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HISTORY
MUSIC IN THE CHURCH
Adult Choirs
Music has played an active role in the worship services from the
very beginning. Shortly after the church building was completed, an
all-male choir sang the High Mass in Latin under the direction of
Fred Pranzatelli. This tradition continued for a number of years.
After Father Ed Hughes became the pastor, Ralph Bridges formed an
adult choir of mixed voices. With 16 singers at its peak, it became
the largest choir in the history of the church. Over the years, this
choir diminished in size and eventually disbanded. Adeline Imbriani
was the organist for all the choirs and services from the beginning
of the church until her retirement in 1991.
In December 1992, a new Allen organ, a present from the Rosary
Altar Society, was installed in the church.
Folk Choir
Among the many changes brought by Vatican II, few were as dramatic
as the changes in the music liturgy. In addition to traditional
hymns, much contemporary music found its way into church services.
After an earlier Folk Choir disbanded, Debra Kubeck was approached to
form a Folk Choir in the fall of 1978. The choir began rehearsals in
September and sang at its first Mass in December, 1978. Beginning
with seven members, it caught on and expanded. New students came
along. New talents, instruments and sounds were added. In addition
to instrumentalists, some have joined as singers. The guitar is the
Folk Choir's primary instrument, but flutes, string bass, electric
bass and even brass instruments have supplemented them at Christmas.
Often, alumni away at college will sing with the group when they
are home on vacation. It is more than just a musical organization;
it is spiritual and social as well. Its reputation has spread beyond
our parish borders. It has sung for weddings and anniversaries at St.
Peter's in New Brunswick, Our Lady of Mt. Virgin in Middlesex and St.
Joseph's in East Millstone. The choir has also sung at various town
events such as the lighting of the Christmas Tree in South Bound
Brook.
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