Guidelines for Santinig Choir Weekly Preparation, Practice and Mass Service

🎵 Essential Materials & Weekly Preparation

1. Santinig Choir Messenger Chat Group and Santinig Choir website page
   • Every Monday, Ellen sends her recordings of the Responsorial Psalm and Alleluia in the Santinig Choir messenger chat group for the upcoming Saturday Mass.
   • Members are encouraged to listen to Ellen’s recording as well as the website’s Youtube playlists and other links regularly throughout the week to become familiar with the music and begin self‑practice.
   • Please also check the chat group for any additional announcements, updates, or supplemental recordings.
2. Music Book, Misalette, and Handouts
   • Flag the required songs before attending the choir practice.
     • United in Christ Music book and misalette
     • White booklet – Mass Setting (annual)
     • Colored booklet – List of Mass Songs, Responsorial Psalm and Gospel Acclamation (monthly)
     • Any necessary song handouts
   • If there are discrepancies or missing hard copies, promptly contact Tess.
3. Self‑Practice
   • As needed, use Ellen’s recordings and the provided YouTube links to listen to and practice the Mass songs, especially those that are new or unfamiliar.
   • Regular personal practice builds confidence and helps develop proper vocal tone.
4. Organization Tip: It is highly recommended that you keep a binder at home to file all your song handouts alphabetically. This will make it much easier to reference and pull songs when they are placed back on the schedule. Separate the English from the Tagalog songs.

⏰ Saturday Schedule – Choir Practice and Mass Service

5. Attendance and Courtesy

• For courtesy and effective choir planning, promptly inform Tess if you are unable to attend practice or Mass.
• If you arrive late or miss practice, please ask fellow members about any song modifications or arrangement changes.
• If unsure of changes, kindly sit toward the back and sing softly—or refrain from singing—to maintain unity and accuracy.

6. Arrival and Attire

• Arrive promptly and in proper attire (Guidelines for Liturgical Ministers’ Dress Code).
• Wearing attire in the liturgical color is suggested but not required.

7. Preparation for Practice

• Bring all necessary handouts and a properly flagged music book.
• Arrive with a properly warmed‑up voice.
• Pay close attention to instructions regarding any changes in arrangement or style for each Mass song.
• Mid-week self practice: members are expected to practice independently during the week. You can do this by visiting our choir webpage and clicking on the date of the upcoming mass service.
• Web resources: On the webpage, you will find the latest list of songs, as well as a Youtube playlist for listening and self-practice. Digital music sheets are also available on the page if needed, which is especially helpful for ur lectors and musicians.
• Expanding Musical Horizons: For those who wish to grow mathematically and musically, the online playlist will include separate tractking parts for Soprano, Alto, Tenor and/or Bass (SATB), Descants, Harmonies whenever they are available.

8. Sound System Setup and Breakdown

• Choir members are expected to assist with setting up and clearing the sound system.
• Items taken from and returned to the 11AM Choir Closet (beside the organ):
  • Piano music stand (used by Ellen)
  • Music stands
• Item taken from and to be returned to the Santinig Choir Music Closet:
  • Five mic stands 5 stands with mics, and 1 empty stand
  • Yellow round bag containing 3 microphones and 6 cables
  • Two folding guitar stands
  • Tambourine
  • Bag of Santinig Choir Tagalog worship aids (as needed)

These guidelines help ensure smooth preparation, reverent worship, and unity in our service. Thank you for your cooperation and dedication to the Santinig Choir.