Sacred Music
Welcome to the Music Pages for the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis
Our program includes many dedicated musicians from throughout the Archdiocese of Saint Louis: members of our Cathedral Choir, Cathedral Schola, and Archdiocesan Adult Choir,
St. Louis Cathedral Concerts is a real treasure for classical and sacred music lovers in the St. Louis region. Visit Cathedral Concerts to get the details of the world-class artists who visit the Cathedral Basilica each season. Come to the Cathedral and “Experience Great Music in a Great Space.”
We are honored to be a part of the Choral Series with MorningStar Music. The Series contains some of the very best in Choral Music and Service Music for today’s church.
Join one of the choirs of the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis
Are you a passionate singer looking for an opportunity to share your voice in a sacred and inspiring setting? The Cathedral Basilica is home to three distinguished choirs.
The Archdiocesan Choir – A vibrant ensemble welcoming singers from parishes across the Archdiocese.
The Cathedral Choir – Composed of dedicated members of the Cathedral parish.
The Schola Cantorum – The premier professional vocal ensemble of the Cathedral. Formal Schola Cantorum position description.
Whether you are a parishioner at the cathedral, the wider Archdiocese, or a professional vocalist, there is a place for you to contribute to the rich tradition of sacred music at the Cathedral. For more information regarding audition requirements please follow this link to the audition requirements outline. Please contact the music office at [email protected] or call 314-373-8228 to schedule your audition. All auditions are by appointment only.
Archdiocesan Youth Choir
Do you have a child that loves music? Would you like to see your child in a setting that encourages them to grow in their love for Jesus and in their love for music? They can do both while singing in the beautiful Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis! By filling out this survey you will be able to receive updates as communications are sent out for the restart of the Archdiocesan Youth Choir. Do not miss this opportunity to get your children involved in all of the most beautiful and enriching Archdiocesan events including: Ordinations, Chrism Mass, and Christmas at the Cathedral, and more! Follow the link provided to fill out the brief survey. Click here now and fill out the brief survey!
Archdiocesan Musician's Mass and Memorial of Saint Cecilia 2026
On behalf of the Cathedral Basilica and the Archdiocese of Saint Louis, we are pleased to invite you and your parish adult choir, youth choir (grades 4-12), and school choir members to participate in a Festival Choir for the celebration of St. Cecilia, Patroness of Musicians. This special Mass is to honor all musicians of the Archdiocese and includes a blessing for musicians at the conclusion of the liturgy.
Please mark your calendars for Saturday November 21st from 8am-1pm. More information coming soon!
Sincerely,
The Archdiocesan Choir, Youth Choir, Cathedral Choir, and Schola Cantorum
Important Details and FAQ
How do we sign up?
We encourage music directors to sign up their choir members via the link provided:
How do we receive the scores for the Festival Choir Pieces?
We will mail out scores before October 1st.
Do we need to learn parts in advance?
We ask that music directors allocate some time to introduce the piece to their choir members who plan to attend. Because we will teach the entire piece in rehearsal, do not expect it to be "performance ready."
Is there a dress code?
Dress as you would for Sunday Mass.
Is lunch provided?
There is no lunch provided; choristers may bring a small lunch. There is a reception with light appetizers, snacks, and drinks provided following Mass.
Do we have to RSVP if we wish to attend Mass but not participate in the festival choir?
Yes, as it helps us plan for the number of attendees. The sign-up form provides the opportunity to indicate if you wish to participate in the choir or simply attend Mass.
Is attendance required at the rehearsal in order to participate in the festival choir on the prelude piece?
Yes, as we only have one opportunity to rehearse as a combined ensemble, all must participate attend the rehearsal if they wish to sing the festival choir piece with the choir.
Senior Organ Scholarship Position
The Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis invites applications for its Senior Organ Scholar, a one-year apprenticeship designed for emerging organists preparing for graduate study or a professional career in sacred music.
The Senior Organ Scholar becomes an active member of the Cathedral's Sacred Music Program, gaining meaningful, hands-on experience in liturgical organ playing, choral accompanying, worship preparation, and the daily work of a major cathedral music ministry. The position combines real responsibility with individualized professional mentoring, helping bridge the transition from academic study to professional church music.
Working alongside the Cathedral's musicians, clergy, choirs, and cantors, the scholar will develop the practical skills required of today's professional church musician while participating in the rich liturgical life of the Cathedral Basilica.
The Experience
The Senior Organ Scholar will:
Serve as organist for the Sunday 5:00 p.m. Mass and other liturgies as assigned.
Lead congregational singing through hymnody, chant, and service music.
Accompany the Archdiocesan Youth Choir in rehearsals and liturgies.
Have opportunities to accompany the Cathedral Choir.
Receive mentoring in service playing, improvisation, choral accompanying, organ repertoire, liturgical planning, rehearsal techniques, and church music administration.
Gain additional experience through weddings, funerals, special liturgies, recitals, and other projects as opportunities arise.
Receive individualized guidance for graduate study, auditions, and professional church music positions.
The scholarship is a one-year appointment from August 1 through July 31, averaging no more than 16 hours per week. The position provides a $1,500 monthly per diem, with opportunities for additional compensation through weddings and other occasional services as available.
Who Should Apply?
The scholarship is intended for musicians who have completed the final year of an undergraduate or graduate degree in organ performance, sacred music, church music, or a closely related field immediately prior to the appointment.
Competitive applicants will bring strong organ technique and service-playing skills, experience accompanying congregational and choral music, familiarity with Gregorian chant, excellent sight-reading and collaborative skills, and a desire to grow as a liturgical musician through professional mentoring.
More Than an Organ Scholarship
At the Cathedral Basilica, sacred music is an integral expression of the Church's worship. The Cathedral's musical life embraces Gregorian chant, Renaissance polyphony, the great choral tradition, and organ repertoire within the celebration of the Church's liturgy.
The Senior Organ Scholar is invited into that tradition not simply as a student, but as a working church musician. By the end of the year, the scholar will have built substantial real-world experience, a stronger portfolio of liturgical and organ repertoire, professional references, and the confidence needed to pursue advanced study or a career as a parish or cathedral musician.
Application Deadline: June 1
Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis Organ Scholar Position
The Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis is seeking one highly gifted musician to fill the open organ scholar position.
Please see the position description below. This program is intended for high school students with aspirations for a career in organ and sacred music. Formal piano or organ instruction is required. Advanced pianists with no formal organ training are encouraged to apply and will be given full consideration.
For more information, please contact Andrew Kreigh Director of Sacred Music Archdiocese and Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis via e-mail at [email protected] or by phone at 314-373-8228. Please see full description found by clicking on this link.
The Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis Organ Scholars
Kaitlyn Foppe
Kaitlyn began her organ studies at the Cathedral Basilica during her junior year of high school
under the instruction of Andrew Kreigh and Ben Blasingame. She graduated from Father
McGivney Catholic High School and is now attending the College of the Holy Cross, where she
is pursuing a degree in music and continuing her organ studies with Dr. Ezequiel Menéndez. In
addition to organ, she plays violin and piano and sings in choir. She was a finalist in the 2026 St.
Louis Teen Talent Competition, performing on violin at the Fox Theater. She also won the
NFMC St. Louis District Steinway Competition in piano in 2023 and was a member of the
Cathedral Choir during her senior year. She is grateful for the opportunities provided by the
Organ Scholar Program, which inspired her to pursue further studies in organ and sacred music.
Colton Pyle
Colton Pyle will be entering seventh grade at Holy Trinity Catholic school. He began playing piano when he was eight years old. His passion was always to play the organ, which he began at the age of 10. Colton loves watching videos, learning the ins and outs of organs throughout the nation and world. In his free time, he enjoys camping with his family and kayaking and hunting. Colton is grateful to be part of the Cathedral Basilica Organ Scholar Program.
Skyla Arana
Skyla Arana is an organ scholar at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis. This is her first year in the organ scholars program, where Skyla aims to develop her organ skills and deepen her knowledge of liturgical playing. She is a senior at Fr. Mcgivney Catholic High School in Glen Carbon, IL. Skyla has been studying piano for twelve years under the instruction of Susannah Arana. In addition to her piano studies, Skyla plays clarinet in the Edwardsville Municipal Band, sings in her school choir, serves as a mass accompanist, and is a student music director for her school's musical. Following graduation, Skyla hopes to continue her music education at the university level.
Cathedral Choir and Schola Cantorum
Come, hear, and experience the transcendent beauty of God in one of our liturgies or concerts.
Generations of composers and musicians have contributed to the Church's treasury of Sacred Music. Because of their efforts, countless faithful have been transformed by the experience of the divine through the beauty of the music of the Sacred Liturgy. The Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis is dedicated to cultivating a program whereby you can become part of that story and experience the transformative power of Sacred Music.
Singers and instrumentalists wishing to join the Cathedral Choir, the Cathedral Instrumentalists, or the Archdiocesan Choir should contact the Office of Sacred Music for more information and to schedule an audition/interview. The Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis music program is made up of two choral ensembles. The first is the Cathedral Choir which is made up of volunteer singers who by way of a successful audition become members. The second vocal ensemble at the cathedral is the Schola Cantorum. The schola is comprised of professional singers who have gained position in this ensemble by way of audition as well. Excellent sight-reading is required of these individuals. This ensemble specializes in polyphony, chant, and also sings with the Cathedral Choir for Sunday liturgies.
Artist in Residence - Mr. Scott Kennebeck
Scott is Executive Director/Artistic Director of St. Louis Cathedral Concerts at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis. He is responsible for running all aspects of the organization including marketing, development, selecting artists, and programming educational events. He holds a Bachelor of Fine and Performing Arts degree from St. Louis University, in both Vocal Performance and Theatre and is an active performer in St. Louis.
Since 1993 he has served as the Tenor section leader for the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis Choir and Archdiocesan Choir of St. Louis. He also serves as cantor for the Cathedral Parish, as well as at major Archdiocesan events. He was a cantor/soloist for 100,000+ in attendance and a worldwide television broadcast audience for the Papal Mass in St. Louis, Missouri in 1999. He has toured as soloist throughout the United States, Italy, England, Germany, and Austria. His performances have included Verdi’s Requiem in Rome, Italy; Hector Berlioz’s Te Deum in the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis, and numerous performances of Handel’s Messiah as well as other oratorios including The Seven Last Words of Christ by Dubois. He has also performed with Union Avenue Opera and the St. Louis Muny. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine and Performing Arts/Music and Theatre from St. Louis University, and has studied voice with Christine Armistead at Washington University.
In 2017 Scott was one of the winners of the St. Louis Blues NHL franchise “Search for a National Anthem Singer” competition. Since then he has sung both the Canadian and US National Anthems for over 20 NHL games at Enterprise Center to wide-spread acclaim.
Scott has multiple recordings with his collaborator John Powel Walsh including Pie Jesu, Midnight Clear, Angels Bending Near the Earth, Words to Music (Songs of Eugene Field), and Emerald Tribute, honoring the great Irish singer, John McCormack.
Artist in Residence - Ms. Lea Zelaya
Born to a musically inclined Air Force family, Lea spent her childhood overseas and in Kansas, her family actively injecting themselves into every Catholic parish. As a result, Lea began cantoring at Mass at a young age, inspiring her passion for music and furthering her education in it. She relocated to St. Louis where she graduated with departmental honors from Webster University, earning a Bachelor of Music degree with an emphasis in Vocal Performance. While attending Webster, and after, Lea was an active cantor at Holy Redeemer Parish in Webster Groves. The parish’s mahogany baby grand piano, which turns 100 years old in 2024, was gifted to her and now rests proudly in her living room.
Since 2016, Lea has held principal roles with the American Kantorei, a professional ensemble specializing
in the works of J.S. Bach. Prior to joining the Basilica, she was the Soprano Section Leader and Soloist at
Christ Church Cathedral, the heart of the Episcopal diocese in downtown St. Louis. Lea also held her
senior recital in their sanctuary, conveying the musical expression of faith throughout history. In an
effort to bring worship to parishioners during the COVID-19 Pandemic, Lea and her husband hosted the
music for Christ Church Cathedral’s services virtually from their home.
An in-demand soprano throughout the Midwest, Lea has performed as a soloist in numerous Cantatas
and Masses, Händel’s Messiah, Mendelssohn’s Elijah and St Paul, Fauré’s Requiem, and other sacred
works by Olivier Messiaen, Benjamin Britten, and Camille Saint-Saëns. Operatic roles include Euridice in
Gluck’s Orfeo ed Euridice, Rosina in Rossini’s The Barber of Seville, and Zerlina in Mozart’s Don Giovanni.
She has also performed in backup ensembles for Josh Groban and the Eagles.
“Not everyone discovers their calling in life, but I am blessed to have found mine through the incredible,
selfless gift of music.” – Lea Zelaya
