Catholic Music Ministry

University Chapel Choir

The Georgetown University Chapel Choir is a 32-voice, auditioned liturgical ensemble specializing in the study, rehearsal, and singing of choral literature from all periods, styles, and cultures in the context of Roman Catholic liturgy. Because of Georgetown’s Jesuit identity, the values of the University Chapel Choir reflect the mission of the university in respect to the sharing of faith, cultivation of leadership, the pursuit of excellence, and service to others.

The Choir is a diverse social community of students reflective of a multitude of academic majors, ages, backgrounds, and choral experience. The qualifications for membership in the group are a pleasant voice and a cooperative attitude. Previous choral experience is helpful, but not necessary. Rehearsal attendance is essential.

Occasionally, the Chapel Choir enjoys masterclasses from guest artists and clinicians, ministerial opportunities off-campus at Washington’s Cathedral of Saint Matthew the Apostle and the Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in America, and international choral pilgrimages. The choir recently participated in Music Ministry’s pilgrimage to Cuba in 2023 and looks forward to a pilgrimage to Italy in spring 2024. 

University Chapel Choir meets during the academic term with rehearsals on Thursdays from 7 PM to 8:30 PM and Mass on Sundays at 6 PM (5:15 PM warmup). For more information or to schedule an audition, fill out this Google form.

Contemporary Choir

Georgetown’s Contemporary Choir sings every Sunday during the academic term at the 8 PM Mass and rehearses immediately before the Mass at 6:30 PM. The ensemble incorporates voices and instruments with a repertoire focused on energetic contemporary, folk, and praise and worship music. Student members of the Contemporary Choir comprise a variety of academic disciplines but are brought together by a communal love of faith and music. Through participation in this choir, members engage themselves in service to one another and the congregation. Members of the Contemporary Choir have the opportunity to audition for Music Ministry pilgrimages abroad, the next one being to Italy in spring 2024. 

There are no requirements for membership to sing, but interested instrumentalists must audition. For more information, please fill out this Google form.

Coro en Español

Once per month, Catholic Ministry at Georgetown hosts a Mass in Spanish on Sundays at 4 PM. The Coro en Español provides music for the Mass and facilitates active sung prayer. The ensemble is made up of both singers and instrumentalists. The musical selections are taken from both the rich tradition of Hispanic liturgical music as well as new and contemporary compositions.

Rehearsals are held once per month before the scheduled Mass at 3 PM. For more information, please fill out this Google form.

Catholic Music Ministry Internships

Catholic Music Ministry at Georgetown employs a select number of musically gifted students in a variety of assistant/student director roles. Assignments vary depending on the skills of each applicant, but generally, there are opportunities available for the following positions:

• Pianists
• Cantors
• University Chapel Choir Assistant Director
• Contemporary Choir Assistant Director
• Choral Scholars
• Organ Scholars (student organists)

Music Ministry Interns perform a multitude of tasks, including, but not limited to, accompanying rehearsals, providing musical leadership for liturgical celebrations and special events, promoting Music Ministry on and off campus, recruiting new members, and assisting with administrative tasks as needed. Interns are expected to be able to read music, and piano proficiency is required for most positions.

A limited number of Music Ministry Internships are available each year by audition only. Interns should be eligible for payment through the federal work-study program, but exceptions can be made in exceptional circumstances. Specific job descriptions are discussed with the Liturgical Music Director and Organist, Dr. Russell Weismann. Please email Dr. Weismann at rjw48@georgetown.edu for more information.

Choral Scholars

Majoring in math but love counting measures?

The University Chapel Choir includes a group of exceptional Choral Scholars who exhibit advanced musical ability and training in voice. Choral Scholars come from various academic disciplines and commit to providing musical leadership and assistance within the University Chapel Choir. Eligible candidates must be able to commit to the schedule of the University Chapel Choir (Thursday rehearsal 7 PM to 8:30 PM, and Sunday 6 PM Mass, 5:15 PM call) as well as the occasional special events (i.e., Candlelight Carols, Mass of the Holy Spirit, Baccalaureate Mass).

Choral Scholars are offered unrivaled musical opportunities at Georgetown. A limited number of Choral Scholarships are available each year by audition only. Interested persons are encouraged to email Dr. Weismann at rjw48@georgetown.edu.

Cantor Ministry

Members of the Cantor Ministry lead the congregation in sung prayer at all Sunday liturgies at Georgetown. The primary role of the Cantor is to proclaim the Responsorial Psalm and to lead musical portions of the Mass not sung by the congregation (i.e. Gospel Acclamation verse). While the cantor additionally leads the congregation in their participation in hymns, songs, and service music, their role is not to sing on the congregation’s behalf, but rather to sing with the congregation as a unified body of gathered worshippers.

Due to the specialized nature of the Cantor Ministry, members are carefully auditioned and are required to be able to read music and rehearse independently of an accompanist. Due to these skills requirements, qualified members of the Cantor Ministry are provided a stipend for their time preparing their ministry. For more information or to schedule an audition, fill out this Google form.

Pipedreams

Pipedreams is a series of late-night musical programs held three times per semester in Dahlgren Chapel of the Sacred Heart. Dubbed “nighttime music for the soul,” Pipedreams seeks to promote musical art on campus by providing performance opportunities to qualified student singers and instrumentalists. Within a darkened chapel, members of the Georgetown University community enjoy contemplative and enriching musical performances, each lasting about 30 minutes in duration. Members of all faiths are welcome! Each program takes place at 11 PM.