Music

Parish Choir | Children’s Choir | Witness

Sacred Music Camp, August 7 – 11, 9:15 am – 3:00 pm

High School Students interested in learning to play the organ, join in a new choir for a week, learn what it takes to be a conductor, or just enjoy being with other musical peers should join the Sacred Music Camp at St. Francis de Sales in Purcellville, VA.

Sacred Music Camp is a unique experience in which high school students will build their musicianship, learn about the historical developments of music in Christian worship, have individual and group instruction, experience the fellowship of peers who share musical interests, and prepare for an end of the week music presentation in the beautiful acoustical setting of St. Francis de Sales in rural Virginia.

Students will need to bring lunch for each day and should wear comfortable clothing Mon – Thurs. During the lunch break hour we will have ultimate frisbee, dodgeball, or some other light hearted fun. Students will choose between an organ/keyboard track of study or a singer/choral track of study.

Cost for the camp is $350, checks payable to St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church.
Camp will be held at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church
37730 St. Francis Ct, Purcellville VA, 20132

Application Process

The application process is mainly to ascertain the level of skills of the participants in time to adequately prepare for camp and establish a baseline of skill for a successful experience. If you have any questions, please reach out to Michael Galdo at m.galdo@saintfrancisparish.org or 540-338-6381.

For keyboard/organist submit:
Organ Applicant Information Form
Diocese of Arlington Waiver
Recording of student playing one piece (piano or organ) which demonstrated current level of ability

For singers submit:
Singer Applicant Information Form
Diocese of Arlington Waiver
Recording of student singing any hymn without accompaniment

Please submit Applicant Information Form, Recording, and Diocesan Waiver electronically by June 23. Email application and recording to:
Michael Galdo
m.galdo@saintfrancisparish.org

Mail checks (made out to St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church) with a paper copy of the application to:
Michael Galdo
37730 St. Francis Ct
Purcellville, VA 20132

Late applicants may be considered if space allows, but on time applications will greatly help us in planning for the camp.

Daniel Carroll Performs at St. Matthews, 2023

Organ Students Perform on Capitol Hill, 2022

Parish Choir

The Parish Choir has begun a new fall season. The choir is open to all who love to sing. It is open to high-school age students and adults. The choir enhances liturgy with a wide variety of music, from chant and polyphony to contemporary music. The choir will sing at the 8:30 am Mass every 1st and 2nd Sunday of the month and at the 10:30 am Mass every 3rd and 4th Sunday. Rehearsals are Thursday evenings at 7:00 pm in the Church. The choir usually accepts new members throughout the year, but we encourage new members to begin in September. Contact Music Director, Michael Galdo, m.galdo@saintfrancisparish.org to join.

Witness

Witness provides music for the Sunday 5:00 pm Teen Mass. Witness primarily plays modern contemporary style music to encourage the “full, active, conscious participation” of the youth. Rehearsals are held at 4pm on Sundays prior to Mass. Adults and youth, 8^th grade and up, who sing or play an instrument, are welcome to join. Please contact Kevin Bills, kevin@kbills.com.

Children’s Choir

The St. Francis Children’s Choir, for Grades 2 – 8, rehearses on Tuesdays throughout the school year at 3:30 pm. All choir members will rehearse together, beginner level students will be dismissed at 4:15 pm and advanced students will be dismissed at 4:45. The choir sings about twice a month at various weekend Masses as well as some of the big feast days such as Immaculate Conception, Christmas, and Easter. Auditions will be held on Tuesday, September 21 in the music office. Signups will be done online HERE. The first rehearsal is on Tuesday, September 28 in the church. Contact m.galdo@saintfrancisparish.org for more information or call the office 540-338-6381.