Sweet harmony has a new meaning on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons for the St. Thomas Liturgical Choir, thanks to its director Aaron Brown.

“It’s the middle of second semester, and I don’t really know the students as well as I would like to,” Brown said. “I was walking to South Campus Thursday before rehearsal when it was such a beautiful day, and it just occured to me that I should bring them out for ice cream to get to know each of them.”

Brown takes a handful of students to Menchie’s in St. Paul’s Highland Park neighborhood for frozen yogurt, fun and fellowship.

“Getting to know one another as human beings really helps us when we’re singing and really helps us as we’re creating an ensemble and creating that community,” Brown said.

Freshman alto Jessie Cink was in the first group of students to enjoy a Menchie’s outing.

“We got to just talk and it was just very relaxed and very casual,” Cink said. “It was good to know … Aaron Brown instead of the Mr. choir director Brown.”

Juniors tenor Tim Dessonville and bass Joe McCullough have yet to go, but are signed up and excited about the idea.

“We’re going May 7,” Dessonville said. “Now that it’s springtime and it’s going to be warm and you can just cool off with a nice frozen yogurt treat with your director, I can’t think of anything better.”

“Plus Aaron’s hilarious, and I’m sure a lot of memories will be made at Menchie’s,” McCullough said.

Dessonville thinks the time spent as a group eating frozen yogurt will help the choir get in tune, not just on the music staff, but with each other.

“You’ll be more comfortable to pick out what you’re doing wrong cause you’re just more comfortable singing around one another,” Dessonville said.

For Liturgical Choir members, satisfying their sweet tooth will also serve to strengthen an already deep-rooted bond.

“There’s something special about (Liturgical) Choir,” McCullough said.

Brown said his sign-up sheet is filling fast.

“I think students are interested in learning a little more about me, too, as I learn more about them,” Brown said.

Rita Kovtun can be reached at kovt1547@stthomas.edu.