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To enrich culture by providing opportunities for artists and institutions to pursue the shared goals of artistic excellence and education through music.

our mission

in partnership with

a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization led by a board of directors and supported by music lesson tuition and private donations

meet the director

James Marck joined the music staff of St. Francis de Sales Oratory in 2020, following music directors Nicholas Botkins (2007-2017) and Dr. Steven Ball (2017-2020). In the spirit of "tradition for tomorrow," Marck prioritizes the cultivation of musical skill in the next generation through the oratory's Children's Preparatory Choir and semestral Chant Class, having served as an affiliated director of American Federation Pueri Cantores 2011-2015. The annual Christ the King Music Festival, founded by Marck in 2021, has expanded the impact of St. Francis de Sales Oratory, drawing participants from as many as 6 different states in 2022. In addition to conducting 75+ choral liturgies at the oratory a year, Marck has also hosted a series of concerts including Olivier Latry, Michael Hey, Sandor Balatoni, The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra principal brass, The Kingsbury Ensemble, Belleville Brass, Cantores Sancti Ludovici, and Floriani. In 2024 he started the nonprofit, Oratorio, Inc., providing outreach, private lessons, and concerts for the greater public at the oratory. He received his degrees in music composition from Bradley and Northern Illinois Universities, premiering in 2013 his original ballet, The Changeless Mover, with the Peoria Ballet Company, choreographed by Servy Gollardo.

getting involved with the music department

Children's choir

The Children's Preparatory Choir is intended for boys and girls, with separate divisions for children and teens. Rehearsals are on Saturday mornings from 9:15 - 11:00 AM. Mr. Marck and Mr. Goeddel will assign all children to the appropriate choir division for their ability and age. The choir will sing select times throughout the year, highlighting grand feast days such as the Feast of Christ the King, Christmas, Easter, and more. The children are also featured in an annual Classical Music Gala held at the St. Louis Woman's Club, and will be traveling overseas to Ireland in 2026. Click the link below for more information and to register.

The Oratory Schola is intended for experienced vocalists seeking the opportunity to sing sublime choral repertoire for select, momentous occasions. Rehearses Thursdays, 8:00-9:30pm. Sings Gregorian Propers, simple homophony, and advanced polyphony for High Masses including non-Sunday Feast days, weddings, and funerals. Paid for all weddings, funerals, and select special events. Must have previous choir experience; if lacking fluency in chant notation, must be willing to receive individualized instruction. Click the link below for more information and to register.

The Gregorian Choir is intended for mature teens and adults, offering clear explanation and guidance. Sings the seasonal Mass Ordinary (Kyrie, Gloria, Sanctus, Agnus Dei) and Select Propers (e.g., Introit, Communion) for Sunday 10:30am High Mass. With same-day rehearsal (9:30am-10:15am) and supported by section leaders, this choir is ideal for moms, dads, commuters, beginners, intermediates, travelers passing through St. Louis, or faithful looking to increase their devotion through simple chant while leaving the complex music to the advanced schola. Click the link below for more information and to register.

Oratory Schola

Gregorian CHoir

at the oratory

St. Francis de Sales Oratory offers three choral options: the Children's Preparatory Choir, the Gregorian Choir, and the Schola.

chant class

The mission of our annual Chant Class is to reverse the deficit in literacy in the only musical discipline fully unique to the Roman Rite of Christendom. This program consists of 12 classes beginning in September. Open to all chant enthusiasts, including individuals not registered with the oratory. Converts, those discerning Catholicism, and those simply interested in Gregorian Chant are all encouraged to attend. The class allows students to pursue curiosity about Catholicism through its music. Click the link below to learn more and register for chant class.

come join us at the annual

october 23-26, 2025

Jesus Christ is King.

While every Feast of Christ the King is special, 2025's celebration is particularly momentous.
The titular feast of the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest, the Feast of Christ the King recognizes the universal sovereignty of Our Lord Jesus Christ and affirms the mission of the Institute to spread the reign of Christ the King to every corner of human existence, including the senses.

The Christ the King Music Festival serves to highlight this annual feast. Augmenting the closing Solemn High Mass with orchestral forces, it strives to extend the sacred solemnity to include concerts, dancing, and actual feasting, engaging every human sense with the divine.

This year's theme is Gregorian Chant, the only musical form truly unique to the Roman Rite of Christendom. Besides the customary Gregorian Proper of Mass, this year's Solemn High Mass will feature choral repertoire will whose compositional DNA is rooted deeply in the Gregorian idiom.

Pope Pius XI promulgated the Feast of Christ the King in 1925. All singers are invited to participate and help make the 100th anniversary of the feast the greatest Christ the King Music Festival of our time.

private lessons

Whether you're a student, amateur enthusiast, or trained performer, there is a place for every skill level at St. Francis de Sales Oratory.

Please contact Mr. James Marck via the links below to learn more about registering for one of our private lesson offerings.

piano

voice

organ

harpsichord

percussion

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the oratory

We are grateful for the generosity of the many wonderful supporters, volunteers, and donors who believe in our mission here at St. Francis de Sales Oratory.

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