Music is considered an integral part of worship at St. Joseph Parish. Cantors, choir, and instrumentalists are all an important and enhancing part of the sacred liturgy. The choir is not just for special occasions.  If you have a love and a talent for music, please consider joining this friendly group and participate in one or more aspects of Music Ministry. 

St. Joseph Choir is active throughout the year.  Rehearsals usually take place Thursday evenings at 7:00 p.m. in the church and just prior to Mass (please refer to the weekly bulletin for any changes).  All voices and musicians are welcome! Please contact our Music Minister or the Parish Office for further information.

Mr. Bill Davies ~ Music Minister (& Guitar Accompanist)
"Working at St. Joe's (since March, 2004) has been a great joy for me. I truly feel blessed, like I have the best of both worlds. I am able to work in music, and serve the church. In particular this church. Since coming to St. Joe's I have met so many wonderful people of faith. It truly inspires me to see such a community."

Bill Davies was born in Lorain, Ohio, but moved to Kent when he was five and, except for a few excursions to the Houston area, he has lived in North East Ohio his whole life. He attended Kent Roosevelt High School, and upon finishing there, took some time off to decide what to do with himself. After working many odd jobs, he tells us he turned up at Kent State University. There he received a degree in music in 2001. In January, 2004, Bill began a Masters program at Cleveland State. His ultimate goal is to teach at the college level as well as continuing work in music ministry. In addition, he teaches private guitar and piano lessons, performs for various weddings and parties, and works with a contemporary Christian band called Gabriel's Harp. In what little free time Bill has he enjoys playing chess, skiing, swimming, and a good bottle of Pinot Noir.

Musicians:
Mrs. Shelley Craine ~ Piano Accompanist (Sunday Masses)
"I became aware of the need for a pianist at the church through my husband's Godmother, June Fortes, a faithful member of St. Joseph. It has been a pleasure to work with Father Balash, Bill Davies and especially the Choir! What a wonderful group of talented people! Thank you for making me feel so welcome. I believe that music can be one of our emotional and physical responses in worshipping and experiencing God. Music helps us honor God's name in response to the Gospel message of Jesus Christ."

Mr. James Trares ~ Trumpet, Vocalist, Keyboard Accompanist
A member of St. Joseph's all his life, James is a St. Joseph School alumni, and Crestwood High School graduate (where he participated in the Marching, Concert & Jazz Bands, Chamber Choir, and National Honor Society). He is also an Eagle Scout from Boy Scout Troop #575 and involved with Appalachian Experience at St. Joe's and has worked part-time at the Au Bon Pair Restaurant (Ohio Turnpike rest stop near Limeridge Rd.). He currently attends Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, MI pursuing a degree in Liturgical Music where he also works in the Music Department. James lives in Shalersville with his parents George and Kathi Trares and brother Jeff and has a married sister, Wendy (Ralph Harner) and nephew, Gabriel.

Mrs. Maria Krause ~ Flutist, Cantor
A member of the parish since 2004, Maria is a graphic designer who offers her musical talents as a flutist and cantor. Living in Mantua with husband Rob, the couple have three daughters, Leah, Tori and Julia.

Mr. James Tandy ~ Piano Accompanist, ?-2005, 2008

Jeff Trares ~ Clarinet & Tenor Saxophone, 2007-to date
A member of St. Joseph's all his life, Jeff is a St. Joseph School alumni, and Crestwood High School student (where he participates in the Marching, Concert & Jazz Bands). He is also involved in Hotstove baseball, takes part in the Appalachian Experience at St. Joe's, and enjoys computer games. Jeff lives in Shalersville with his parents George and Kathi Trares and brother James and has a married sister, Wendy (Ralph Harner) and nephew, Gabriel.

Cantors: Lydia Kulesza, Peggy Horvath, Wendy Harner, James Trares, Chuck Casalicchio, Maria Krause

MUSIC MINISTRY MEMBERS
Bill Davies (Director), Maria Krause, Chuck Casalicchio, Lydia Kulesza, Shelley Shantic, Diane Sanderson, Barbara Gokorsch, Peggy Horvath, Jim Lewalk, Pat Oster, Lisa Pancost, Mia Pancost, Linda Ehlert, Charlotte Baumbick, Lynn Davis, Jeff Trares, James Trares, Wendy Harner, Aimee Guiliano, Ray Saviciunas, Marty Hura, Marianne Berzinkas.

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