Praises are being sung about Diocesan Choir

Next came a performance at the annual Chrism Mass, also at the Cathedral, on the Monday after Palm Sunday. Most recently, there was a third appearance: at the April 7 Mass celebrating Bishop Howard J. Hubbard's 25th anniversary, again at the Cathedral.

Sopranos, altos, tenors, baritones and basses, accompanied by musicians, filled the Cathedral with melody. They are the voices of the Diocesan Choir, made up of volunteers who are so new that many of them don't yet know each other by name.

Mixed choir

"They come from different parishes throughout our Diocese," said Wm. Glenn Osborne, organist for the Cathedral. He formed the group and directs their performances. "Some travel from as far away as Oneonta," in Otsego County.

One of the Oneontans, Karen Ingles, told The Evangelist that distance is one reason she joined. "We are so far away from Albany," she said. "Out here, it is easy to feel self-contained because we are so far removed from what is going on. As a member of the Diocesan Choir, I can feel as if we are a part of the celebrations on the diocesan level."

Evolution

"I think one of the roles of the Cathedral is to be a model in liturgy [to the rest of the Diocese]," he said. To do that, "you need to involve diocesan musicians from other parishes" who share ideas with one another.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for musicians and singers to come together," said Elizabeth Simcoe, director of the Prayer and Worship Office. "It not only benefits them because of their exposure to a larger group of singers and musicians, but it also brings a heightened awareness throughout the Diocese of the Cathedral's being the church of the people of the Albany Diocese."

Debut piece

"I often don't know what a choir's ability is until the first rehearsal," he said. "The first couple [of rehearsals] are a challenge because everyone is at a different level and music-reading abilities vary."

But after a few performances, he said, the choir members "hit their stride. There is now a core group of people. They see each other at each rehearsal and performance, and are getting to know each other. It's a wonderful opportunity for people to come together. They can bring their experiences back to their own parish and be an inspiration to members there."

(For information about joining the diocesan choir, call the Office of Prayer and Worship at 453-6645.)

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