Our Children’s Choir: Young Voices Add Beauty To The Mass

As Jesus tells us in Matthew 19:14, “Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” So, what better way to bring our children to Jesus than through the gift of music? Here at All Saints, once a month at Mass and on special occasions, we are blessed with music from our Children’s Choir, consisting of pre-kindergarten to fifth-grade students.

“Seeing the children’s joy and innocence in worship is such a blessing,” says Shelbi McMullen, Director of Children’s Music and Handbells. “It reminds us to be more child-like, more loving, more joyful, and it blesses our worship.”

Christmas, especially, is a beautiful season to hear those young voices helping us prepare for our Savior’s birth. The Children’s Choir provides music for the Christmas Children’s Mass in the gymnasium. “Silent Night” and “Away in a Manger” are two of Shelbi’s favorites during the Christmas season. She uses Christmastime to not only teach the lyrics but also the real meaning behind these popular Christmas hymns.

Having led the choir for two years, Shelbi has made it her mission to not only help children prepare for their monthly Mass but also to learn more about music. She teaches our young choir members popular Mass songs and basic music reading, and the children enjoy musicrelated games, which provide the children with the opportunity to have some fun while learning. All of the songs are sung from memory, as some choir members are still learning to read.

For Shelbi, teaching music and being with the children is such a joy. She recognizes each child has a place in the choir.

“I love watching them gain understanding and confidence in their singing and what we learn in choir,” she says. “As a teacher, you often have ‘lightbulb moments’ with your students and it is such an amazing feeling.”

Shelbi understands that it takes a special commitment by the whole family to be a part of the choir. The Children’s Choir helps children get to know others at the parish and build relationships. Shelbi also knows how important it is to give children the chance to glorify God with their voices.

“This teaches the children about commitment and holding their own,” she says. “Each child’s voice is important in the Children’s Choir and it gives them a sense of responsibility. They learn that singing and participating in Mass is an amazing form of worship.”

If you would like more information about the Children’s Choir, or if your child would like to be involved, please email Shelbi McMullen at sherndon@allsaintsk8.org.

Shelbi McMullen directs the Children’s Choir. The choir shares their musical talents once a month at Mass.