○ This online conversation provided an opportunity for directors, both within and outside the Diocese of Metuchen, to get together in a virtual setting to discuss topics such as recruitment, music planning, upcoming liturgical celebrations, and resources.

○ We offered directors an opportunity to network with each other, share ideas, and support each other in ministering to our parishes and congregations.

○ Led by Megan Calabro at St. Mary’s-Stony Hill Church, Watchung, NJ

○ This workshop explored music creation through the lens of the physicality of music through the Dalcroze and Kodaly methods of music learning, based upon the idea of learning music through physical experiences of music.

○ Participants explored music learning in a way that is fun and engaging, utilizing both solfege and movement-to-music as foundational tools that support musicians in singing traditional hymns, choral anthems, and the fluid movement of chant.

○ Our second annual Summer Choral Festival, coordinated by Jim Cole and hosted at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Whitehouse Station, NJ.

○ Growing 25% in participation from our first year, 50 vocalists registered from as far away as Florida from various parish/community choirs.

○ The Festival took place over five days (Tues.-Fri., Sat.-Sun.), culminating in an open concert on Sunday afternoon entitled The Lord Is King consisting of 10 choral anthems and G.F. Handel’s Organ Concerto in F Major, Op. 4, No. 4.

○ The Festival was directed by Jim Cole, and was co-conducted by Megan Calabro and David Jules, with the support and participation of a contracted accompanist and chamber orchestra.

○ Photos from the Festival can be seen here.

○ Created a YouTube video of our concluding concert: The Lord Is King

○ This online conversation provided an opportunity for directors, both within and outside the Diocese of Metuchen, to get together in a virtual setting to discuss topics such as recruitment, music planning, upcoming liturgical celebrations, and resources.

○ We offered directors an opportunity to network with each other, share ideas, and support each other in ministering to our parishes and congregations.

○ Coordinated by Joan Best-Seamon, hosted by Dan Manhoney at Church of the Blessed Sacrament, South Plainfield, NJ

○ Eight parishes, 10 choirs, over 200 people, and 14 beautiful pieces of music came together to celebrate our patron saint of music, St. Cecilia.

○ We heard organ solos, a double handbell choir, children’s sweet voices, and some beautiful four-part harmonies.

○ The program culminated in all of the participating choirs combining to sing Locus Isle by Anton Bruckner, directed by David Jules.

○ Photos can be seen here.

○ Video of the program can be seen here.

We are grateful for the continued engagement of so many musicians across our Diocese who share of their time and talents, allowing this Chapter to be the vibrant community that it is. We are grateful for the support and participation of the many individuals who consistently respond yes with their time and talent across the Diocese. We are grateful for the support of the many parishes and pastors who have also graciously permitted the use of their facilities for our chapter events. Financially, we have again been blessed by the support of those who have attended our chapter events, and who freely have given donations at the Choral Festival and St. Cecilia Sing. As a result of their generosity, we were blessed to be able to offer scholarships for individuals to participate in the Summer Choral Festival, and offer a donation to NPM. We remain committed to continuing our support for music ministers across our Diocese and the surrounding area by hosting events that encourage skills development, faith formation, and community engagement. We also remain committed to being good stewards with the funds that have been entrusted to the Board.

I would also like to take a moment to acknowledge the Board members as they continue their ministry in serving the NPM Metuchen Chapter in 2026 and beyond.  I thank you for your time, talent, and gift of self. May God continue to bless you in your ministry.

Respectfully submitted,

Megan Calabro, MA, MT-BC, MCHC
NPM Metuchen Chapter Director (outgoing)