COMBINED ADULT AND CHILDREN’S CHORUS
One of the greatest gifts we have is the capacity to experience the beauty of music. Throughout the ages, the rich tradition of choral music in the church assures us that generation after generation, people have recognized the ability of music to invoke spiritual awe. The church continues to insist that music is integral to the experience of the Mass. With that in mind, Epiphany seeks to provide the highest quality music at our Sunday masses to engage the congregation and elevate the liturgy. We have been blessed with a phenomenal acoustical space--it is only appropriate that this space is filled with beautiful sacred music!
The Church of the Epiphany is home to a thriving sacred music program. The musical styles of our various choirs present a unique and spiritual element that enables our congregation to lift up their voices in praise. Although the various groups have different styles, different rehearsal times, different commitment levels, and different Mass schedules, they all strive toward a common goal: to lead the congregation in sung prayer and to glorify God through the music which they produce.
Epiphany Combined Adult and Children’s Chorus
The 11am Sunday Family Mass features music provided by the Epiphany Combined Community Chorus. The music at this Mass is family-oriented to complement the presence of our children and adult members of Epiphany. The hymns reflect a great stylistic range, including Gospel, praise & worship band, taizé, and more.
Adult vocalists (from teens and on) should be able to match pitch, sing with a group, and attend both rehearsals and scheduled Masses. The ability to read music is a plus but not a necessity. Anyone interested in sharing their musical gifts is encouraged to offer their talents to the parish. Rehearsals are on Sundays from 10:15am-11 and occasionally from 12:15-1pm in the main sanctuary (except June-September). Commitment for the entire year is expected.
If you are interested in joining our Combined Adult and Children’s Chorus, contact Jack Coen, Director of Music jack.d.coen@gmail.com
Children (grades four through eight) are invited to join the choir. Vocalists should be able to match pitch, sing with a group, and all members should attend both rehearsals and scheduled Masses. The ability to read music is a plus but not a necessity. Anyone interested in sharing their musical gifts is encouraged to offer their talents to the parish. Rehearsal is every Sunday at 9:45am before Mass in the church. Commitment from October to June is expected.
If your child would like to join the youth choir please contact our youth choir director Natalie Pawlelek at epiphanyyouthchoirnyc@gmail.com
John (Jack) Daniel Coen, Epiphany’s music director, is an organist, pianist and composer based in New York City. He graduated summa cum laude from the Blair School of Music at Vanderbilt University. Before coming to Epiphany, he was the music director and organist at Holy Name of Mary Catholic Church in Croton-on-Hudson. He has interned as an organist at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine. Jack is both a composer and lyricist. Stephen Sondheim has said Jack’s work is “remarkably craftsmanlike,” and “skillful and graceful.” He has received several commissions, notably from pianist Craig Nies, and violinists Mary Grace Johnson and Matthew Lammers. When he is not at Epiphany, he is the Director of Music at Temple Emanuel in Manhattan.
Natalie Pavelek, Epiphany’s beloved Youth Choir Director, Assistant Director and Cantor. Originally from Corpus Christi, Texas, Natalie began singing at Epiphany in 2013, shortly after moving to pursue her Masters in Music at New Jersey City University. After graduating, Natalie became more involved with Epiphany's music ministry, co-founding the Youth Choir as assistant director, and soon after, assuming the role of director. Natalie is Epiphany’s featured cantor, employing her beautiful voice to lead the congregation in singing liturgical hymns. She is also an accomplished actor, with featured roles in numerous film, television and feature projects.
