By Joseph Myers • Posted September 6, 2024

Gifts from God need nurturing. Since 2010, the Cantus Angelorum Cathedral Children’s Choir has given young vocalists guidance as they refine their natural talents. From 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 21, the choral group will host an open house for third- through 12th-graders at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul.

“The members of the choir are vital to contributing to the lifeblood of the church,” Charlene Angelini said, calling attention to the contention, attributed to Saint Augustine, that to sing is to pray twice. “We all need ways to feel unified through our faith, and their participation in this ministry plays a big role in doing so.”

As the director of cathedral parish music for the basilica, she will be overseeing her third open house and is eager to see which ambitious voices will join choir director Danielle Molan’s roster. The open house’s setup will prove advantageous to attendees who believe there is no time like the present with opportunities for auditions at the conclusion of the event.

The responsibilities include two-hour Saturday rehearsals, singing on the second Saturday of each month at the Anticipated Mass, Christmas Concert participation, and pairing with the Adult Cathedral Choir for a Palm Sunday performance. Combine those with the chance to link up with the latter choir at special Masses and chances to venture outside of the surrounding area for other celebrations, and the children certainly have a solid September-through-May slate ahead of them.

“Danielle is absolutely fantastic, too,” Angelini said in explaining how the founder/director of Epiphany Singers, which also molds the abilities of young adults in the city, helps Cantus Angelorum’s representatives to learn Latin chants, gain exposure to Psalmic texts, engage in intense studies of rhythm, and perfect two-part and three-part harmonies. “You need someone to ignite your fire. She’s definitely that person for our children.”

Choristers often remain with the cathedral children’s choir for six or seven years depending on their enrollment age and aspirations. Angelini added that some have become Psalmists and many have transitioned to the adult choir, including four of last year’s contributors. The current crop represents five schools and proves the cathedral parish music director’s point that children need not be affiliated with the basilica to give vocal praise to God. With tuition standing at $200, involvement also offers an extremely cost-effective option for parents who are looking to expand their child’s singing skills.

“Being involved, especially with the Saturday practices, is a huge commitment, but consider the rewards,” Angelini said. “This is a significant way to learn all types of liturgical repertoire components, deepen the understanding of what it means to be in a community with a common goal, and make friendships that have the worship of the Lord as a central element. That’s a very invigorating trinity.”

For more information, contact cangelini@archphila.org, or visit https://cathedralphila.org/music/choirs-at-the-cathedral-basilica/cantus-angelorum-cathedral-childrens-choir/.