Saint Mary of the Hills Church in Milton, Massachusetts: Music

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MUSIC at St. Mary's

Saint Mary of the Hills enjoys a full and active music program, an important and integral part of worship. Each of the four weekend Masses includes music as a fundamental aspect of the liturgical experience. Hymns and service music are selected carefully to reflect the liturgical spirit of the different seasons of the church year, with special reference to the scriptural readings for each Sunday. The music programming is therefore designed to enhance and reinforce the spiritual message of the Eucharist.

Music Director
Cantors
Choir
Youth Mass Music Director
Repertoire
The Organ
Music for Weddings and Funerals
Contact Information

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		Music Director – Peter Watchorn has served as St. Mary's Music Director since 1998. Originally from Australia, he holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from Boston University and is well known internationally as an award-winning harpsichordist, organist and specialist in Baroque and Renaissance performance. Active as a performer throughout Europe, the USA and Australia, he is also a prolific recording artist (labels: Globe, Hänssler, Titanic, Musica Omnia). In addition, he is co-director of the Boston Bach Ensemble, a professional chorus and baroque orchestra, and a founding member of The Publick Musick, in Rochester, NY. At St. Mary's, he directs the adult choir, provides organ music, including a great deal of improvised service music, and is in charge of overall music planning and program development. Under his direction, the music program at St. Mary's continues to expand and plays an important role in the life of the parish. Back to top
Peter Watchorn

Cantors – St. Mary's is fortunate to have two experienced leaders of song, Janice Wallace and Cyndi Fedewa. Both are singers of many years' experience and work closely with the Music Director. In addition to providing leadership of the congregational singing for the 4:00 p.m. Vigil Mass on Saturday, as well as the 8:00 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. Sunday Masses, Ms. Wallace and Ms. Fedewa also provide sung music for wedding and funeral masses and assist in the training and development of the choir. Back to top
	Cyndi Fedewa	Janice Wallace

small image of St. Mary of the Hills Choir

Choir – After a long hiatus, St. Mary's Choir was rebuilt in 1992 by then Director of Music, Gregory Miller. The present-day choir sings at the 10:15 a.m. Sunday Masses from September through July. Consisting of twenty-five voices, all parishioners, the choir has an extensive repertory of hymns, anthems and service music. The choir practices at 9:00 a.m. on Sundays, with additional mid-week rehearsals from Advent through Easter. The choir is governed by a five member committee, which works closely with the Music Director on both music planning and repertoire. Participation in the choir is open to all parishioners and is strongly encouraged. New members of the choir are always welcome. Those considering joining are urged to talk with present members to get additional information. Choir members receive a strong musical training, as well as an enjoyable and spiritually uplifting experience as members of one of the most vibrant and rewarding ministries at St. Mary's. Contact information is below.

Go to photo album and member list >>

Youth Mass Music Director–

Repertoire – The choir performs a wide range of hymns and service music, with a special focus on the wealth of traditional hymns and chant stemming from the Western Christian tradition. Hymns and service music are selected for their musical value and relevance to the liturgy, making music at St. Mary's a vital part of worship. Hymn choice is also strongly geared towards congregational singing and participation, while the hymns are performed with rhythm and vitality. Processional hymns are always presented with improvised organ interludes, as well as varied harmonies on different verses, creating both a musical and spiritual experience – one that invites participation from the congregation. As the saying goes: "Once sung, twice prayed." During most of the liturgical year, hymns are listed in the weekly Bulletin, along with notes on their history, composers and significance. Congregational participation is welcomed and encouraged.

The Organ – A pipe organ, built by the Kilgen Organ Company of St. Louis, Missouri, was installed in 1948 in the then newly completed upper church. It is a two manual and pedal instrument consisting of sixteen stops. The organ is still undergoing a comprehensive program of restoration and has become an important tool of worship at St. Mary's. (More information on the organ, its stop list, and a summary of restoration activities, past, present and future coming soon.) Another important factor in the tonal success of the organ is the fine acoustical environment provided by the church itself, which, together with its large seating capacity (800) makes it a very successful venue for music of all kinds. Over the next few years, we hope to add a few extra stops (ranks of pipes) to the organ to increase its flexibility as a liturgical and performance instrument.

Music for Weddings and Funerals – Providing appropriate music for weddings and funeral masses is another important aspect of the music program. Music for weddings is normally arranged with the Music Director six months prior to the actual date. [See Wedding repertoire list or Funeral repertoire list.] Guidelines, an outline of church policy and fees for both weddings and funerals can be obtained by contacting the Rectory at (617) 696-0120.

Contact Information – For additional information on the program,

please call the Rectory at 617-696-0120

or send email to:
Peter Watchorn
Cyndi Fedewa
Janice Wallace
St. Mary of the Hills Rectory/Office

Saint Mary of the Hills Church + 29 St. Mary's Road + Milton, Massachusetts 02186