Choir Don & Diane Competello,  Parish Directors of Music

Our parish has two adult choirs.  The Italian choir sings every Sunday at the 9:00 A.M. Mass.  The English choir sings every Sunday at the 12:00 noon Mass.
Both the Italian and English choirs are progressing well, keeping in mind the directives of the Liturgical Commission.  Our Choirs strive to enhance the liturgy by leading the assembly.  We also work on choral music that hopefully will lift the hearts of the assembly and enrich their prayer experience.
Both choirs rehearse weekly.  The Italian Choir rehearses on Monday evening after the 7:30 P.M.  Mass.  The English Choir rehearses every Tuesday evening at 7:30 P.M..
No auditions are needed to join.  The only requirement is a willing spirit and an eagerness to serve your parish in this special way.
Anyone from high school age on is welcome.  Please give us a try!  Visit us any Sunday in the choir loft, or call at 718-326-1911.
OUR FIRST CHOIR PRACTICE FOR THE SEASON WILL BE ON AUGUST 28TH AT 7:30 P.M. IN THE CHURCH.  WE ARE A VERY WELC0MING AND COHESIVE GROUP.  WE TRY TO ENHANCE THE LITURGIES THROUGH THIS MINISTRY.  WE LOOK FORWARD TO PREPARING FOR OUR ANNUAL SERVICE OF LESSONS AND CAROLS  IN ADVENT.  WE ALSO WILL BE PREPARING FOR THE MIDNIGHT MASS ON CHRISTMAS EVE.  PLEASE FEEL FREE TO COME UP TO THE CHOIR LOFT ON ANY SUNDAY AFTER ANY MASS IF YOU ARE INTERESTED.

OUR PARISH ORGAN

We are fortunate to have a pipe organ in our church that is still working and sounding
in the tradition of the instruments that were designed to enhance the liturgies
throughout the ages.  The organ has sixteen ranks (families of pipes) of various tone colors.
The combination of the ranks provides a sound that is both powerful and inspiring.
All of the sixteen ranks are working and have been maintained to the best of our
ability.  Furthermore, I have been able to enhance the present organ with digital keyboards
that are voiced to the original pipework resulting in a beautiful combination of the traditional pipe
organ sound and the orchestral additions i.e. strings, woodwinds, and brass.
Here you will find a brief history of our organ.  My hope is that someday we will
have a fully functional console that will continue to preserve the traditions
of beautiful music in St. Margaret’s for many years to come.

The organ in the present church was built in 1937 by the W.W. Kimball Company of Chicago. Kimball installed the organ in a chamber at the rear of the church and provided a detached two-manual drawknob console. When originally installed the organ was completely enclosed but the swell shades have since been removed. Sometime in the 1970s, the organ was rebuilt by the Schantz Organ Company of Orrville, Ohio. As of 2012, the organ is playable and used regularly but is in need of restoration.

The console  (actual keyboards of the organ) and the pedals are in need of refurbishing.
THANKS TO THE GENEROSITY OF THOSE PARISHIONERS WHO GAVE TO THE ANNUAL CATHOLIC APPEAL,
THE REPAIR OF THE CONSOLE MAY SOON BE A REALITY.

It is a pleasure to serve you as directors of music in this wonderful parish.

Don & Diane Competello

Children’s Choir
The Children’s Choir practices on Fridays from 5 – 5:45 P.M. in the Parish Hall.  Children in Grades 3 and up are welcome to come and sing.  The Choir sings at the monthly Family Masses at 10:30 A.M.  We also participate in a Christmas concert.  We have a great time at rehearsals, learning new music and singing praise to the Lord!
Children’s Choir directors: Kathy Burger and Jeanne Perry;  Email: kidschoir2027@aol.com

 ANY QUESTIONS REGARDING ANY ASPECT OF MUSIC MINISTRY IN OUR PARISH MAY BE DIRECTED TO DON OR DIANE COMPETELLO, DIRECTORS OF MUSIC MINISTRY @ 718-326-1911.