The Largest musical group currently at Villanova, Pastoral Music has a regular compliment of approximately 60 voices and 35 instrumentalists from semester to semester. This is a substantial increase in membership since the group's 30 musicians in 1995. The ministry grows from the regular worship assembly of Villanova made up primarily of undergraduate students. The music style is varied, expressing the diversity of style found within the Roman Catholic tradition. Contemporary praise music from different cultural experiences finds its home along side works by Bach, Palestrina, Mozart, Lauridsen and others. Guitarists stand along side French Horn, Baritone, and oboe players. The song is in unison as well as 4 and sometimes 8 part harmony! Pianists and organists join forces to provide full and warm accompaniment for the assembly's song.

While the major focus of the program is the musical support of the university's three Sunday evening liturgies, the group serves at other major university events, such as:

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• New Student Orientation and "Welcome Back" festivities
• St. Thomas of Villanova Day
• Parents Weekend
• Academic Convocations and Other Ceremonies
• Commencement Activities
• ...and other cross-functional events, such as the Campus Christmas Tree Lighting and Junior Ring Ceremonies.

The four main components of the group are as follows:

Choral Ensemble

non auditioned, Soprano Alto Tenor Bass parts

Instrumental Ensemble

includes pianists, organist, strings, wind instruments, guitar, percussion

Psalmists/Cantors

auditioned "solo" voices chosen from the choral ensemble

Select Ensemble

auditioned SSAATTBB acapella group devoted to the sacred works of the 16th century to the present