CANTANTE DOMINUS MUSIC MINISTRY

Choir Constitution, Formation Document, Rules and Regulations

Mission Statement
The mission of Cantante Dominus Music Ministry is to enrich, inspire,
motivate, and engage the community in hymns and sacred songs in the
celebration of the Holy Eucharist and other liturgical celebration

Vision Statement
Cantante Dominus Music Ministry seek to achieve our mission by:

a. being rooted in Catholic Spirituality that seeks the overall growth of

the members;
b. being committed to rehearsals;

c. having discipline and respect for authority;

d. learning new hymns; and

e. being knowledgeable of the liturgy and various liturgical seasons of
the church.

Name
a. The choir shall be known as CANTANTE DOMINUS MUSIC MINISTRY,
hereafter called ‘the choir’.
b. The choir will normally be an SATB choir.

c. The choir shall not be known by any other name, neither will it have
an affiliation to any political or any other organization.

Rehearsal
a. The choir shall normally rehearse every _______________.
b. The regular time for rehearsal session is to be from ______ to ______.

c. The choir shall meet at ____________________.

d. In the event of this venue being unavailable then arrangements will

be made to relocate or alter timings.

e. If a change has to be made then the Secretary or a nominated

person will contact all members to provide an update.

f. If there is an expected tardiness due to extenuating circumstances,

the member should inform the Coordinator in a timely manner.

g. Considering the importance of time and the personal sacrifice each

member makes, it is important to limit the rehearsals to a set time.
Therefore, rehearsals shall not exceed two hours.

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Selection of Hymns
a. Hymns are selected for the Liturgy through the cooperative effort
between the director, musicians and coordinator with special
attention given to the liturgical season and specific liturgical
celebration.
b. In selecting hymns, members should keep in mind the need to
engage the worshiping community singing

c. Each hymn sung should be in line with the nature of the liturgy
reflected at each stage of the Eucharistic Celebration

 Opening Hymn- reflects gathering of the people of God

 Offertory Hymn- reflects presentation of the gifts for

sacrifices

 Communion Song- reflects sharing in the Body and Blood of

Christ

(Eucharistic in nature) and should not be a

solo
 Meditation Hymn- reflects gratitude for God’s Blessings, etc.
 Recessional Hymn- reflects resolve to continue walk in the ways
of the

Lord as the community leaves having been

fed by the
Word and the Sacrament

Equality
a. The choir shall be committed to equality in all its functioning, both
internal and external.
b. It will actively seek to act and campaign against discrimination on
the grounds of sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, age, race,
nationality, ethnic heritage or cultural origin, disability, religion or
belief or any other aspect of identity which can lead to
discrimination.

c. It will actively seek membership from members of oppressed

groups.

Choir Membership Requirements

a. Membership is open to anyone sharing the values of the choir and
members will be encouraged to attend a majority of rehearsals;
b. Members are asked to be proactive in encouraging others to join us
and in promoting the objects and aims of the choir;

c. possess a love and a reasonable skill for singing;

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 d. be willing to abide by the rules and regulations of Holy Trinity Parish
Church;

e. have a positive attitude, team spirit, and a sense of great

expectation;

f. ALWAYS ATTEND REHEARSALS

Attendance
a. Members are asked to attend at both rehearsal liturgical events and
public performance during the year as often as they can.
b. If you are unable to attend a rehearsal and/or performance then
members are asked to let the MD or Secretary know in advance.

Recruitment

a. On a designated “Ministry Sign-up Sunday,” persons interested in

becoming a choir member should be encouraged to sign-up
membership application form.
b. Those potential members will be invited to attend a choir rehearsal
on the designated rehearsal night.

Training
a. All who are interested in joining a choir must be willing to attend a
weekly rehearsal, as this is the means for training of members.
b. Due to the nature of this ministry, a new member shall be required
to attend 2(two) rehearsals before he/she will be allowed to sing at
the weekend Mass.

c. Worship aids such as music sheets and hymnals will be provided for
free.

Officers and their Responsibility

The officers shall consist of:
 Musical Director
 Chairperson (Elected Officers)
 Secretary (Elected Officer)
 Two Coordinator Internal/External Affairs (Elected Officer)
 Treasurer (Elected Officer)

Members can be co-opted into committee/sub-committee roles such as

uniform coordinator as necessary and to take on specific tasks such as the
organising of fundraising ventures.

Term of office

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 In order to maintain a sense of continuity, all officers (except
Musical Director) shall serve for a period of two years in the first instance
but be eligible for re-election in subsequent years.

Areas of responsibility

Musical Director –
a. The Musical Director (or MD) shall have responsibility for the musical
direction of the choir. The MD shall be appointed for their values,
professionalism in music and choral production, and performance.
b. The MD will also encourage members of the choir to contribute
expertise and songs and assist the musical development of choir
members.

c. The MD shall consult with the elected officers of the committee and
liaise with them in decision making.

d. Contacting and collaborating with the choir members about

schedules, changes, rehearsal time/date/venue etc.

Chairperson–
a. The role of the chairperson is an elected position appointed from the
membership of the choir. The chairs must be of good standing and
promote the interests of the choir.
b. The chair shall be the official ‘spokespersons’ of the choir in
consultation with the MD.

c. The chairs will preside at meetings of the coordinators/committee

and direct members through the agenda and maintain good order in
all choir proceedings.

d. The chairs will oversee the democratic decision-making of the choir.

e. The chairs will also encourage the active participation of everyone in

fundraising and social activities of the choir.

f. The chairs has the responsibility to ensure the organisation meets

its aims and objects and that members observe the constitution

g. The chairs will ensure that activities are carried out and decisions
are made in a democratic way and in the best interests of the choir.

h. Attending Liturgy Committee meetings and workshops related to

music and liturgy

Role of the Secretary –

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 a. The Secretary is an elected position to be appointed from the
membership of the choir.
b. The duty of the Secretary is to be a point of contact for the public
and also to take and record minutes of all choir meetings.

c. The Secretary will notify committee members of meetings and also

provide them with notice of agenda.

d. The Secretary will notify choir members of rehearsals and singing

events. The Secretary will also write communications on behalf of
the choir.

e. The Secretary will assist in the production and copying of sheet

music and song sheets.

Role of the Treasurer –

a. The Treasurer is an elected position, appointed from the members of
the choir.
b. It is the responsibility of the treasurer to keep the accounts up to
date and in good order;

c. to pay invoices promptly and to form a good professional

relationship with funders.

d. The Treasurer must keep the committee informed of the financial

position of the organisation.

e. Collecting all monies for various projects when needed

Role of the Coordinator (Internal/External affairs)

a. Acting as contact person between the Parish Priest/Liturgy
Committee.
b. The committee will also receive the accounts of the choir and decide
on fundraising actions and policy.

c. Assisting in choosing hymns/songs for each mass, appropriate to the

parts of the mass and liturgical season

d. Carrying out request made by the Parish Priest/Liturgy Committee

e. If necessary, the coordinator can organise committees to take on

specific tasks such as finance or fundraising or the organising of a
specific event.

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 f. No member of the committee shall exercise their right to power for
the adverse affect of the choir.

Member Code of Conduct and Etiquette

a. Each member of the choir shall conduct herself in keeping with the
expected standards as stated by the Musical Director and as laid
down in the choir constitution, rules and regulations.
b. Members shall attire in accordance with the dress policy of the choir
for choir performances. The uniform of the choir shall normally be a
______.

c. Members are asked not to be under the influence of drink or drugs

at a rehearsal or public performance.

d. Any member thought to be so may not be permitted to participate.

e. When engaged in choir business no member shall take it upon

herself to make any official complaint to the hiring organisation.
f. If a member has a concern or grievance with the booking agent or
venue then the member will bring the issue to the attention of choir
secretary who will bring the matter before the committee for
consideration.

g. It is expected that a choir member conducts oneself as a model for

others to follow

h. Members will be required to show reverence and respect for our God
when entering the church by refraining from socializing or engaging
in idle talk

i. Be punctual by reporting to rehearsal and/or mass at the designated

time

j. For Holy Mass, all choir members should report no later than fifteen
(15) minutes before the beginning of Mass.

k. When the word of God is being proclaimed, or the choir is singing,

anyone who is tardy should wait and take his/her seat at the end of
the reading or song

l. For rehearsals, all should be present at the appointed time

m. Give undivided attention to the director at all times

n. Respect the knowledge and abilities of the director/musician

o. Discuss ideas with the director/musician and/or coordinator(s) in a

tactfull and humble manner

p. allow others to get their fair share by taking turns in a lead role

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 q. ask questions and clarifications at an appropriate time without
causing disruption or delay of rehearsal

r. TURN OFF CELLPHONE AND OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICES

s. Not hold private conversations during rehearsals and during mass

t. Follow all the required postures of the Mass (e.g. kneeling, sitting,
standing, bowing, etc.)

In these matters, the members of the choir should be an example to the

worshipping community

Medication issues
a. Members required taking regular preventative medication (e.g. for
asthma or hypertension) MUST inform the Secretary and also must
ensure that this medication is up to date and taken as necessary
prior to performance.
b. Anyone on medication is expected to take sufficient care of their
own welfare.

18. Health and safety

a. Members have a duty of care under health and safety law for
themselves and others affected by their action.
b. Members will always be notified of H&S issues at a performance
venue.

c. The choir cannot take responsibility for any injury, however caused.

d. If a member has a health and safety issue with a venue then they
must speak with the Choir Secretary.

e. Health and safety matters will be dealt with by a member of the

choir committee, and should not be dealt with individually by a
member of the choir.

Social activity
a. The social aspect of the choir is to be encouraged wherever
possible.
b. The choir as an organisation is to nurture a friendly atmosphere and
social meetings are to be encouraged.

c. In addition, choir trips can be organised.

d. Members will be asked to pay towards the cost of such trips.

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