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Views from the Choir Loft

PDF Download • “Vespers Accompaniment Booklet” (Fifth Sunday after Easter) — 20 pages

Jeff Ostrowski · May 5, 2023

ATHER ROBERT SKERIS always had one question: “What does his choir sound like?” He was drawing a distinction between how easy it is to talk or write about church music as opposed to how quickly a choir director’s flaws and shortcomings are revealed the instant his choir starts singing in real life. To recruit, teach, inspire, and retain volunteer choir members is no easy task! Anybody can go on the internet and spend hours tearing others down. But only those who stand in front a choir in real life—producing music each week with volunteers—realize the difference between THEORY and PRACTICE.

Never Forget! • Readers would be shocked if they saw some of the hateful comments we’ve received over the years. This is to be expected. Never forget that 90% of people who make nasty comments online are miserable, lonely, bored people in real life. About twenty years ago, my friend David Hughes said to me: “Real choirmasters have no time for internet drama; they’re too busy making music.” He was correct.

Concrete Example • Accompanying VESPERS on the organ is a good example. Most organists can easily accompany VESPERS if they are alone; but accompanying an entire congregation in real life is a different story. There are so many variables at play. That is why I have been releasing the organ accompaniment booklets scores I create each week.

*  PDF Download • “VESPERS ACCOMPANIMENT” (5th Sunday after Easter)
—For the Fifth Sunday after Easter (Extraordinary Form): “Pétite Sunday”.

Jeff Is Criticized • Many have asked why I always wait to release these booklets. The truth is, I find them incredibly tedious to produce. Therefore, I’m usually behind schedule. However, in this instance, the FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER EASTER won’t occur until 14 May 2023 … so I’m actually ahead of schedule for once!

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

Filed Under: Articles, PDF Download Last Updated: May 5, 2023

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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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Quick Thoughts

    PDF • “For the Season of Pentecost”
    During the season of Pentecost, you might consider using this 2-page Piece “for the season of Pentecost.” Rehearsal videos are available at #40691, but the lyrics are different. Therefore, make sure your choir members understand that one can rehearse songs that have different lyrics (“CONTRAFACT”).
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    Introit • (This Coming Sunday)
    Our volunteer choir appreciates training videos, so here's my attempt at recording “Exáudi Dómine Vocem Meam,” which is the INTROIT for this coming Sunday. This coming Sunday is Dominica Post Ascensionem (“Sunday after the feast of the Ascension”). It is sung according to the official rhythm of the Catholic Church.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    Volunteer Choir Attempts “Kýrie Eléison”
    My volunteer choir attempted the polyphonic KYRIE that will be sung at this year's Sacred Music Symposium. If you're interested, you can listen to the live recording from last Sunday. The piece is based on the ancient plainchant hymn melody: Ave Maris Stella. Polyphony like this is truly intricate and wonderful. It reminds me of the quote by Artur Schnabel: “music that's greater than it can be performed.”
    —Jeff Ostrowski

Random Quote

It is frightful even to think there are children, victims of abortion, who will never see the light of day.

— Pope Francis (13 January 2014)

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