To help you keep your job, go through your files fast and you should find a list of music sung last year, especially during holy week, all typed up in one form or another. You may find that there are certain things that they are used to doing. "We only do the even numbered readings and psalms at the Vigil." "Oh, because it's an even numbered year....I suppose that makes sense." "No, we only do the even-numbered ones." Maybe they look at the cornerstone of the church and use that date to make this decision.

Having to explain why you are not singing certain songs is a dangerous act. Writing in purple means that the comment is humorous but, like this, one also dead serious. The people think that they know more than we do. Try not to dissuade them. It's futile and can drive you to drink and when you live in a dry county (welcome to the South) that's really frustrating.

At the same time you should find a couple of sheets showing what they sang during Lent...singers/directors get crazy during that time and tend to try to write things down, so there is more chance of finding written records -usually on salmon or other strangely colored paper stock (do not have a clue why, unless it is to keep from throwing away the illegally copied music on white paper to save money - when in reality, it should all be thrown away.

Welcome to the forum. You'll be excited/depressed to know that the average RC choir director/director of music who is hired to reform the music lasts 4 years, though certain situations rapidly fizzle and fall apart quicker and some, like Dr. Mahrt and the St. Ann Choir stay together for years. When he posts a message, pay close attention, it's bound to be something very important and useful to read.

frogNoel makes a good point. Do what they did last year.

The best advice I have ever gotten about starting a job at a new parish came from my brother:
Don't make any changes for at least a year.

Depending on the situation, this is not always 100% possible. But it's still damn good advice.

(Also, his observation regarding oddly-colored copy paper is spot-on.)

thank you for your insight! as to doing what they did last year, the parish is a bit disorganized and from what i hear everyone was doing their own thing. our parish has 9 different choirs and people have a mentality of "i've been here for so long don't correct me." our new pastor is trying to break that mentality slowly but all in good time, hopefully sooner rather than later. again, your insight is much appreciated!

You know, I came into my position ten years ago with no desires to change anything. I have grown to appreciate the traditions of the church and grow away from the Praise and Worship music I knew growing up. I have made changes over the years. They have been very slow, although more in the last year, due to the change in Pastors. I think, by the time we really started changing things (adding all the propers for example) I had gained the respect of the choir.

There are still grumblings, but the other day I had a number of people standing up for my choices as well. Do take your time. The propers at Communion are a great way to begin. You can even begin with some Taize chant with the verses from the SEP (Simple English Propers). Choose chants that match the propers. Then, introduce the SEP a year or so later. We did this, and it worked very well. You could begin at Lent, or next fall. Slowly wins the race.

As for many groups? I have no idea, unless it comes from the Pastor, which it did in our case.

Welcome!

This Hymnal has suggested hymns for Lent that might be worthy of your consideration.

@ryand & @canadash - i agree. slow and steady does win the race.
@ Paul_Onnonhoaraton- thanks for that insight. i wish i could order all of them! i see they have an SATB version, I assume the difficulty of the pieces might be a little hard right? Have you worked with this hymnal?
@frogman - I just purchased this book last week. hope to get it soon!

thanks everyone for your insight!