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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

Symposium 2019 • “Video Outtakes”

Jeff Ostrowski · August 16, 2019

IKE EVERYONE ELSE, I have my own personal struggles: spiritual, physical, financial, and so forth. I have bad days, like everybody else. But something I like to call to mind—which gives me joy—is the very special “week.” When I refer to “the week,” I’m referencing the Sacred Music Symposium, which is a very happy week that occurs each year. During difficult moments, I often recall the beautiful memories, bringing a smile to my face. Regarding this year’s Symposium, I wish I could express in a particular way my thanks to Andrea, Kevin, Richard, and Alfred for what they did. I’ve tried to express my gratitude to them, but I doubt they know how very special it was—happy memories I shall never forget.

God-willing, we will eventually post the professional audio recordings, as well as the marvelous testimonials from the participants. I say “God-willing” because we can never know the future; today might be my last day on earth. Only the Lord knows.

Until we get the professional recordings posted,
please enjoy the iPhone snippets below!

Maestro Clark, who just travelled across the entire United States, steps off his plane and begins rehearsing a brand new “Ave Maria,” written specifically for the First Mass of Fr. Luc Poirier, FSSP:


Dr. Calabrese rehearsing the Magnificat by Guerrero, in spite of the bells ringing:


Maestro Clark rehearsing part of the Benedictus shortly before the First Mass of Fr. Luc Poirier:


Dr. Calabrese rehearsing what is probably my favorite part of the Palestrina Kyrie, viz. the “Christe” section:


Friends from Las Vegas preparing to teach a course on multi-track recordings:


Dr. Calabrese rehearsing part of the Palestrina Kyrie:


Maestro Clark rehearsing part of the Palestrina Benedictus:


The theme of this year’s conference was “Roman Catholic Hymnody,” and in this clip we sight-read a hymn text by Fr. Dominic Popplewell, FSSP. The pieces in the Brébeuf hymnal are “simple”—for the average choir—but profoundly rewarding to sing:


Alongside the Sacred Music Symposium, Fr. James Fryar, FSSP, always runs an altar server camp with help from FSSP seminarians:


The Symposium is a place where literally anything can happen. Here are two famous church musicians just walking around talking:


This is a short excerpt from Dr. Calabrese’s conducting clinics, which are very much in demand:


After a long day of classes, rehearsals, Mass, Solemn Vespers, and so forth, we always closed with a beautiful setting of a hymn by Cardinal Newman. The sheet music will be available soon:


The Sacred Music Symposium has become the preëminent conference on Church music the world over. I can’t think of any other sacred music conference that approaches what we do. I think we gained this reputation by avoiding the “trap” into which too many conferences fall. We give valuable instruction the people can take home with them; we don’t just sing the entire time. That being said, we do an awful lot of singing:


Here’s a clip of participants walking to the Chapel to rehearse:


During Sacred Music Symposium 2019, we sight-read tons of SATB hymns from the Brébeuf hymnal. Here is an example:


A few photographs. The final one, where I am with a young lady in a yellow (orange?) shirt, was taken the very first day of the Symposium:

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

Filed Under: Articles Last Updated: March 17, 2022

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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 Michigan. —(Read full biography).

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President’s Corner

    “Entrance Chant” • 23rd (Ordinary Time)
    This coming Sunday, 7 September 2025, is the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C). You can download the “Entrance Chant,” conveniently located at the feasts website. I also recorded a rehearsal video for it (freely available at the same website). The Communion Chant includes gorgeous verses in FAUXBOURDON. I attempted to create a rehearsal video for it, and it’s been posted at the feasts website, called by some: “church music’s best kept secret.”
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    PDF Download • 3 September
    According to the MISSALE RECENS, the Feast of Saint Gregory the Great occurs on 3 September (the date Gregory became pope). Formerly, his feast was celebrated during Lent, on 12 March (the day Gregory died). In Latin, the feast is: Die 3 Septembris: S. Gregorii Magni, papæ et Ecclesiæ doctoris. you can download the Latin Introit, the Latin Offertory, as well as the Communion with gorgeous fauxbordon in English. Abbat Joseph Pothier—along with Dom André Mocquereau, Bishop Laurent Janssens, Father De Santi, and other Gregorian superstars—sang with a choir of 1,210 voices (from 36 different Roman colleges) under the direction of Monsignor Antonio Rella. That Mass included the “Alma cohors,” a special SEQUENCE for Saint Gregory…much to the dismay of those who believe in strict adherence to rubrics. The Mass on 11 April 1904 was celebrated by Pope Saint Pius X, at the great GREGORIAN CONGRESS held in Rome “to mark the 13th Centenary of the death of Saint Gregory the Great.” Someday, there’s much I’d love to say about this congress. We even have recordings (!) from it (made in 1904 by the Gramophone Company) with choirs conducted by Dom Pothier, Dom Mocquereau, Dom Janssens, Monsignor Rella, Baron Kanzler, and others.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    New Bulletin Article • “7 September 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 is called: “Professor Bouyer’s Regret.”
    —Jeff Ostrowski

Quick Thoughts

    Solemn “Salve Regina” (Chant)
    How many “S” words can you think of using alliteration? How about Schwann Solemn Salve Score? You can download the SOLEMN SALVE REGINA in Gregorian Chant. The notation follows the official rhythm (EDITIO VATICANA). Canon Jules Van Nuffel, choirmaster of the Cathedral of Saint Rumbold, composed this accompaniment for it (although some feel it isn’t his best work).
    —Corpus Christi Watershed
    Pope Pius XII Hymnal?
    Have you ever heard of the Pope Pius XII Hymnal? It’s a real book, published in the United States in 1959. Here’s a sample page so you can verify with your own eyes it existed.
    —Corpus Christi Watershed
    “Hybrid” Chant Notation?
    Over the years, many have tried to ‘simplify’ plainsong notation. The O’Fallon Propers attempted to simplify the notation—but ended up making matters worse. Dr. Karl Weinmann tried to do the same in the time of Pope Saint Pius X by replacing each porrectus. You can examine a specimen from his edition and see whether you agree he complicated matters. In particular, look at what he did with éxsules fílii Hévae.
    —Corpus Christi Watershed

Random Quote

“Leave the Mass alone. Our churches are full—the Protestants, in spite of their vernacular, far otherwise.”

— Cardinal Godfrey (one of the Vatican II fathers)

Recent Posts

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  • Weird Liturgical Kalendar …
  • Is ‘Chant’ a Generic Word for ‘Sing’ ? • No!
  • Catholic College (2025) Sings Vespers in SATB
  • PDF Download • 3 September

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