By Jenna Kersten ’17
Siena’s music ministry is a significant part of the College’s faith community. It involves and inspires students to engage with the Catholic and Franciscan traditions while making lifelong friends who share a love for music.
“It gives us a family. It gives us a niche, a place to go. It’s this great support system, just because of that one thing we have in common,” said Brianna St. Amour ’15, a political science major who joined the music ministry as a first-year student after she saw the group perform. “They just had so much joy singing,” she said. “I remember sitting there and thinking, ‘I want to be there. I want to do that.’”
Under the warm and enthusiastic tutelage of Director of Liturgical Arts Kate Kaufman Burns, students play their instruments and lift their voices in song during special events, Sunday Masses at St. Mary of the Angels Chapel and during Praise and Worship, a weekly meeting where students reflect on the readings for the next Sunday’s Mass and sing contemporary praise songs.
“When people see it when they come to Mass or at Blessing of the Brains, it makes them feel connected to something,” said percussionist and management major Mike Cesario ’16. “There’s a lot of energy coming from the music ministry. It makes people want to come back.”
Siena’s music ministry, which is run through the Chaplain's Office, has helped to connect countless students to their faith and fostered musical growth and development for its participants. All newcomers, including those without experience, are offered training in voice and sight singing. Along with bringing current students together, Music Ministry is helping Siena graduates stay connected to their alma mater.
Matt Kemmer ’12 began singing and playing keyboard in the music ministry during his senior year and has continued ever since. The Siena alumnus said that working through the musical challenge presented each week provides excellent opportunities for improvement. “It’s really been great with helping me grow and be comfortable playing in an ensemble, and playing as an individual,” Kemmer said.
Students credit their leader, Kate Kaufman Burns with helping them grow and music ministry succeed. “Kate is an angel on earth,” said vocalist and religious studies major Natalie DeCandia ’17. “Without her enthusiasm and positivity, I don’t know if I would have continued as far as I have.”
Through their songs and spirit, Siena’s music ministry has allowed musicians and vocalists to develop close friendships and deep connections with each other while using their talents to leave a lasting impression on the larger College community.
