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“What earlier generations held as sacred, remains sacred and great for us too…” Pope Benedict XVI (7 July 2007)

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Views from the Choir Loft

Letter To A Volunteer Choir…

Jeff Ostrowski · July 27, 2016

283 Nuns Singing HEN I CAME to Los Angeles, I made the decision to find people FROM WITHIN OUR PARISH who could form our Latin Mass choir. In the past, I’d experienced scenarios in which I’d recruit singers from other places—including paid singers who were not Catholic—but I found this to be somewhat troubling. In particular, when singers were being paid, I noticed that some were coming to Mass “for the wrong reasons.” 1

Our method has created a few difficult situations, but we’ve always pulled through. Moreover, this situation has led to something unexpected. Because of our chosen approach, the singers realize how important they are. Indeed, the singers have come to know beyond a shadow of a doubt how essential they are—and this is marvelous. There is no question in their minds whether we can make this happen without them; which is a ton of responsibility, yet something they appreciate. 2

I never expected our singers to make so much progress in such a short time! I’m really proud of what they’ve accomplished and it fills me with joy. I was particularly moved with their actions last Sunday. The choir loft was exceedingly hot and we were sweating like crazy; but nobody complained. These are great people, and I know God will reward their service!

Ask a parent: “Would you like to snap your fingers and have your children instantly grow up?” Many parents would have to think before giving their answer. It requires a colossal amount of energy to raise children, and if they were grown, their parents could just relax and have fun all day. Yet, I think many parents would ultimately give this answer:

“Although raising children is difficult, I would not miss this for the world. I want to see them grow, in spite of the difficulties. I want to be part of their lives as they grow to adulthood.”

I think the same is true of choirs. Our choir is not perfect, and we still have much to learn. But I look forward to the journey and wouldn’t miss it for the world!



NOTES FROM THIS ARTICLE:

1   I’ve mentioned this subject in the past, and several people misunderstood what I wrote. Some thought I was condemning the idea of paid singers, which I never did. All I did was share my experiences in a truthful manner. Others said “I had no right” to share my experiences, and suggested I lie to our readers. I found that so offensive I actually instructed our Facebook moderator ban several people—because nobody is allowed to radically distort what our authors have written.

2   It also helps that I treat each singer the same and never play favorites.

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 Jeff Ostrowski

Jeff Ostrowski holds his B.M. in Music Theory from the University of Kansas (2004). He resides with his wife and children in Los Angeles.—(Read full biography).

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Corpus Christi Watershed

Quick Thoughts

Alabama Assessment!

We received this evaluation of Symposium 2022 from an Alabama participant:

“Oh, how the Symposium echoed the words of Cardinal Merry Del Val: …choosing only what is most conformed to Thy glory, which is my final aim. In one short and fast paced week, the faculty and attendees showed me the hand of God and our Lady working in our lives. The wide range of education—from Gregorian Chant, jazz modes in organ improvisation, to ‘staying sane’ while leading a choir—were certainly first-class knowledge from the best teachers of the art. However, the most powerful lesson was learning how to pray as a choir. The sacrifice of putting songs together, taking time to learn the sacred text, meditating on the church teaching through the chants, and gaining the virtues required to persevere in these duties were not only qualities of a choir but of a saint. The sanctification of the lives of the attendees was a beautiful outcome of this event … and that in itself is worth more than a beautifully-sung Solesmes style chant!”

—Jeff Ostrowski
PDF Download • Trinity Sunday (22 pages)

Feel free to download this Organ Accompaniment Booklet for Trinity Sunday (Second Vespers). Notice how the modes progress by number. Psalm 1 is mode 1; Psalm 2 is mode 2; Psalm 3 is mode 3; Psalm 4 is mode 4; Psalm 5 is mode 5. I am told by an expert that other feasts (such as Corpus Christi) are likewise organized by mode, and it’s called a “numerical office.”

—Jeff Ostrowski
10 June 2022 • “Official” rhythm of plainsong

I continue to search for the most beautiful way to present the “pure” Editio Vaticana scores. (Technically, the “pure” rhythm of the official edition is what everyone is supposed to use.) You can download my latest attempt, which is the Introit for this coming Sunday: Feast of the Most Holy Trinity. Because this is not an ancient feast, the Introit had to be adapted (perhaps around 750AD). Prior Johner says the adaptation is “not an entirely happy one.”

—Jeff Ostrowski

Random Quote

“By a decree of the synod of the diocese of Exeter in 1284, no one should claim any seat in a church; but whoever first entered a church for the purpose of devotion, might choose at his pleasure a place for praying.”

— A work by Fr. Husenbeth (d. 1872)

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