CMAA Winter Sacred Music 2017

UILDING ON THE SUCCESS of Winter Sacred Music 2016, the Church Music Association of America has announced the second Winter Sacred Music workshop. This workshop will be held in Birmingham, AL, from January 2 to January 6. Since it will be held in the South, it won’t be as “wintry” as you may expect! This would be a nice vacation after the “chaotic” Christmas Octave and it will be nice to take a break from the snow.

The Winter Sacred Music workshop had been referred as a “mini Sacred Music Colloquium” in the past. It is about half of the length of the actual colloquium. Instructions on both Gregorian chant and polyphony are given during the workshop by the world-class faculty. Like the colloquium, singers may choose the different levels of music courses based on their own ability. Participants will also have the opportunity to attend Dr. William Mahrt’s lectures on various topics in the areas of liturgy and music. Going to the Sung Masses is always my favorite part of CMAA’s conferences. The liturgies are always celebrated with beauty and dignity. Singing is one of the best ways to pray!

The upcoming workshop will be held at the Cathedral of St. Paul, which is the home to the 55 ranked Moller pipe organ. Its design features Möller’s largest free-standing case. The beautiful acoustics of the cathedral will make your singing a very enjoyable experience. I once had the opportunity to visit this cathedral and Bruce Ludwick, the organist and choirmaster, showed me around. He will be serving as the organist for the Masses of this workshop. Nick Botkins, the music director of St. Francis de Sales Oratory in St. Louis and founder of the ICRSP’s Sacred Music Camp, will also be serving on the faculty along with Maestro Scott Turkington. More information about this workshop can be found on CMAA’s website.

Early registration is still available for Winter Sacred Music 2017! The discounted rate will last until November 15, and CMAA members also save an additional $50. Register online now!