From the Music Director

Serving as Music Director at St Mary St Catherine of Siena Parish has been one of the best experiences of my life. That’s why it is sad for me to say that my time here is coming to an end. This summer, I am actually very happy to share with you that I will be moving to Phoenix, Arizona in pursuit of some new opportunities both in my career and my life.

I first played an organ at my Parish Church, in Arcadia, California. It was a brand new experience and from the moment I started, I knew I wanted to pursue learning how to play this instrument. Before long, I was playing just a li4le before Mass. Gradually I went from playing one hymn to play at weddings and before I knew it, I had my first position as a Church Organist.

The time came for me to leave my family in California and the southwest, and move to the opposite side of our country – to Boston, to study at The Boston Conservatory. Just as I arrived, I heard the name St Mary St Catherine of Siena through an ad seeking a new music director. I quickly got to meet parishioners, many of which I know now more closely. A few months later, I was blessed with the amazing news that I would be offered the position as Director of Music here. I was so excited to get started and serve in this Parish.

The memories I have built here will always stay with me, and not all of them are musical memories. I think one of my favorite memories of serving here was the day I walked through the hallways of the Parish Center on a Sunday when the Religious Education Classes were in session and heard one of the children notice me and say “It’s the music guy!” It
was such a great feeling to be known by that moniker.

It is hard for me to believe that I have been here for seven years. The time has gone by so quickly! There are so many memories and good times I have shared with many of you throughout these years, not only at Mass but at various events and occasions, including those spent with the Hispanic community, who often made me feel closer to home and the Hispanic Community I come from.

In many cultures and languages, one does not say “goodbye”. In Spanish, we say “adios”, to God, or “hasta luego”, until next time. The Irish Blessing tells us “Until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.” I am not saying goodbye to the community of St Mary St Catherine of Siena, but rather, until next time, I will see you in the future. While my life’s journey is taking me to another part of our country, this Parish will always be a part of me. It has been wonderful serving here.
I have about four months left to make the most of my time as your Music Director and I will make the most of them with you. Thank you, St Mary-St Catherine of Siena Parish!

– Daniel Sauceda

There is one phrase I have heard too much from people when I tell them I direct choirs. That phrase is “I don’t sing”. Really? You don’t sing in the shower? You don’t sing in the car when your favorite song comes on? I find that very hard to believe!

The next most common thing I hear is “I can’t sing”. Often times my verbal response to this is “Oh okay” And I allow the conversation to move on to something else; but inside what I really want to ask is “Who told you you can’t sing?” One of my professors during my studies had perhaps a polar opposite perspective on singing. He says that everyone can sing and sound great with the right training. I still strongly agree with this. The voice is like a muscle. You have to give it a workout until it is strong, or in this case, begins to sound lovely.

Singing is referenced constantly in scripture readings. There are endless reasons for singing, both in the Old Testament and New Testament. We sing to the Lord for creation, for His blessings, for His glory, and many other reasons given in scripture and likely even more reasons we can come up with in our personal lives. It is one of the most wonderful ways of expressing our love of God, and our joy at receiving the Holy Eucharist.

Bring on the singing, no matter how bad you think you sound, and believe me you likely don’t sound as bad as you think! Sing at home, sing in your car, and sing your joy to God.

With September around the corner, we are getting ready to start up our choirs at St Mary’s Church. If you or someone you know sings, or would like to sing, or plays an instrument, please contact me at daniel_sauceda@bostonconservatory.edu and we’ll help you get started in participating as little or as much as you would like!

Daniel Sauceda, Music Director