We are proud that a significant number of liturgical music selections which are sung among Catholics throughout the world were first heard here at St Bonaventure. In 1974 Marty Haugen moved into that position and stayed for nine years. It was during that period that Marty wrote a large number of original compositions for the parish which he later had published. The music continues today under the direction of Karen Thompson. Under Karen's leadership, we have added the band Canticle to our roster of worship emsembles. In 2006, we began to do musical theatre productions starting with Song of Mark and Feast of Life. A few years ago, we teamed with Nativity of Mary Parish of Bloomington to move to the next production level with shows such as Godspell, Nunsense and Nunsense II: The Second Coming. We are hoping to be the 2014 US English premiere of an Italian production called Francesco: Il Musical - an amazing production on the life of Saint Francis of Assisi.
If you love to sing or play an instrument, following are opportunities to share your talent. Call 952-851-0930, the Music / Liturgy Office or email karent@saintbonaventure.org.
Canticle (Audition required, age 13+): We are starting a new band of voices and instruments to provide musical leadership for some 4:30pm and 10am Masses. We already have singers, piano, guitar, drums, and synthesizer. We are greatly in need of a bass guitar player. Canticle is helping to introduce more up-tempo, contemporary music to the parish. Other instruments such as saxophone, flute, guitar and percussion (to name a few) are welcomed; you should have intermediate to advanced skills, be able to sight-read, and be able to attend rehearsals - improvisation is a plus.
Children’s Choir (Grades 2-8): Provides musical leadership for special liturgies such as Easter, Christmas, and First Communion. Singers should be able to read words. Younger children are welcomed if they are able to read; older students are welcomed as mentors for the younger voices. Christmas and Easter rehearsals take place five consecutive Mondays prior to the holiday at 4:30pm.
Inspiration Choir (Grades 7–12): This group provides musical leadership for summer 10am Masses and the Fall Festival evening liturgy. For singers and instrumentalists.
Instrumentalists: Our parish has been blessed with many great instrumentalists over the years, especially oboes, bassoon and violin. Orchestral instruments are welcomed for any of our Mass times. Players should have intermediate to advanced skills, be able to sight-read, and be able to attend rehearsals with cantors and/or choirs assigned to the weekend Masses and special liturgies.
New Covenant Choir (Audition required): Provides musical leadership alternately at the 4:30pm Saturday and 8am Sunday liturgies. Rehearses some Tuesdays and before 4:30pm Mass. Singers must sing on pitch and blend with other voices. Music reading skill is not required, but it is a plus.
Resurrection Choir (Funeral choir): Provides musical leadership for funerals. Must be available for daytime funerals usually scheduled at 11am. Music reading skill is not required, but welcomed.
St Bonaventure Adult Choir (age 13+): Provides musical leadership at most 10am Mass and special liturgies such as Good Friday. Singers must sing on pitch and blend well with other voices. This group rehearses weekly on Wednesday evenings 7-9pm. We are especially in need of altos at this time.