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Pope Saint Paul VI (3 April 1969): “Although the text of the Roman Gradual—at least that which concerns the singing—has not been changed, the Entrance antiphons and Communions antiphons have been revised for Masses without singing.”

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Views from the Choir Loft

Basilica Music Academy

Fr. David Friel · June 30, 2013

HEN THE EXPLANATORY EMAIL ARRIVED the other day, I was very pleased. In the memo, the Office for Liturgical Music of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia announced its new “Basilica Music Academy,” basically a summer school for church musicians. This summer school, however, is not punitive, but voluntary, designed to further, broaden, and polish the parish musician’s skills. It will be based at our Cathedral Basilica of Ss. Peter & Paul.

What will they offer? The curriculum focuses mainly on voice and organ lessons, with the option for private or semi-private (two or three people) sessions. The emphasis of the vocal studies will be technique and sacred repertoire, both solo and choral. For organists, the instructors will focus on playing technique, service playing, improvisation, and repertoire.

The Basilica Music Academy is just the newest development in the music department of my home Archdiocese. There are several other recent improvements for which Dr. John Romeri, Fr. Dennis Gill, and our worship office staff should be highly commended. Begun in 2011, the “Concerts at the Cathedral” series has brought an impressive string of national and international artists to perform in our cathedral, which is a magnificent acoustical space. The Association of Church Musicians in Philadelphia (ACMP), which has existed for many years, has been gaining momentum and undergoing serious renewal that is benefiting its membership in extraordinary ways. Furthermore, Philadelphia has long sponsored an Archdiocesan Boys Choir, but we now boast also an Archdiocesan Girls Choir and an adult Archdiocesan Choir.

If you live in the Philadelphia area, or if you are simply interested, click here for a flyer with more information on the new Academy.

Good things are happening musically here. We still have a long way to go toward reintroducing chant to our parishes, but some foundations have been laid for a renewed appreciation for music that is truly sacred. Are similar things happening in other Dioceses?

Opinions by blog authors do not necessarily represent the views of Corpus Christi Watershed.

Filed Under: Articles Last Updated: January 1, 2020

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About Fr. David Friel

Ordained in 2011, Father Friel is a priest of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and serves as Director of Liturgy at Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary. —(Read full biography).

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President’s Corner

    Liturgical Round (“Canon”) in C-Major
    Those who direct children’s choirs are always on the lookout for repertoire that’s dignified, inspired, and pleasing—yet still within reach of young choristers. Such directors will want to investigate this haunting liturgical round (PDF download) which has been married to the KYRIE from Mass VI (EDITIO VATICANA). I have provided an accompaniment, but it’s only for use during rehearsal; i.e. when teaching this round to your choristers. I also provided an organ accompaniment for the KYRIE—which some know by its trope (Kyrie Rex Genitor)—so that your congregation can take part when this round is used as a choral extension during Mass.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    Latin Liturgy Association
    We note with pleasure that Mrs. Regina Morris, president of the Latin Liturgy Association, has featured—on page 4 of Volume CXXIX of their official newsletter—the three (3) terrific versions of the Stations of the Cross found in the Brébeuf Hymnal. One of the main authors for the blog of the Church Music Association of America said (6/10/2019) about this pew book: “It is such a fantastic hymnal that it deserves to be in the pews of every Catholic church.”
    —Corpus Christi Watershed
    “Music List” • 28th in Ordinary Time (Year C)
    Readers have expressed interest in perusing the ORDER OF MUSIC I’ve prepared for 12 October 2025, which is the 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C). If such a thing interests you, feel free to download it as a PDF file. As always, the Responsorial Psalm, Gospel Acclamation, and Mass Propers for this Sunday are conveniently stored at the dazzling feasts website alongside the official texts in Latin.
    —Jeff Ostrowski

Quick Thoughts

    New Bulletin Article • “12 October 2025”
    My pastor requested that I write short articles each week for our parish bulletin. Those responsible for preparing similar write-ups may find a bit of inspiration in these brief columns. The latest article (dated 12 October 2025) talks about an ‘irony’ or ‘paradox’ regarding the 1960s switch to a wider use (amplior locus) of vernacular in the liturgy.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    “American Catholic Hymnal” (1991)
    The American Catholic Hymnal, with IMPRIMATUR granted (25 April 1991) by the Archdiocese of Chicago, is like a compendium of every horrible idea from the 1980s. Imagine being forced to stand all through Communion (even afterwards) when those self-same ‘enlightened’ liturgists moved the SEQUENCE before the Alleluia to make sure congregations wouldn’t have to stand during it. (Even worse, everything about the SEQUENCE—including its name—means it should follow the Alleluia.) And imagine endlessly repeating “Alleluia” during Holy Communion at every single Mass. It was all part of an effort to convince people that Holy Communion was historically a procession (which it wasn’t).
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    “Canonic” • Ralph Vaughan Williams
    Fifty years ago, Dr. Theodore Marier made available this clever arrangement (PDF) of “Come down, O love divine” by P. R. Dietterich. The melody was composed in 1906 by Ralph Vaughan Williams (d. 1958) and named in honor of of his birthplace: DOWN AMPNEY. The arrangement isn’t a strict canon, but it does remind one of a canon since the pipe organ employs “points of imitation.” The melody and text are #709 in the Brébeuf Catholic Hymnal.
    —Jeff Ostrowski

Random Quote

“Come now,” they said, “Thou who wouldst destroy the temple and build it up in three days, rescue Thyself; come down from that cross, if Thou art the Son of God.”

— Gospel of St. Matthew 27:42

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  • PDF Download • Liturgical Round (“Canon”) for your Children’s Choir
  • Latin Liturgy Association
  • Important Quote by a Church Musician

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