St. Gregory Choir - Sundays at 9:00 A.M.
The St. Gregory choir meets about 20-30 minutes before the 9:00 A.M. Sunday Mass to practice the chants, hymns, and responsorial psalm. Choir members are encouraged to attend occasional Wednesday evening rehearsals, especially around special holidays like Christmas and Holy Week. Both men and women are welcome!
This choir accepts new members year-round; please contact the Director of Music, Catherine Schaefer, at music@acchtx.org for information about joining.
Schola Cantorum Choir - Sundays at 11:00 A.M.
The Schola Cantorum sings for the Latin Extraordinary Form Mass at 11:00 A.M. on Sundays. These dedicated singers rehearse on Wednesday nights from 7:15 - 9:15 P.M. and meet for a warmup at 10:15 A.M. on Sunday mornings. In addition to singing the Mass Propers and leading the congregation in singing the Mass Ordinary, they also prepare motets or hymns to sing during Offertory. Some choral experience is preferred. Members should expect to spend some additional time outside of rehearsal practicing their music. For more information or to join, please contact Catherine Schaefer at music@acchtx.org.
Schola Puerorum Choir (Children's Choir) - Sundays at 11:00 A.M.
Children ages 9 and up are invited to sing with the adult choir during the 11:00 A.M. Latin Mass on Sundays. In addition to joining the adult choir on the Mass Ordinary, the children sing verses of the Introit or Communion antiphons, and sometimes an Offertory or Communion motet, entirely by themselves. They often sing the soprano part along with the adult choir on familiar repertoire. Children also have the opportunity to play the Marian antiphon of the season on the organ at the end of Mass. Children are expected to attend rehearsal prior to Mass at 10:30 A.M. and to prepare music for each Sunday. Most Sundays, we also rehearse briefly after Mass, from about 12:45-1:15 P.M. Parents may contact Catherine at music@acchtx.org for more information.
Children's Choir for Christmas Eve
All parish children are invited to sing carols and Mass on Christmas Eve, immediately following the Christmas pageant. 2-4 prior rehearsals will be scheduled, and recordings are emailed to aid with preparation at home. Parents may contact Catherine at music@acchtx.org for more information.
Second Sunday Solemn Vespers and Special Events
On most Second Sundays throughout the year, a small group of highly-trained musicians meet to chant Vespers (evening prayer) in the Extraordinary Form at 4:00 P.M. Usually this is a group of 4 - 6 men singing from the Sanctuary. An audition is required to sing with this group. Please contact Catherine Schaefer at music@acchtx.org if interested.
Sola Stella
Sola Stella (pictured below) is the professional choir-in-residence at Annunciation (on hiatus at this time). Sola Stella has provided music for many liturgies and other special events.
We always welcome sponsorship for these events! To sponsor a Vespers or special musical event, please contact the church office.
Chant Workshops
We have held two previous chant workshops, in 2017 and in 2018. These workshops have attracted Houstonians who want to learn more about this ancient art form that is so intimately connected to the liturgy. In 2018, we had over 40 participants! Please keep an eye on our website for information about our 2024 Chant Workshop to be held on January 4 - 6th!