Thank you so much for the time so many of you took to share your thoughts about our music ministry here at St. Patrick-St. Anthony. In our time of transition for our music program, your input has aided the search committee and will be so valuable to us going forward.
Once our new music director is in place, know that your input will be reviewed in detail by the music director and will be used to help shape our music ministry going forward. Below, please find a high-level compilation and summary of your comments for your review. Once again, thank you so much for sharing your input and opinions with us.
Question 1:
Question 2:
(1= Very Negative, 5= Very Positive)
Question 3:
Open-ended supplemental comments are summarized below:
- The supplemental answers indicate that many respondents find traditional hymns, familiar songs (e.g., “Let There Be Peace on Earth,” “All Are Welcome,” prayers of St. Francis) , and music from the 19th century or traditional Catholic composers helpful for prayer.
- They also appreciate cultural diversity in music, including world music, gospel, as well as classical choral pieces. Some mention the value of subtle percussion and instrument variety, such as guitars, to enhance prayer experiences.
- The church’s acoustics and sound system affect the clarity of music and spoken words.
- Overall, respondents value a mix of traditional, contemporary, cultural, and instrumental music tailored to different Mass settings, emphasizing the importance of good acoustics for a more meaningful prayer environment.
Question 4:
(1= Never, 5= Always)
Question 5:
Open-ended other comments are summarized below:
Reasons for not singing:
- Personal limitations:
- Weakened vocal cords or limited vocal ability
- Lack of singing confidence or belief that they “can’t sing”
- Prefer to hum or sing softly, especially if unsure of the melody
- Musical issues:
- Songs are out of vocal range or unfamiliar
- Hymns are hard to sing or not engaging
- Music is perceived as boring, slow, old-fashioned, or uninspiring
- Preference for past music selections that were more joyful and contemporary
- Liturgical or role-related reasons:
- Serving as a Eucharistic Minister during Mass
- Environment and sound issues:
- Difficulty hearing or seeing the cantor
- Overpowering instruments (organ, trumpets)
- Poor sound amplification causes self-consciousness
- Dislike of cantor’s voice or choir performance
- Distracting or theatrical presentation of the choir
Question 6:
Open-ended comments are summarized below: Reasons for Not Joining the Choir:
- Voice-Related Concerns (Most Common)
- Don’t have a good singing voice or sufficient talent.
- Aging or health-related vocal issues (e.g., hoarseness from inhalers, diminished vocal ability over time).
- Self-consciousness about their singing ability or past experiences, revealing their skills were below choir standards.
- Health & Physical Limitations
- Ongoing health challenges such as cancer, eyesight issues, or inability to drive at night.
- No longer physically able to sing.
- Time & Commitment Constraints
- Can’t commit to regular rehearsals or a full-year schedule.
- Prefer more flexible or occasional participation rather than a long-term commitment.
- Mass Time Inflexibility
- Choir membership locks them into specific Mass times that don’t work with their schedules.
- Lack of Musical Training
- Don’t read music or have formal training.
- Other Notes
- Already in a choir or have retired after years of service.
- Positive feedback was shared about the welcoming nature of the choir director.
Question 7:
As we look to the future, what aspects of the music ministry would you most like to see continue?
182 respondents (79%) shared their insight to this open-ended, qualitative question, as summarized below:
Overarching Sentiment
- Deep appreciation and desire for continuity: The vast majority of respondents express strong support for maintaining the music ministry as it has been under Gabriel’s leadership.
- A key reason respondents joined or continue to attend the parish.
Key Aspects People Want to Continue
- High Quality & Professionalism
- Repeated references to the exceptional talent of the choirs, soloists, and instrumentalists. ○ Emphasis on maintaining a high musical standard.
- Multiple mentions of Gabriel’s musicianship, leadership, and musical taste.
- Choirs
- Strong support for all existing choirs (Gallery Choir, Bass Clef and Treble Clef Choirs, Church Street Singers (youth choir).
- Appreciation for variety among choirs and their contribution to different Masses.
- Musical Diversity & Selection
- Desire for a balanced mix of traditional, classical, contemporary, and multicultural pieces (e.g., spirituals, Haitian hymns).
- Enjoyment of familiar hymns that encourage congregational participation.
- Appreciation for music that reflects liturgical seasons and themes.
- Instrumentation
- Love for organ, piano, harp, strings, percussion, and other special instruments, especially during holidays.
- Preference for more piano or softer organ playing.
- Spiritual & Emotional Impact
- Music is described as “soul-reaching,” “uplifting,” “spiritually nourishing,” and an integral part of worship.
- Music deepens the prayer and experience of the Mass.
- Participation
- Support for congregational singing and accessibility of music selections.
- More encouragement for parishioner involvement, not just professional performers.
- Special Events & Liturgical Enhancements
- Strong appreciation for Lessons and Carols, Holy Week music, Christmas programs, and other special liturgical offerings.
- Youth Involvement
- Interest in continued or increased children’s and youth choir participation.
Constructive Critiques & Suggestions
- Concerns about performance over prayer: Balance between performance pieces and congregational song.
- Accessibility: Music that the congregation can more easily sing and connect with.
- Acoustics & placement : Concern about choir placement and sound levels, especially when watching online.
- Budget awareness : Concerns about music spending in light of Franciscan values.
Summary Statement The overwhelming majority of parishioners wish to maintain the music ministry’s high standards, diverse choirs, and rich musical selections, valuing its central role in worship. While some suggest greater inclusivity, balance, and familiarity, the core message is clear: “Keep the beauty and excellence alive.”
Question 8:
What future changes or improvements would you like to see in our music ministry?
166 respondents (73%) shared their insight to this open-ended, qualitative question, as summarized below:
The survey results indicate a strong overall appreciation for the current music ministry at SPSA, with many respondents expressing satisfaction and a desire to maintain the tradition of beautiful, prayerful music.
Key themes include:
- High Praise & Desire for Continuity
- Many respondents wish for the current high standard of music to continue.
- There is a recurring wish to preserve the quality and excellence of music, especially highlighting Gabriel’s leadership.
- Several comments emphasize the importance of keeping music traditional, beautiful, and supportive of the liturgy.
- Suggestions for Improvements:
- Traditional & Modern Mix: Many request a balanced repertoire—more contemporary, upbeat, lively, gospel, or multicultural music alongside traditional hymns.
- Participation & Engagement: Calls for increased congregational singing, especially at the 10 AM mass, involving more children and creating opportunities for parishioners to actively participate, such as inviting parishioners to sing verses of some hymns or placing the cantor in a more visible location.
- Choir & Music Placement: Several prefer the choir back in the loft for better acoustics, visual connection, and to avoid distraction. Some suggest fewer choir movements behind the altar or during liturgy to focus on prayer. Some suggest the cantor be placed in a more prominent location, more consistently be at the cantor stand to assist and invite parishioners to sing.
- Instrumental & Musical Variety: Requests for more instruments (piano, guitar, strings), more use of the organ, and greater diversity in musical styles, including Taizé or folk music.
- Music Selection & Accessibility: Desire for familiar, easy-to-sing hymns and clear lyrics in programs; some advocate for rotating traditional favorites like “Here I Am Lord” to foster participation.
- Avoiding Overemphasis & Performance: Many respondents feel the music should serve the liturgy, not overshadow it, and express concern about music sounding more performance-oriented than prayerful.
- Technical Improvements: Inquiries about upgrading sound systems, microphones, and streaming quality.
- Other Notes:
- Concern was expressed that the focus on music and decorations detracts from charitable outreach and the parish’s mission.
- Expansion of volunteer participation and children’s choir.
- Importance of respecting the previous traditions, such as the use of the organ and choir loft, while mixing in fresh ideas.
Overall, while high appreciation for the current ministry persists, many parishioners seek a balanced enhancement—more familiar, participatory, and diverse music that supports prayer and community, with thoughtful placement of the choir and instruments that support prayer.