaniment instrument and solo instrument are playing together, they communicate about rehearsal ahead of time.
Student-only Ensembles
Pathways Ensemble, EvenSong Ensemble, Candlelight Choir, and The Common Well have student Principal Accompanists. All three ensembles are open to new student pianists to audition and begin learning the repertoire for the Principal Accompanist position!
Funerals
Accompanists minister to grieving communities by leading the congregation in sung prayer and bringing beauty and solemnity to funeral liturgies. Most funerals at St. John’s include music from a cantor and accompanist alone. The Music Director will contact trained accompanists as needed after the funeral planning meeting with the family. Funeral accompanists are professional and receive a stipend.
Weddings
Accompanists support the couple’s gathered community in celebration at wedding liturgies. Their contact information is listed on the St. John’s page of available musicians for weddings, and couples contact them directly. Wedding accompanists are professional as they communicate with couples and other musicians hired by the couple. They receive a stipend. The Director of Music Ministry is available to help couples and musicians plan the music for wedding liturgies.
