PARISH OF ST. MATTHEW
The Choir

  Choristers' Confession

  All-knowing and most merciful Maestro,
  We have erred and strayed from thy beat like lost sheep;
  We have followed too much the intonations and tempi of our own hearts.
  We have offended against thy dynamic markings.
  We have left unsung those sixteenth notes which we ought to have sung
  And we have sung those half notes which we ought not to have sung,
  And there is no breath support in us.

  But thou, O Maestro, have mercy upon us miserable Choristers;
  Succor the chorally challenged;
  Restore thou those who need sectional rehearsals.*
  Spare thou those who have forgotten their pencils;
  Pardon our mistakes, and have faith that hereafter we will follow thy directions,
  And sing together in perfect harmony.

  Anon

  *Especially thy Baritones