Joyful Noise: Fonda, Varina parishes blessed with talents of young musicians

By RENEE WEBB, Globe editor
May 25, 2006

FONDA/VARINA - Music can add to the beauty of church services and the involvement of youth in church work can bring a smile. A new music ministry that debuted this year at Our Lady of Good Counsel in Fonda and St. Columbkille Parish in Varina, added to the richness of the Eucharistic celebration several times this year.

The group, consisting of seven students in third to eighth grades, is called Joyful Noise. Six of the students played an instrument and sang; another was on vocals only. Members of Joyful Noise are Travis Crotty, Kayla Ellis, Benjamin Hecht, Zachery Hecht, Joseph Mercer, Robert Mercer and Caelin Schrank.

"It's so joyful to see them up there and loving it," said Kerry Noethe, DRE and pastoral minister at Our Lady of Good Counsel and St. Columbkille. "They have done a very nice job."

The DRE/pastoral minister pointed out that this is something she has been thinking about and wanting to try since she started in ministry at the parish about six years ago.

"It introduces the children to liturgy and we are hoping that it will plant the seeds that will inspire them to continue on through high school and their adult life," said Noethe. "This is another way of praising God."

In addition to giving youth some involvement in their church, she said the visibility of the students helps to build community among the parishioners.

Joyful Noise is under the direction of Colleen Hecht, who happens to be the band director for Rockwell City-Lytton School. Hecht rewrote music to the level of the musicians. The students mainly worked on the music on their own at home and then came together for a brief practice before playing at Mass.

"Any opportunity for the kids to play is good - the more they play the better they get," said Colleen Hecht, who plays piano accompaniment for the church. "Every instrument adds to the music and when you see the kids using their God-given talent that way, it is really neat."

She has heard positive feedback from parishioners.

"The parishioners really appreciate the work that the kids have done and the kids really enjoy playing. That is fun for me to see," said Hecht.

Linda Mercer, a cantor at Fonda, has two children in Joyful Noise. At their last performance, she was the cantor for the liturgy so she led the music along with the students.

"I know the people in the congregation really enjoy it," noted Mercer, who added that her own children realize the importance of providing service to the church "and it is understood that they use their musical talents or whatever other talents they have for the church."

She commended Colleen Hecht in her work with the kids.

Noethe mentioned that Joyful Noise led the music at the youth Mass in March. Other students played roles in that liturgy such as serving as gift bearers and so forth.

In addition to leading the music at some liturgies this year, Joyful Noise was invited to perform at the St. Columbkille Altar Society Spring Social.

The musical instruments included such things as baritone, flute, trumpet, piano and percussion/rhythm instruments. The rhythm instruments were purchased with a donation from Carla Lindgren, a member of the music ministry committee.

"The kids are very proud," said Noethe. "Father Hart would always introduce them and thanked them at the end of Mass. He told them he was happy they were there and the congregation would applaud spontaneously."

They plan to continue this ministry next year and hope to expand it if possible.

She extended gratitude to the parents and the faith formation board for their support.