The Ave Maria parish choir visited Washington, D.C. between December 8 and 11 to sing at the White House! A few choirs are invited every year. “We were selected, probably one of about 20, from a pool of about 600 or so, I was told,” said Mr. Mark Haas, Director of Music at the parish. Donahue Academy students Bernadette Patterson and Nina Green, both in Grade 10, are in the choir and were excited to experience this unique opportunity. “Nina and Bernie are fantastic additions to our choir. They’ve been choir members since they were much younger and now they’ve grown into leaders, and it’s a joy to have not just them, but their families supporting our music,” said Mr. Haas.
Speaking about the experience of singing at the White House, Nina said her favorite part was witnessing “visitors light up, more than any other song, when we began singing sacred Latin polyphony.” Bernadette, on the other hand, really enjoyed “the secret back ways that the performers had access to and the special liberties and treats the White House had for us, including red, white, and blue M&Ms with the presidential seal and signature on them.” Though the President was not able to attend their performance, “we have confirmation that [he] received a card and sacramentals that were sent to him by the choir and was so pleased by them,” added Bernadette.
The White House performance was just one stop in a busy itinerary for the choir, which included “the Franciscan Monastery, and, of course, the National Basilica,” said Nina enthusiastically. Another Donahue student, Audrey Martin, in Grade 8, also accompanied the choir. The visit to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on its titular feast was special. “Although visiting the White House and the Capitol was incredible, the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception was the true highlight of our trip. Singing there at Mass on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception was a beautiful and unforgettable blessing,” said Audrey. Fr. David Vidal concelebrated Mass at the Basilica.“We explored the grounds and interior of the Basilica for hours – and it still wasn’t enough time! – and went to Confession, and a beautiful Mass with a great homily, and we all had the potential to receive a plenary indulgence just for visiting the church on its titular feast. It was a really joyful day!” said Bernadette. At the Franciscan Monastery, the group received a private tour of the church and was able to appreciate the rich theological significance behind all the gorgeous artwork. Another highlight was Donahue student Julian Haas, Grade 6, serving at that Mass alongside Fr. Vidal, who celebrated it. “Singing in the Monastery was [also] astounding. The reverb and acoustics in the church were incredible. We sang ‘Locus Iste’ in the church, and it was the most beautiful we’ve ever heard it,” concluded Bernadette.
The group also sang wherever they were, including at the airport and a restaurant. Bernadette recounts another unforgettable experience: “The restaurant we went to for dinner one night was surrounded by protestors attacking Christianity and filling the street with very loud noise and strobing lights. We huddled together entering the restaurant and stayed in one group to make sure we were safe. For about an hour we sat in the restaurant, unsettled by the ruckus. At one point, Mr. Haas suggested we sing a piece we all knew: “Salve Regina.” All of us – more than 60 people – raised our voices in song, and by the time we finished, the ugly cacophony of the protestors was gone. We were convinced Mary had shooed them away.” What an amazing testimony to the power of sacred music everywhere. Congratulations to Mr. Haas and the choir, and our Shamrock students!
Below is a video shot in anticipation of the trip.
