Dr. Jennifer Donelson Conducting Seminarians

Corpus Christi Watershed · October 20, 2016

R. JENNIFER DONELSON directs the Saint Cecilia Academy for Pastoral Musicians, located in the Archdiocese of New York. The following video shows her directing “Dómine, non sum dignus” by Kevin Allen, a contemporary composer:

Kevin Allen recently released a new collection, written exclusively for SOPRANO, ALTO, and BASS.

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

Why Text Only?

Why do hymns in the Saint Jean de Brébeuf Hymnal give so many optional “text only” versions of the hymns? It’s easier to demonstrate than explain. Consider Hymn #24, which allows the director to choose a wonderful melody and easily apply it to the text. Hymnal editors knew about the value of “text only” versions for centuries, but this was gradually forgotten in Catholic books. In 2018, the Brébeuf Catholic Hymnal rediscovered what should never have disappeared in the first place!

—Jeff Ostrowski

“Choral Eavesdropping” • 15 Sept. 2022

If you enjoy eavesdropping, here’s a rehearsal excerpt (mp3) of my volunteers singing the exercise I posted last week. This is the second time we’ve used it, and I can definitely hear improvement. You can download this choral warm-up for free.

—Jeff Ostrowski

Have You Done This?

Friends, have you done this yet? I’m talking about subscribing to our free mailing list. We beg you! Do this as soon as possible. Scroll to the bottom of any article, and you will see the place you input your email.

—Jeff Ostrowski

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