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St. John's Website

"Help Wanted"

Most anyone is welcome to join our groups, but there are some skills we're particularly short of, in both primary and "back-up" roles:

• Voice - ability to follow notation and sing harmonies a plus
• Bass guitar (or bass fiddle)
• Acoustic guitar
• Piano (or keyboard)
• Percussion
• Audio reinforcement
• you name it...

Please click here if you are interested in joining a group.
  

Key Contacts

• Melanie Huber
  5:00 pm (Saturday) leader
• Frank O'Peka,
  7:30 am leader
  916-987-1387
• Charlotte Hughes
  9:15 am leader
• Serafin Garcia,
  11:30 am coordinator
  916-768-9801
• Mike Riedinger,
  6 pm leader
  916-983-0639

Frequently Asked Questions

What style of music does the group "perform"?

The group's repertoire covers a wide range of styles. These range from folk, to gospel, to country, bluegrass, rock... traditional hymns, and contemporary Christian music. In other words, we don't particularly exclude any genre of music (well, we haven't done any rap or disco yet). The group has its own unique "acoustic rhythm guitar with vocal harmonies" sound -- which evolves over time with what individual members have to contribute in voice, instrument, or musical "sensibility" -- so even stodgy, ol', How Great Thou Art sounds a little different from what one might be accustomed to.

What musical instruments are used by the group?

Besides electronic keyboard (7:30 am) and several 6- and 12-string acoustic guitars, there's bass guitar, electric guitars, violin, clarinet, and flute. Occasionally there might be mandolin, recorder, or even banjo. When possible, we also have various percussion instruments including, tambourine, shakers, claves, and various types of drums.

What kind of people make up the group?

There are people of all ages and walks of life. We've got students, home makers, engineers, artists, computer professionals, entrepreneurs, an architect, and a dentist. The range of skills varies from rank amateur to semi-professional. Most members have not had formal training in music. The group is 100% volunteer -- no one receives money for their work as part of the group.

Is the ability to read musical notation required by the group?

No. But being able to do so can be extremely helpful. Many group members acquire this skill "on the job".

Are there auditions? Am I good enough to join?

No, there are no auditions. And there are roles in the group for folks of all abilities. (You know as well as we do that the group is far from professional perfection!) To sing, you needn't be Whitney Houston, but you must be able to carry a tune to sing with the chorus. More skillful voices will find their way into featured positions. You needn't be a "shredder" at the guitar (or other instrument), but you should be able to follow a rhythm, take direction, and practice, practice, practice; learn, learn, learn! Many musicians develop their "chops" in groups such as this. There are also roles "behind the scenes" -- for instance, managing the sound system or organizing the music library.

Do the same group members lead the congregation at the different Masses?

Yes and no. There are separate "regulars" for each Mass. We do, however "fill in" for each other on occasion. The group works as a single unit on special occasions such as Easter and Christmas. Rehearsals are held jointly. The 6 pm "team" is more youth-oriented, as is appropriate for this youth Mass.

What kind of preparation does the group undertake each week?

The group generally rehearses for an hour and a half, or so, on Monday evenings, at the church.
Group members arrive at the church for setup and rehearsal at least one hour before the corresponding Masses start. "Setup" involves rearranging the furniture, hooking up the sound system, and tuning instruments. Then, there's the numerous hours of individual practice, selecting, arranging and scheduling music, maintaining instruments, sorting the music library, etc....

Where does the group obtain its music from?

Most of our music is available from either GIA Publications or Oregon Catholic Press, the two dominant Catholic music sources in the United States. Our primary hymnal (the big green book) is Glory and Praise, Second Edition, from OCP. We occasionally do also use music from secular or non-denominational Christian music sources.

Does the group do weddings (or other such occasions)?

Such engagements may be arranged privately with individual group members.