The Music Ministry: Drawing Us into the Beauty and True Purpose of the Liturgical Seasons

Here at All Saints, a wide variety of music fills our liturgies and our halls. From the Children’s Choir to the Handbell about why we sing certain musical selections during Advent and others for Christmas. Choir, from the St. Gregory Choir to the St. Raphael Choir, from the Teen Band to our cantors, we celebrate throughout the liturgical year with music.

“The music lets people know we care about them,” says Shelbi McMullen, Assistant Director of Music. “Everybody feels welcome.”

Shelbi works primarily with the Children’s Choir, St. Gregory Choir, and Handbell Choir. Serving alongside Jordan Peek, Director of Music, Shelbi especially loves her role this time of year — Advent and Christmas include beautiful music that gets everyone involved. Working with the Children’s Choir has allowed Shelbi to talk with the kids “We spend a lot of time in Children’s Choir talking about the magic of the season of waiting,” Shelbi says. “We save certain music like a big prize. I try to relay to them how special this is because it only comes one time a year.”

The late Christmas Eve Mass is a favorite of Shelbi’s. After the quiet expectation of Advent, the Christmas Eve Mass is the culmination of all the preparation that has been happening in everyone’s hearts and homes. Shelbi loves to see the wonder in the faces of the children. Staying up late, going to church, and seeing everyone there together is new and exciting for the kids — this brings back that sense of wonder for Shelbi.

“I love seeing the kids get into it and learn about the liturgy,” she says. “Seeing them make those little discoveries all the time is worth it.”

When Shelbi plans the music, whether it’s her own composition or an arrangement of a favorite, she hopes to draw the parishioners in with enough familiarity that everyone feels comfortable and is able to join in song.

“Our goal is to always make sure that we’re contributing to their experience,” Shelbi says. “We don’t want to take away or distract. When we keep it familiar, people feel a sense of homeyness.”

There are many options for someone who would like to get involved with the music at All Saints. If you sing, there’s a choir for you in both contemporary and more traditional styles. We have a handbell choir that contributes so much to the Christmas liturgies and the All Saints Brass plays on special feast days. Our Music Ministry hopes that everyone feels welcomed and at home through the music.

Jordan Peek, Director of Music

If you would like to learn more about the Music Ministry, or to join a choir, you can email Shelbi McMullen at sherndon@allsaintsdallas.org or Jordan at music@allsaintsdallas.org.

Shelbi McMullen, Assistant Director of Music

The All Saints Brass and St. Gregory Choir