The Cornerstone -- a quarterly parish newsletter

Advent 1998
Volume One, Issue I

PARISHIONER PROFILE

DON BARRETT, CHOIRMASTER
"Language is not a barrier to participation in the liturgy at Old St. Mary’s," says choirmaster Don Barrett, who has served the parish as music director and organist for the past 14 years. Old St. Mary’s 9:15 Sunday Latin Mass features Gregorian chant and Renaissance music provided by choir members from the University of Cincinnati’s College Conservatory of Music.

"The music program at Old St. Mary’s is not about ‘performance’; it is all about liturgy in the finest tradition of the Catholic Church," explains Mr. Barrett. "We feature a wide variety of traditional Catholic sacred music in its proper liturgical setting, and there is a high level of congregational participation at each Mass." The Latin congregation, for instance, chants the familiar Gloria, Credo and Sanctus along with the choir.

The Old St. Mary’s choir, under the direction of Mr. Barrett, was featured on Public Radio International’s 1995 and 1996 "Renaissance Music of Christmas" specials.

Mr. Barrett, himself a graduate of the College Conservatory of Music, has worked during his career as music director for several Detroit-area and Cincinnati-area parishes including Guardian Angels, St. James of the Valley and St. Elizabeth, Norwood. In addition to his expertise on the organ, Mr. Barrett plays alto saxophone, clarinet, and flute, and has been a member of a barbershop quartet for the past 12 years.

Copyright © 2000-2006 Old St. Mary's Church. All rights reserved.
Revised: January 29, 2006 .

Questions and comments should be directed to the E-Mail address below.

oldstmarys@oldstmarys.org