I ran into Tim, the person who's interested in playing piano, on Sunday. As we go into the new year, I'd like to see about bringing him into the fold. Between him and Eva, that'll give us more options and flexibility for keyboard coverage. More on this later.
A reminder that we have a dress rehearsal scheduled for Friday, 12/23, from 6:30-8:45 PM. The Hall is already in the process of being set up, and has been reserved that night from 6-9 PM. I'll probably be there by 6 PM to prep a few things, so feel free to pop by anytime after that. Instrumentalists may want to be there around 6:15 PM -- there's quite a bit to cover, so I'd like to get underway on time.
As you know, we're covering the 4 PM Mass in the Parish Hall on Christmas Eve. Again, this will be a Children's Mass, and will follow a modified format.
Barb and I met Monday night to go through the program. The two biggest sections to watch out for will be the Homily and Eucharist. Since these include additional music and don't follow the usual format, we'll need to be super-careful not to miss entrances. Might I suggest that instrumentalists put together a binder with photocopies of all the music (in order)? I do have scripts that should help keep us all on track, but this would reduce page-flipping, especially during the Homily.
Instrumentalists may also want to bring your own music stands/equipment, as we'll be sharing supplies with the Children's Choir in the Church. I'll take care of borrowing books from the Church (lyrics will also be in the program), but we'll need to return them in time for Barb's Mass at 6 PM.
As it stands now, Jim and Jonathan are covering guitar (I believe Barry and Tom are also available). Joe will also be available for percussion and to help with equipment setup. We won't have violin or piano coverage, as both Maggie and Eva are out. Karina will be home for a few days over Christmas, but she may end up playing flute at the 6 PM Mass. If needed, I can break out my saxophone to fill in any gaps.
As far as report time on Saturday, can we aim for 2:45 PM? I know that seems a bit early, but by the time we get situated, spot-check a few songs, and do preludes, that's really not much time.
The final program is below -- please note a couple of tweaks from what was previously sent out. I didn't include sheet music since these should all be very familiar tunes, but do check out the recordings for the arrangements. If you have any questions, feel free to email or call. Otherwise, we'll go through everything in detail on Friday.
Thanks again for bearing with me through all the changes over the past week, and I'm looking forward to a fun evening! If you're not going to be around this weekend, though, I hope you have a wonderful, blessed Christmas!
GC3 #329 - He Came Down
O Holy Night [not in the book; separate sheet music]
GC3 #466 - What Child is This [instrumental]
GC3 #433 – It Came Upon a Midnight Clear
Gathering:
GC3 #430 – Angels We Have Heard on High
Gospel Acclamation:
Mass of Joy & Peace
Homily (Nativity Story play):
GC3 #446 – O Little Town of Bethlehem (vs 1)
GC3 #448 – Away in a Manger (1 verse, hummed)
GC3 #457 – Sing of Mary, Pure and Lowly (vs 1)
GC3 #463 – We Three Kings (refrain)
GC3 #430 – Angels We Have Head on High (refrain)
GC3 #460 – The First Nowell (vs 1 & refrain)
GC3 #463 – We Three Kings (vs 1 only (no refrain))
GC3 #441 – Silent Night (vs 1)
GC3 #448 – Away in a Manger (vs 1)
Offertory:
GC3 #439 - O Come, All Ye Faithful
Eucharistic Prayer for Masses with Children
Holy, Holy, Holy (Mass of Joy & Peace)
Glory to God (refrain only; repeated three times) (Mass of Joy & Peace)
Eucharistic Doxology (Mass of Joy & Peace)
Lamb of God (Mass of Joy & Peace)
Meditation:
Go, Tell it on the Mountain (Jim's arrangement)
Communion:
GC3 #442 – Night of Silence / GC3 #441 – Silent Night
GC3 #448 – Away in a Manger
Closing:
GC3 #437 – Joy to the World
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