|
Chapel
Choir Mission Brings "Gift of Song" to New York and Pennsylvania
The Chapel Choir poses outside of La Maison Francaise
before embarking upon their first-ever Mission trip to New York
and Pennsylvania. |
May,
2005—For many years, Assumption College's office
of Campus Ministry has been sending students and employees to mission
sites across North America. However, none of these spiritual journeys
have involved music—until now.
Assumption's Chapel Choir is embarking upon its first-ever Mission
trip from May 16-22, 2005. During the week, a group of about 40
students, faculty, and staff will travel to sites in New York and
Pennsylvania, singing at concerts and Masses at each stop. The intent
of this mission is to bring the gift of choral music to those who
might not have the opportunity to experience it otherwise.
The idea for a Mission concert trip came up during an annual retreat
in January of 2004, said Jane Shivick, the Chapel Choir's director.
"The students wanted to bring this music into communities where
choral music might not be present," Shivick said. "They
take much pride in their work, and they wanted to bring that joy
of music making to others."
Shivick and colleague Dr. Frank Corbin, director of Chapel Music
and the College's organist, worked together on the details. Through
meticulous planning, plus the assistance of the Religious of the
Assumption in Philadelphia and the Sisters of Mercy in New York,
an itinerary was crafted for the spring of 2005. The group will
visit the cities of New York and Philadelphia, while giving concerts
at schools and churches in Dobbs Ferry, NY; Bronx, NY; and Lansdale,
PA.
Approximately 30 students from the Choir will share their talent
with audiences in these cities, including seven new alumni from
the Class of 2005. All are thrilled to be participating.
"I'm truly looking forward to spending so much time with the
Choir, since we only see each other twice a week during the school
year," said Sara Prendeville '06. "It's
a chance for us to bond together as a group as we spread the word
of God through song."
Recent graduate Matt Paley '05 is also grateful
for this opportunity.
"As a senior, this means a lot to me: it's an extra week to
be with my friends," he said. "I'm also very excited to
sing at these schools and churches; it's an opportunity to bring
our talent off-campus. This is a great way to tie up four years
of hard work and say goodbye."
 The
Chapel Choir has recently released its first CD, "Rejoice and
Be Glad." Fifty students are featured on this recording of
14 live performances. The CD costs $15.00 and may be purchased at
the Assumption College bookstore, the Chancery Building in Worcester,
or the Office of Campus Ministry on campus. To order a copy, contact
Campus Ministry at (508) 767-7419. The
CD will be available for purchase online in the near future.
|
