GENEVA—The first rehearsal for the newly-revived Diocesan Chorale was held the afternoon of March 27 at St. Peter Church here, welcoming former and new members from several parishes.

 

St. Peter parishioner Jan O’Kray, who was part of the chorale before COVID-19 came along, said being a part of the chorale is “always a treat,” and its return was “a long time coming.”

 

Nadine Konieczny of St. Mary Parish choir in Huntley was there for the first time, saying the experience was “exciting.”

 

Martie Skog and her son, Bill, were there for the first time also. Bill’s excitement was expanded upon by his mother, who said she’d always wanted to join the parish choir at St. Thomas More in Elgin but couldn’t make time for Masses and rehearsals. 

 

The Diocesan Chorale, with its limited rehearsals and events, was something she could do, she said. Skog added that she looked forward to singing sacred music and experience the upcoming Chrism Mass, which she’d always heard was beautiful.

 

Chorale director, Daniel Schroder, who also is head of sacred music at St. Peter Parish in Geneva, led the small gathering in warm up exercises before rehearsing songs and Latin pronunciations.

 

Although just six people attended the first gathering, he said a larger group had already signed up for the second rehearsal at 2:30 p.m., April 3 at St. Mary Parish in Huntley. 

 

A third is scheduled at the Cathedral of St. Peter at 10:30 a.m., April 9 in Rockford. 

 

Members old and new must attend at least one of the rehearsals.

 

The Chrism Mass will be the first event featuring the re-formed chorale on Holy Thursday, April 14 at the cathedral. 

 

Info: Daniel Schroder, [email protected]