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What are a cantor needs for Mass? Here’s a scenario:
Okay, so you are at Mass and you find yourself in a pinch because you’ve forgotten to do something that you usually do in order to feel prepared.
Maybe it was the fact that you are singing the Psalm when you usually don’t, or that you misplaced your list of what songs you are singing.
Whatever it is, you find yourself in a situation of unpreparedness. And it unnerves you to a point of not singing your best at Mass.
We can’t have that happening. I might be a more A-type personality than others, but I like to be prepared for the worst (and the best) that could happen as a cantor.
Obviously, this is the most important. That is the one thing I will not leave the house without when I am cantoring. Whether or not my throat is sore or dry, it still helps when you get those tickles. Plus, hydrated vocal cords keep them from becoming strained and hurt.
I like to use a reusable water bottle* with a soft lid or straw to reduce distraction and noise.
They can be any kind. I personally like the lemon and honey ones or the cherry ones. My church leaves a bag in the pew the choir sits in, and we take when we need them. I don’t use them every week, but it is extremely nice when I do need one and there are some there.
Again, whatever kind you like best. Sometimes, I take it with me while I’m singing. Other times I make sure that I apply a generous amount before I head up to the front to sing. Those of you who sit in the balcony or back of the church would not cause a distraction like those of us who sing from the front of the church.
Not going to lie, the best chapstick that I have ever used has simply been Vaseline. It keeps my lips moisterized and soft without the sticky or weird scents and flavorings.
I always get the travel size for easy carrying, though it would be pretty funny if you lugged around a full-size Vaseline tub!
I can’t stress this enough. It is devastating when I sneeze or my nose starts dripping (from crying during a song or whatever reason) and there are no tissues on hand. We also leave these in the pew in case of those emergencies. We all know there is nothing worse than singing through snot (at least that’s how I feel!).
While I don’t always use them, having a 3-ring binder of your music is essential. At least put in there the looseleaf music that you are given for any particular Mass, especially those music-intensive Masses (like the Easter Vigil).
This one may go without saying, but oftentimes I show up without remembering to write down or print what songs we are singing. That’s a big no-no.
A cantor needs to be physically prepared in this way!
In our situation, we get sent the songs over email, and then listen to the Psalm played about 10 minutes before Mass starts, and we are good to go.
However, if you also say announcements before or after Mass, as I did at another parish, it is imperative to know the songs and what order they go in.
Get a free song card printout in my resources!
Because you never know when it is going to be freezing at Mass and you never know when it is going to be warm.
Layers are your friend when singing because a cantor needs comfort in order to sing without distractions. I recommend a light neutral colored jacket or cardigan. Or a nice suit jacket for the men.
Check out the Cantor’s Capsule Wardrobe for some suggestions on this!
These are so helpful when you need to mark your music. This is a must-have that every cantor needs!
I label mine by the type of song it is, i.e. Op for the opening song, Com for the communion song, etc.
The week’s Psalm in your Psalm book is another item you can mark with your sticky tabs. They also work well if you have a huge book you are singing from. Marking it will speed up your find time and ensure you are prepared for singing!
Are all these necessary? I think so!
I may not have all of these items at every Mass, but it definitely is great to have all of them available.
I feel I fulfill my cantoring duties with ease when I utilize familiar comfort items like tissues, chapstick, and lozenges.
And of course, we must take into consideration the essentials such as organization materials, song order, and water.
There you have it! What items must you have when you cantor?? Comment below!
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Our church has a choir loft with a storage room, so we keep some of these essentials stocked for any music ministers who need them. We have tissues, post-it notes, honey lemon cough drops and little water bottles available. And for each Mass, our director makes a "cantor's binder" with the weekend's or Holy Day's music list and all the music we need in order :)
I drink more water than my fellow music ministers, though (and don't like to use disposable bottles if I can help it) so I bring my Camelbak bottle with straw. I love how easy it is to drink from and how quiet it is to use!
Love this so much! What a brilliant way to utilize a storage room! And I am the same, I love bringing a reusable water bottle to sing with. You just never know how much water you are going to need!
Hi Gessica!
I would agree with the Chapstick, the binder and the sweater.
What about post-it notes or little post-it tabs? Those have been helpful for me when cantoring and accompanying. :)
Elena! That is perfect! I use those, too. Thanks for the suggestion, I will add it to my article.