Chapel Choir

Come as you are. Make music. Build community.

Music is an integral part of worship at the University of Portland. Chapel Music brings together students, faculty, and staff to provide musical leadership for liturgies in the Chapel of Christ the Teacher and other celebrations throughout the academic year.

Our music draws from the rich traditions of the Roman Catholic Church and the wider Christian tradition, including hymnody, psalmody, chant, sacred choral music, contemporary liturgical music, and music from different cultures and communities.

All students are welcome to participate, regardless of major or previous experience. Whether you are a singer, pianist, organist, guitarist, or instrumentalist, we want to find ways for you to share your musical gifts and become part of the Chapel Music community.

     

The Chapel Choir is at the heart of student music-making in the Chapel of Christ the Teacher. The choir provides music for approximately one Sunday Mass each month, as well as special liturgies and celebrations throughout the academic year.

Singers explore a wide range of sacred music while developing their skills as ensemble musicians and liturgical leaders. No audition is required to participate in the Chapel Choir, and students of all musical backgrounds and experience levels are welcome.

We also love involving instrumentalists in Chapel Music. Depending on the repertoire and occasion, opportunities may be available for strings, winds, brass, percussion, guitar, piano, organ, and other instruments. If you play an instrument and are interested in participating—even if you aren’t sure where you might fit—please reach out!

Chapel Music extends beyond our regular Sunday liturgies. Throughout the year, students have opportunities to make music, build community, collaborate with guest musicians, and experience sacred music both on and beyond the UP campus.

Join us for a musical pilgrimage to St. Mary Church in Mt. Angel during Oktoberfest! We’ll make music together at St. Mary and enjoy the festivities afterward. Participants will receive schnitzel, German snacks, and drinks.

Celebrate 40 years of the Chapel of Christ the Teacher at a special anniversary Mass with Archbishop Alexander Sample and the Schola Cantorum of St. Mary Church in Mt. Angel.

Jazz meets sacred music for our celebration of All Saints’ Day. Singers and instrumentalists are invited to participate in this special musical celebration as we explore the intersection of jazz and music for worship.

Spend an overnight retreat at Mount Angel Abbey singing, learning, connecting with one another, and experiencing sacred music in a monastic setting.

And There’s More!

Throughout the year, look for Praise & Worship Nights, Bubble Tea & Music Socials, special performances and collaborations, and other opportunities to make music together.

Student Music Leadership

Students interested in developing their musical and liturgical leadership can also apply for paid student worker positions in Chapel Music.

Positions include:

* Cantors

* Piano accompanists

* Conducting associates

* Music assistants

These positions offer students opportunities to develop their musicianship, gain practical leadership experience, and contribute more deeply to the musical life of the Chapel.

Students interested in paid positions are encouraged to contact Dr. Joyce Wei-Jo Chen, Assistant Director of Liturgical Music, for more information.

Chapel Music Ensemble has historically been offered for academic credit as MUS 246: Chapel Music Ensemble, giving students the opportunity to develop ensemble and liturgical music skills while participating in the musical life of the Chapel.

We are planning to bring the course back in Spring 2027. The course and rehearsal schedule will be planned with the goal of accommodating student participation as broadly as possible and minimizing conflicts with other courses and ensembles.

Additional information about Spring 2027 registration and scheduling will be available as plans are finalized.

Handbell music has historically been part of the musical tradition of the Chapel of Christ the Teacher. UP owns a collection of Schulmerich handbells and Malmark handchimes that has been used by students for liturgies, concerts, and special celebrations.

While a regular Handbell Choir is not currently active, we hope to explore opportunities to bring handbells back into Chapel Music in the future.

Interested in handbells? Let us know! Previous experience is welcome but not required.

There is a place for your musical gifts in the Chapel.

Whether you sing, play an instrument, are interested in becoming a cantor or accompanist, want to develop your musical leadership, or simply want to explore music ministry for the first time, we would love to hear from you.

Contact Dr. Joyce Wei-Jo Chen, Assistant Director of Liturgical Music, at chenj@up.edu, or stop by her office to chat!