Kevin Allen • “What is Sacred Music?”
J. F. M. kindly made us aware of the following video clip, which features Kevin Allen.
Archives for May 2022
28 May 2022 • “Pristine” Vatican Rhythm
My choirs have been singing from the “pure” Editio Vaticana rhythm, which is (technically) the official rhythm of the Catholic Church. I haven’t quite decided how I want the scores to look yet, but this one I’ve produced for tomorrow, Dominica Post Ascensionem (“Sunday after the Ascension”).
On Mistakes (Part II of II)
How we all respond to mistakes can have a huge effect on the cohesiveness and sound of our choirs.
27 May 2022 • FEEDBACK
A reader from Wisconsin: “I will pray for you and CC Watershed. This site has been one of the most valuable resources I have in helping me run a choir for an ICKSP apostolate.” A reader from New York: “May God bless you for your wonderful work! This site has been invaluable to me.” A […]
PDF Download • “Spanish TLM Missal” (2,288 pages)
A french version (1,798 pages) is also available for free PDF download.
Summer Courses in Sacred Music in New York
This summer, there are several interesting graduate-level courses on offer at St. Joseph’s Seminary in New York.
25 May 2022 • FEEDBACK
From a reader: “I can’t tell you how much I appreciate all the time and resources poured into CCWatershed. It’s transformed how I approach music in the parish, and has especially helped me deepen appreciation for the ability of volunteer musicians.”
CCWatershed Is In Financial Trouble!
“In truth, I’ve done a decidedly poor job soliciting money.” —Jeff Ostrowski
The USCCB desires your input!
“All contributions will be shared anonymously to ensure all questions can be answered with honesty and authenticity.”
Review • A Catholic Book of Hymns
A budget, orthodox option for your parish music program.
23 May 2022 • FEEDBACK
From a reader: “I wasn’t looking for it. But, I stumbled across your hand-dandy arrangement of Pachelbel’s Canon. Jeff, this is the greatest thing since sliced bread! I had to play a wedding on Saturday. The bride requested the Canon. There were 11 bridesmaids! The organ loft is a football field away from the communion […]
PDF Download • “A Canon Choirs Love!”
You will notice Father Guerrero takes the chant melody (“Beata Mater”) and creates a perfect canon between Soprano and Alto.
On Mistakes (Part I of II)
We choir directors can’t eliminate mistakes entirely. But here’s what we can do to minimize them.
19 May 2022 • “Trochee Trouble”
I’m still trying to decide how to visually present the “pure” Editio Vaticana scores, using what is (technically) the official rhythm of the Church. You can download my latest attempt, for this coming Sunday. Notice the “trochee trouble” as well as the old issue of neumes before the quilisma.
“Gregorian Chant Not In Danger Pope Tells French”
Actual headline from 9 April 1964.
PDF Download • “O Salutaris” (Modern Setting)
If there’s a more beautiful setting of this text, I don’t know what it could be.
Summer Ward Method Courses • CUA 2022
Study the Ward Method this summer in Washington, DC.
PDF Download • 2022 “Vespers Booklet” (99 Pages)
If you spot typos, please let us know!
“Playing the Pipe Organ” • By Richard Nixon
Does the music of Franz Liszt belong to Adolf Hitler?
16 May 2022 • Harmonized Chant?
This year’s upcoming Sacred Music Symposium will demonstrate several ways to sing the CREDO at Mass. This is because—for many parishes—to sing a full-length polyphonic CREDO by Victoria or Palestrina is out of the question. Therefore, we show options that are halfway between plainsong and polyphony. You can hear my choir rehearsing a section that […]