The Children’s Christmas Choir of St. Michael Parish, West End, has been working diligently for several weeks under the direction of parishioner Abby Miller, perfecting their Christmas repertoire for the parish’s 4 p.m. Christmas Eve Family Mass.
For four Sundays, the choir rehearsed with the aid of its young director – a student in her sophomore year at Monmouth University, West Long Branch, pursuing a degree in social work.
Miller stumbled upon the director position more than a year ago, while singing with a small group of musicians for a Young Adult Mass. There she met parish music director Paul Bergen.
“He told me that the church was looking for someone to direct the Children’s Choir for Easter, so I said yes!” she remarked. “The experience was fairly new to me, but I love children and music, so I thought, why not?”
Although Miller was not professionally trained, she has been involved in music from childhood – singing in school choirs in both elementary and high school, as well as select New Jersey All-State and Regional Choirs. Other notable performances include singing at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, and several local solo sets. In addition to voice, Miller began playing the clarinet and saxophone in elementary school, and frequently accompanies herself on the guitar.
“I was excited to direct the Children’s Choir because of my enjoyment of working with kids,” Miller explained. “Although I have never done anything like this before, I have years of experience babysitting, assisting religious education classes and volunteering my time helping kids. I knew this would be the perfect job for me, because I have the privilege of teaching children about their faith through song!”
For Miller, her faith is a constant influence on her activities, particularly through her music and service.
“I am most content when I am serving others, whether on my college campus or in my community,” she said. In fact, Miller is actively involved in the Catholic Center at Monmouth University, where she is the current club president.
As a young Catholic, closer in age to the children she directs, Miller believes she has a unique opportunity both to teach and learn from the experience.
“I think there are lots of benefits of being a young adult directing the Children’s Choir,” she said. “Although it seems like ages, it was not too long ago that I was their age and coming to choir practice. As they are learning from me, I am also learning a lot from them.”