The Girls’ Choir had its first rehearsal last Friday, October 20th. It was an exciting beginning with twenty-two girls registered to join the choir. The girls were organized in their seating positions for the choir stalls to encourage a natural process of mentoring with older and younger girls placed next to each other. As Fr. Clark led the girls through the initial understanding of the physiology of sound production and music theory, the girls’ voices came together in a beautiful unison. He demonstrated for them on the chalk board that every line of music has an arch to it – the beauty of music is not so much a perfect execution note to note but of capturing the natural ebb and flow of all things.

Fr. Clark began singing professionally in a boys’ choir at age seven and then later in life began and directed the professional Choir at Buckfast Abbey in Devon. Returning to “the chair” as a music director gives Fr. Michael great joy. The priesthood is lived out through the gifts and talents given to each priest, and it is amazing to see the bright light of such a gift being engaged at the Oratory for the glory of God.

The Girls’ Choir will have its inaugural concert at the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.  Following the 6:00 PM Mass, the choir will participate in Candlelit Compline at 8:30 PM.