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ADULT CHOIR:

St. John the Evangelist Parish Choir is composed of a loyal and dedicated group of people. Some have been members for decades; others have been with us for just a few months. Singing experience is helpful, but not required. The choir is four-part: soprano, alto, tenor and bass. Average attendance is about 25 people. Some celebrations have seen the choir balloon to 60 voices. Rehearsals are scheduled as needed, and are generally held Sunday evenings from 6 to 8. The choir provides music for many important parish litugies: Christmas, Easter, the sacraments of First Holy Communion and Confirmation and other festivities. If you are interested in becoming a member, or if you have questions, please contact Mr. Joe Holden, director of music, at pianojoe23@aol.com or at the parish center (570)654-0053.

CHILDREN'S CHOIR

St. John the Evangelist Parish Children's Choir is open to students first through eighth grade. Rehearsals are held Sunday mornings 9:15 to 10. The children's choir provides music at the 10 a.m. Mass. The children's choir also provides music at select liturgies throughout the year that are geared to children. The children's choir is under the direction of Mrs. Karen Melvin. If you or your child is interested in learning more about the children's choir, please contact Mrs. Melvin through the parish center (570) 654-0053.

CANTOR PROGRAM:

St. John the Evangelist Cantor program is made up of about 12 truly dedicated members of our music ministry. Cantors function as a vital part of the liturgy, leading the congregation in song. Cantors are required to know the Mass and must be able to effectivley communicate with the congregation, encouraging participation in singing the various parts of the Mass. A cantor is not a performer or a soloist. Rather, members of our cantor program set good examples by leading those at Mass in sung prayer. If you think you have what it takes to cantor, please contact Mr. Joe Holden, director of music, at pianojoe23@aol.com or at the parish center (570) 654-0053.

IS SOMETHING MISSING?:

We strive to reach everyone. It's not always easily done. Are we missing the note on something? Are we off-beat in reaching you? By design, our program is only as good as the feedback we receive. If you would like to see (or hear) something different, please, get in touch with us. We welcome your feedback.

ABOUT THE DIRECTOR:

Joe Holden joined St. John the Evangelist Parish music ministry as choir director and organist in September, 2007. He began his ministry as an organist at the age of 15, playing at a national Italian parish in Philadelphia. Two years later, he was tapped to play for and direct a large parish choir in suburban Philadelphia where he remained for the next seven years. A self-taught organist, Joe can't explain where his talent comes from, except to say it is a gift from God. In fourth grade, he tried out for his parish children's choir and since then, he's been fascinated with the organ. Today, at the age of 30, Joe takes great pride in the music program at St. John the Evangelist, likening the choir to others he's worked with. He says every choir has its drama, but in the end, they're a group of down-to-earth people wanting to get out of the house for a little bit and sing (and laugh). Joe is married and has two children. You can contact Joe by email at pianojoe23@aol.com or through the parish center (570) 654-0053.

ABOUT THE ORGAN:

St. John the Evangelist is blest to have such a beautiful, diverse and colorful instrument. Situated in the rear of the church in the choir loft, the mighty Kilgen organ dates back to the late '20s. A bronze plaque indicates the expansive instrument, taking up more than half the choir loft, was a gift of Monsignor Patrick Winters. The organ has three manuals (keyboards) and a pedalboard. Uniquely, much of the organ's pipes are visible through the organ's facade of bronze-colored pipes. At each end, you can see what appear to be very large boxes, known as the choir and swell divisions of the organ. The organist controls the volume of these divisions, opening and closing mechanical shades. Some of the pipes, a combination of metal and wood, are some 30 feet high and some are smaller than an inch. The organ's blower, located high above the church interior in the western tower, provides pressurized air to feed the thousands of pipes through a series of chambers and reservoirs. Due to the costly maintenance and upkeep of the instrument, there was a period of time when it sat dormant. The parish, in the '60s, had chosen instead to use an electric organ. Through the work of some, and a lot of capital, the organ was brought back to its original state.