Why Sing?
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“Sacred music helps the People of God to perceive and participate, with all the senses, physical and spiritual, in God’s mystery.” Pope Francis
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Sacred music exists to glorify God, sanctify the faithful, and foster full participation in the liturgy. Through beauty and song, it opens hearts to Christ and draws us into the mystery of God.
What We Do
- Sing for the weekly Sunday liturgy as well as special feasts.
- Rehearse every week.
- Learn, laugh, and sing in a supportive space.
- Grow in confidence, learn to match pitch and read music
- Form your mind, ear, voice, and heart through intentional rehearsal and empowering coaching. We grow by doing—and you won’t be alone.
Sing With Us
Whether you are a trained professional or have never sung before, there’s a place for you here. Your voice matters. Your presence matters. And the Church needs to hear YOUR voice. discover the joy of singing in harmony with others.
Friends of Music
Like Music but do not like to sing? Help it flourish.
You don’t have to sing to be part of the music. Support the choir through prayer, presence, and generosity. Be part of something beautiful.
Click here to join the Friends of Music today.
Our Pastoral Musicians
Nicholas Dragone – Director of Music
Nicholas Dragone is the Director of Music and Organist here at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church. A native of Lackawanna, NY, he holds a Bachelor of Music, cum laude, in both Choral and Instrumental Music Education from The Catholic University of America and an MBA from Kennesaw State University. In 2013, he graduated with distinction and received the university’s Outstanding Music Educator Award. From 2013 to 2023, he served as Director of Music and Liturgy at Saint Philip Benizi Catholic Church in Atlanta, Georgia, where he also held the role of Business Manager from 2021 to 2023. He was inducted into the Fine Arts Hall of Fame and received the David G. Nease Award at Saint Francis High School in 2023. In addition to his parish work, Nicholas is a published composer, works as a pipe organ technician with Heritage Pipe Organs in Buffalo, NY, sits on the Board of the Greater Buffalo Friends of Music and on the Executive Board for the National Association of Pastoral Musicians.
Timothy Gastle
Pastoral Music Associate
Tim is a longtime leader in music ministry here at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church. He began playing guitar in church in sixth grade, became a professional church musician as he entered college, and directed the Contemporary Ensemble at Saints Peter & Paul for over 30 years. He holds a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance and a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from the State University of New York at Buffalo, and a Master of Music from SUNY Fredonia. At Iroquois High School, Mr. Gastle was the K–12 Department Chair, taught Music in Our Lives and Music Theory and directed five performing ensembles until his retirement in 2025. Under his leadership, his choirs have earned numerous awards, toured to Toronto, New York City, and Boston, and performed in the M&T Bank Concert Series. They have also appeared in collaboration with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra Chamber Singers, Camerata di Sant’ Antonio Chamber Orchestra, and the Orchard Park Symphony Orchestra. Tim is a recipient of the Buffalo Philharmonic/Erie County Council of Music Coordinator’s Award for Excellence in Music Education. Tim was inducted into the Fine Arts Hall of Fame and received the David G. Nease Award at Saint Francis High School.