Music Ministry at Saint Thomas More Chapel at Yale
Known for its inclusive style and advocacy of congregational singing, the music ministry at STM welcomes all singers and instrumentalists who wish to support the liturgy at any of the Sunday Masses. The music ministry ensembles include the Chapel Choir, the Good Samaritones, the Yale Bruckner Choir and a summer institute for church musicians and cantors.
The STM Chapel Choir sings at the 10:00 a.m. Sunday Mass and the Good Samaritones sing at the 5:00 p.m. Mass. Both the Chapel Choir and the Good Samaritones are directed by Richard Gard. The 10:00 p.m. Sunday Mass is student run and directed by Brian Bartoldus MM ‘09 and Elizabeth Legris ‘09. Cantors are selected from the groups.
Rehearsals take place 45 minutes before Mass; there are no other weekly rehearsals except when preparing for special events or concerts. All choir members are invited to sing in the Triduum services at Easter.
Established in 2003 as the concert ensemble of Saint Thomas More Chapel, the Yale Bruckner Choir specializes in the performance of challenging sacred music, in particular the works of Anton Bruckner.Bruckner Choir members also perform withthe Chapel Choir as well asVox Concordis, a chamber chorus whose performances include professional appearances.
About the director
 Richard Gard has been the Director of Music since 2001. Richard holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree and two master’s degrees from Yale University. Richard enjoys a successful career as a conductor, composer, teacher and producer with over 30 years experience leading and performing in orchestras, choirs, bands, and chamber groups. Gard's choral arrangements, translations and compositions have achieved national publication and production.
In addition to his position as Lecturer at the Yale School of Music, Richard is Associate Professor of Music at Naugatuck Valley Community College where he heads Connecticut’s most comprehensive two-year music degree program. Other groups under Richard’s direction include the Wind Ensemble of Western Connecticut, the Naugatuck Valley College Choir, Vox Concordis, and the Richard Gard Singers.
Richard’s performances include tours throughout the United States and the United Kingdom including professional appearances in Salisbury Cathedral (2000), York Minster (2000), Carnegie Hall (2001, 2006), St. Paul's Cathedral (2003), Woolsey Hall (2000 - 2007), Palace Theater (2004, 2005, 2006), Oakdale Chevrolet Theater (2004 - 2006), and Boston Symphony Hall (2007). Next season’s performances include collaborations with Yale University, the Waterbury Symphony and the Shubert Theater, New Haven. Richard and his wife, Evelyn, are active in the New Haven and Waterbury communities.
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