About the Music Program
Music has always played an important role in the liturgical life of the parish. a tradition which continues and flourishes to this day. With a rich legacy of musical leadership including Adalbert Huguelet and William Ferris that continues under the guidance of Paul French, the congregation has an opportunity to worship with music from the rich heritage of the Catholic Church. Polyphony and Gregorian chant are sung along with works of Classical, Romantic and 20th-21st century composers. The Sunday afternoon liturgies feature contemporary music accompanied by piano and cantor. The Contemporary Choir sings a varied repertoire at this Mass during the Advent-Christmas and Lent-Easter seasons. The liturgies at Our Lady of Mount Carmel are filled with voices and instruments making a joyful noise to the Lord!
The Sunday afternoon liturgies feature contemporary song accompanied by piano and diverse musical instruments.
The congregation is an active participant in all the liturgies through spirited singing of responsorial psalms, Eucharistic acclamations and hymnody.
The liturgical year at Our Lady of Mount Carmel is filled with voices and instruments making a joyful noise to the Lord!
Staff
Paul French, Music Director
Prior to joining the Music staff of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in January of 2001, Paul French has worked in parishes in the Archdiocese of Chicago for nearly two decades, including St. James (Arlington Heights), Old St. Patrick's. St. Vincent Ferrer (River Forest) and St. John of the Cross (Western Springs). In actuality this is Paul's second tenure at Mount Carmel, having served an apprenticeship on the music staff under his teacher, William Ferris, from 1987-1989. He has studied composition, chant, conducting and organ at St. John's University (Collegeville, MN), Northwestern University and the Pontificio Istituto di Musica Sacra in Rome. Paul was appointed Music Director of the William Ferris Chorale May 16, 2005. He has composed more than 200 instrumental and choral works in a variety of media including works for choir, voice, organ, brass and orchestra. He is active in the Chicago area as a recording session conductor and producer, and is the proud father of two sons, William and Andrew.
Kelly Dobbs-Mickus, Organist
We welcome to the music staff Ms. Kelly Dobbs-Mickus, who has been engaged to accompany the Morning Choir and to play for the Saturday evening and Sunday morning 9:30 a.m. Masses. For the past several years, Kelly has been employed as the Senior Editor at GIA Publications, the publisher of our parish RitualSong hymnals. Kelly's organ studies have been at both Indiana University and DePaul University, and she brings with her a tremendous wealth of experience playing for parishes in the Archdiocese of Chicago. Her musicianship is of the highest level, and we are excited to welcome Kelly to Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
The Liturgical Year
2012-2013 Music Season
Click here to access a complete, printable listing of choral selections for Liturgical Year 2012-2013 (PDF format).