CLEF defines a liturgical ensemble as any group in which two or more musicians are gathered to lead music for liturgy. Ensembles may be solely instrumental, or they may consist of a group of instruments accompanying one or more singers.

Since the early days following the Second Vatican Council, ensembles have played a significant role in fostering full, conscious, and active participation in the liturgy. From the early folk groups to today’s contemporary ensembles or groups with a distinct name, ensembles have become a leading voice in many churches.

To that end, it is our goal to support the ensemble musician, be they an instrumentalist, cantor, or choral singer. Our program provides sessions for instrumentalists and vocalists to work in separate groups and as a combined ensemble. 

We are an inclusive community where all are welcome regardless of gender, race, culture, age, or ability. We welcome musicians of all skill levels, from church communities large and small, urban and rural, whether paid staff or volunteers. 

We welcome both individual and group registrations for CLEF ensemble workshops. Payment can be made by credit card when registering online, or you may bring check or cash the day of the program. 

If registering online for a group and submitting one payment to qualify for the group rate, please provide the first and last name for each registrant, their vocal part or instrument, and an email address so we can contact them with reminders about the program.

No, you don’t need to be Catholic to attend this program or access our online CLEF Life resources. While our founding board members and faculty primarily serve as ensemble musicians in Catholic church communities, we have multiple ensemble musicians from other faith traditions as part of the CLEF community and as participants at our programs. To quote a popular song from our faith tradition, “All are welcome.”