Sacred Music

 

St. Peter Church's music ministry serves as a vital piece of the fabric of parish life at St. Peter. The parish’s music program thrives with a commitment to excellence.  With weekend masses, school liturgies and prayer services, as well as special sacramental celebrations, the parish's music program provides music that leads all to "full, active, and conscious participation" in the liturgy. Under the direction of Mr. David Jaronowski, CAGO (816-363-2320, ex. 114), the St. Peter’s 9 and 11 am choirs, Schola Cantorum, and cantors provide musical leadership which inspires and nourishes the faith of both parishioners and visitors alike.

Parish Choir of St. Peter – 9 am choir
The 9 am choir provides musical leadership for the parish's 9 am mass from the first Sunday in October through the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ in spring. Rehearsals are held on Thursdays at 7:00 pm. Membership is open to adults and high school students who have some musical training or who have sung in a choir before, and who can sing an independent voice part.  The repertoire of the 9 am choir spans from Gregorian Chant to music of the twentieth century and beyond.

 

In addition to the choir’s duties leading music for mass, they also periodically participate in concerts and special performances at St. Peter’s throughout the year.

 

 

Joyful Noise – 11 am choir

Joyful Noise, the 11 am choir, leads the music at the Sunday morning 11 am mass from the first Sunday in October through the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ in spring.  Rehearsals are held on Wednesday at 7:00 pm.  Membership is open to adults and high school students.  Having sung in a choir before is helpful, but not necessary.  The 11 am choir focuses on repertoire in the contemporary and traditional gospel idioms.

 

 

Schola Cantorum

Schola Cantorum, literally translated “school of singers”, is a small ensemble focusing on early liturgical music such as Gregorian Chant and polyphony of the Renaissance and Pre-Renaissance periods.   The Schola Cantorum performs periodically throughout the year for weekend masses, special occasions, and other performances.  Admission to the Schola Cantorum is by audition only; one must possess the ability to read music, have strong sight singing abilities, and be able to sing an independent voice part.


Cantors
A small group of dedicated volunteer cantors lead the congregation in song at Sunday and special liturgies. Membership to this group is by audition only; one need not be a member of one of the parish choirs to participate.

 

 

 

 

 

About the Director

Mr. David Jaronowski, CAGO, attended Cleveland State University, studying organ with Mrs. Nicole Keller and voice with Mr. William Dempsey.  After serving in the Diocese of Cleveland for thirteen years, including serving for four years as pastoral musician for the Permanent Diaconate office, and seven years as director of music in two parishes, Mr. Jaronowski and his wife moved to Kansas City to continue his ministry.  He currently serves as Director of Music at St. Peter’s Parish and staff organist at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Kansas City, Missouri.  In 2006 Mr. Jaronowski earned the Colleague Certificate from the American Guild of Organists, of which he is an active member.  He is also an active member of the National Association of Pastoral Musicians.