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Organization and Membership Guidance

October 2002

We, as members of The Saint Cecilia Cantorum, pray that our music might make hearts more receptive to the Lord, glorifying Him through the medium of fine, reverent music and that we may attain a position of spiritual and cultural leadership in the community.

Specifically, The Saint Cecilia Cantorum

Provides prayerful music for Catholic Masses and other Catholic liturgical services

Preserves and performs traditional sacred music for Catholic faithful today and into the future

Forms an association of Catholic musicians in service to the greater Catholic community of Colorado Springs

Both deepens the spiritual life and promotes camaraderie of its members.

Membership is open to all in the Colorado Springs area who love Catholic sacred music and wish to share this rich heritage with others. Members must read music and sing on pitch. We agree to devote our efforts to this end that we may participate fully in the blessings that come with accomplishment.

We look to our director for musical development and our other leaders for spiritual and social growth. We recognize the need to serve wherever needed for the welfare of the Cantorum and will subordinate our individual prominence to its rightful place in relation to the group.

Rehearsals

Rehearsals are held at least monthly unless otherwise specified by the Director. Additionally, make-up/remedial/sectional rehearsals may also be scheduled. Members may not participate in an event/Mass if they did not attend the previous rehearsal. Since rehearsals are few, members should review their parts at home and be prepared, in as much as possible, to work on integrating voices during the rehearsals and minimize the work learning individual parts.

Members are expected to sing at all Cantorum events, reporting 45 minutes prior to any event start time unless otherwise specified by the Director. A warm-up and review of the day’s music will commence at that time.

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Cantorum Support Positions

Director

  1. Leads the Cantorum during rehearsals, Masses and other liturgical events
  2. Drafts the rehearsal plan
  3. Drafts the hymn schedule
  4. Approves of all expenses incurred in support of Cantorum activities
  5. Approves any new members
  6. Prepares the Cantorum Annual Plan

Event Liaison

  1. Contacts prospective event locations
  2. Arranges dates and times of events
  3. Coordinates equipment and environment required for the event
  4. Participates in preparing the Cantorum Annual Plan

Section Leaders

  1. Lead sections during rehearsal "sectionals"
  2. Assist in orientation of all new members entering the section
  3. Inform the Director if the section needs particular attention to any part of the music during rehearsals
  4. Contact section members that have repeated absences and establish their intent to continue participation in the Cantorum
  5. Participate in preparing the Cantorum Annual Plan

Membership and Communications Leader

  1. Maintains the Cantorum roster and ensure all postal addresses, telephone numbers and e-mail addresses are current
  2. Ensures all members are reminded of each rehearsal, if required
  3. At the request of the Director/Assistant Director, ensures all Cantorum members are notified of special notices, weather cancellations, survey questions or short notice announcements
  4. Provides new members with copies of the St. Cecilia Cantorum guidelines
  5. Keeps track of Cantorum member birthdays and ensures they are acknowledged during rehearsals
  6. Participates in preparing the Cantorum Annual Plan

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Librarian/Historian

  1. Is in charge of all Cantorum music (if any)
  2. Keeps master music folder and compact disc up to date
  3. Sees that music requested by the Director is available to Cantorum members when necessary
  4. Obtains any copyright permissions that are necessary for copying or recording music
  5. Takes pictures at events
  6. Participates in preparing the Cantorum Annual Plan

Social Coordinator

  1. Arranges for refreshments at each rehearsal; schedules volunteers to bring light snacks and drinks to rehearsals
  2. Organizes special social events, such as for the Feast of St. Cecilia
  3. Arranges food for pot luck events, i.e. Spring Brunch, Workshop/Day of Recollection
  4. Organizes, with committee assistance, pilgrimages and other Cantorum trips
  5. Participates in preparing the Cantorum Annual Plan

Accompanist

  1. Accompanies the Cantorum at all liturgical events where the Cantorum sings
  2. Accompanies the Cantorum during all rehearsals
  3. Ensures accompanist music is available when required
  4. Practices music in advance of Cantorum events and rehearsals when required
  5. Participates in preparing the Cantorum Annual Plan

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Changing Organization and Membership Guidance

These directions may be repealed or amended or new Cantorum guidance may be adopted at any time. Any Cantorum member may initiate repeals or amendments. The amendments as shall be presented to a business meeting of the Cantorum and voted upon by the members present, a two-thirds vote being necessary for ratification.

The Cantorum Guidance, as amended, shall be reviewed and reprinted each year in order to be a current reference for the conduct of Cantorum business.

St. Cecilia Cantorum Etiquette

The following rules of Cantorum etiquette are designed that we might glorify our Lord and evangelize our community and culture more effectively in a simple and dignified manner, discouraging actions or activities that draw the attention of the congregation to the individual Cantorum member and away from the purpose of the liturgical service or other event.

Members should

  1. Report to the Membership and Communications director at the earliest possible time if unable to attend rehearsal or sing at an event
  2. Be prompt reporting to rehearsals, Masses and other scheduled events
  3. Respect the other sections when they are rehearsing their parts by being quiet and attentive
  4. Be conscious of the need to maintain order during rehearsals in order to ensure the time allotted can be used most effectively
  5. Not wear any extraordinary clothing that would attract attention to themselves and distract the other Cantorum members and the community from the Mass or other liturgical service or event
  6. Have the correct music ready to sing prior to the beginning of the first note of the organ or when the Director indicates the next hymn is due to be sung
  7. Not sing it at the Mass or liturgical service if they have not rehearsed a particular hymn or chant (but are encouraged to participate in all other familiar songs they have learned and know well)
  8. Be attentive to the Director at all times during the event. Everyone’s voice is needed from the very first note and throughout the hymn.
  9. Use good posture in sitting and standing, keep music at a level that can be seen but does not block view of Director, know the music well enough to look at the Director more than at the music.
  10. Whenever singing at a Mass or other liturgical service, sing and pray, not talk, participate in the service whenever possible, and maintain a reverent attitude
  11. Wear performance attire for all Masses or other events (Men should wear dark trousers, white shirts, black bow ties, and dark shoes; women should wear a white blouse with a black skirt (or black dress slacks) and dark shoes. Make-up and jewelry should be subdued.)
  12. At communion, keep hands folded, avoid viewing the congregation, and focus on the Blessed Sacrament (It is at this particular time that we can be a particular distraction at communion or, instead, an example.)
  13. Remain in place during Mass or performances until either Mass or the performance is completed, unless there is a break scheduled or announced (emergencies excluded)
  14. Be committed to attending rehearsals, Masses and other events

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