Music Ministry

For many individuals, one of the primary ways we experience the Lord is through music. With that gift, there is often the desire to share it and to help others enter into prayer more deeply. The goal of our music ministry program give glory to God and to provide an opportunity to pray more deeply through music, to build up the spiritual lives of both those who contribute to the ministry and those who experience it through the Mass or Adoration.

Director of Music Ministry
Kayla Nelson

Picture
Hello everyone! It's my joy to be in the midst of my fourth year as Director of Music ministry. I am a graduate of Central Michigan University, where I studied English and Music. As a music student, I studied voice and organ, played piccolo in marching band, and sang in CMU's concert choir for 3 years. I also enjoyed serving as a coordinator for speaker events at St. Mary's University Parish, where I was also involved in music ministry.

​Contact Me:
kayla.mhtmusic@gmail.com
​(989) 593-3174 Ext.

​
​


Children's Choir

CORONAVIRUS UPDATE: Children's choir rehearsals are cancelled through March. Children's choir is tentatively scheduled to sing for Easter on April 12th, 10:30 Mass. If we are able, 2nd-8th grade will meet Tuesday April 7 from 3:00-4:00 for a full Easter Rehearsal. Email me at kayla.mhtmusic@gmail.com if you do not currently receive updates and wish to be added to the list. 

The children's choir is open to students from second through eighth grade, whether they are in the public school, Catholic school, or homeschooled. Children's choir sings a mix of traditional and contemporary music aimed at helping them grow in their relationship with Christ, understanding the role of music in the liturgy, and understanding more about God and the Church through music. 

We hold have separate rehearsals monthly for 2-4 and 5-8th grade. The 2-4th graders will have practice the first week of the month, and 5-8th the second week, and we'll have a time of adoration or other prayer incorporating music during the 3rd week for 2nd-8th grade together. 

Adult Choir

CORONAVIRUS UPDATE: The binders and hymnals in the choir loft have been sanitized, and there is a seating chart with distance between chairs. At this point, rehearsal will continue on a limited basis. Those with immune difficulties, other health conditions, and those aged 80 and over are strongly encouraged to remain home. I've sent out recordings of music to allow for practice in the meantime. 

​The adult choir is open to anyone from high school and up, and the group sings for 8:30 Mass on Sunday from September through May. If you usually go to 8:30 Mass and you sing, we would love to have you join us in the choir loft. Attending the Wednesday night rehearsals is not necessary to sing for regularly scheduled Sunday Masses.

​The group rehearses new music and music for major feasts and solemnities (Christmas, Easter, etc.) on Wednesday nights. If you would like to sing for those occasions, please join us for those rehearsals. They begin at 7:30 (7:00 when Wednesday Mass is cancelled).

Youth Band

The high school youth band is open to freshmen through seniors, and the group sings a blend of contemporary and traditional music. Both singers and instrumentalists are welcome to join; currently, most of the members are singers, and we also have piano, guitar, flute, and other instruments.
 
This year, the youth band will not regularly rehearse Thursday nights since I'll be participating in another ministry. We'll meet prior to our monthly 10:30 Mass to review any new music. ​

Cantors, Pianists, and Instrumentalists

We are always looking for new pianists and organists! If you are interested, but nervous about playing for a whole Mass by yourself, know that I am more than happy to work directly with you to build your comfort. If that means starting with playing just one song at Mass while I play the rest, that's fine with me! Just contact me, and I'd be happy to meet up to work with you.

If you play an instrument (violin, flute, trumpet, etc.), we would love to have you involved! Instrumentalists are usually added to important solemnities, feasts, and sacramental events such as Confirmation. Please contact me at kayla.mhtmusic@gmail.com if you are interested.