The NPM Section for Choir Directors represents one of the largest groups of musicians in the NPM family. Whether your choir is five or fifty voices; unison, two part, or four part; traditional or contemporary; children, youth, or adult; or some other distinction, we hope you will find the NPM Section for Choir Directors a valuable resource to assist you and your choir members in your ministry.

The members of the Choir Director Standing Committee stand ready to assist you. The Second Vatican Council, in speaking of the choir, stated emphatically that "Choirs must be diligently promoted." Here are some ongoing programs that may be of assistance to you:

• Each November choir directors are encouraged to participate in the Saint Cecilia Sing that unites NPM members across the country in honoring the patron saint of music (November 22).
• The Choir Director Institute is a week-long intensive program designed to help choir directors to expand their knowledge and strengthen their musical, theological, and liturgical skills.
• The Institute for Music with Children has tracks for both children's choir directors and music educators, focusing on the needs of those who work with elementary and middle school children.
• At the 2007 NPM National Convention in Indianapolis (July 9-13), in addition to the Children's Choir Festival, there will be a new Adult Choir Festival targeting choir directors and choir members that will feature intense rehearsals leading to the presentation of a major choral work.
• The Choral Anthem Lectionary Project is a resource compiled by the Director of Music Ministries Division of NPM. You will find choral anthems based on the entrance and communion antiphons as well as the scripture readings for each Sunday. Choir directors are encouraged to utilize this valuable tool, and to consider making contributions to the list for specific lectionary readings.
• The Liturgical Singer is an NPM newsletter that features articles specifically for cantors, choirs, ensemble singers, presiders and deacons. It is a rich resource for all worship leaders who lift their voice in song.

Best wishes to you in your ministry! Please do not hesitate to contact members of the Choir Director Standing Committee if we can be of any further assistance.

Michael Wustrow
Chair, NPM Standing Committee for Choir Directors

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