Views from the Choir Loft

Andrew Leung • Article Archive

Andrew Leung graduated from the sacred music program of Franciscan University of Steubenville, majored in vocal performance. He has also studied organ, choral conducting and Gregorian chant with world-class musicians. Prior to returning to Hong Kong, he served as a parish music director in Atlanta, and later as the organist and choirmaster at the Cathedral of Macau, China. Andrew is currently the music director of Vox Antiqua, conductor of the Cecilian Singers and music director at Our Lady of China Church. He is also an artist and vocal coach at the Paul Phoenix Academy.—Read full biography (with photographs).

Andrew Leung · April 9, 2015

The Universal Music

A little reflection on the universality of Sacred Music after Holy Week…

Andrew Leung · March 21, 2015

Video • “A House Divided”

“We must not allow ourselves to become judgmental with our brothers and sisters who don’t appreciate what we appreciate.” —Archbishop Sample

Andrew Leung · March 19, 2015

Are your Triduum booklets ready?

Don’t be the Pharisees and scribes. Help people to pray and understand the music!

Andrew Leung · March 12, 2015

Video • “How to Love that boring Latin Mass”

Don’t change the Mass, let the Mass change you.

Andrew Leung · March 5, 2015

Is your Congregation Ready?

One of the ways to help the congregation to enter into prayer during the Sacred Triduum is through catechesis.

Andrew Leung · February 21, 2015

Permission Needed to Replace the Propers?—(3 of 7)

When the GIRM says “four options”, they really mean four preferences…

Andrew Leung · February 18, 2015

An Educational Experience

In order to preserve Sacred Music, a treasure and an essential part of the Church, education is very important.

Andrew Leung · February 12, 2015

Sing Prayerfully

“He who sings prays twice,” but as church musicians, we don’t always feel prayerful and peaceful when we are singing…

Andrew Leung · February 5, 2015

The Greatest Enemy of Sacred Music?

“When Gregorian Chant is being sung, our bodies naturally go into a more peaceful, still, and contemplative mode.” —Andrew Leung

Andrew Leung · January 4, 2013

Biography • Andrew Leung

Andrew holds a degree in Sacred music from the Franciscan University of Steubenville…

Alabama Assessment!

We received this evaluation of Symposium 2022 from an Alabama participant:

“Oh, how the Symposium echoed the words of Cardinal Merry Del Val: …choosing only what is most conformed to Thy glory, which is my final aim. In one short and fast paced week, the faculty and attendees showed me the hand of God and our Lady working in our lives. The wide range of education—from Gregorian Chant, jazz modes in organ improvisation, to ‘staying sane’ while leading a choir—were certainly first-class knowledge from the best teachers of the art. However, the most powerful lesson was learning how to pray as a choir. The sacrifice of putting songs together, taking time to learn the sacred text, meditating on the church teaching through the chants, and gaining the virtues required to persevere in these duties were not only qualities of a choir but of a saint. The sanctification of the lives of the attendees was a beautiful outcome of this event … and that in itself is worth more than a beautifully-sung Solesmes style chant!”

—Jeff Ostrowski

PDF Download • Trinity Sunday (22 pages)

Feel free to download this Organ Accompaniment Booklet for Trinity Sunday (Second Vespers). Notice how the modes progress by number. Psalm 1 is mode 1; Psalm 2 is mode 2; Psalm 3 is mode 3; Psalm 4 is mode 4; Psalm 5 is mode 5. I am told by an expert that other feasts (such as Corpus Christi) are likewise organized by mode, and it’s called a “numerical office.”

—Jeff Ostrowski

10 June 2022 • “Official” rhythm of plainsong

I continue to search for the most beautiful way to present the “pure” Editio Vaticana scores. (Technically, the “pure” rhythm of the official edition is what everyone is supposed to use.) You can download my latest attempt, which is the Introit for this coming Sunday: Feast of the Most Holy Trinity. Because this is not an ancient feast, the Introit had to be adapted (perhaps around 750AD). Prior Johner says the adaptation is “not an entirely happy one.”

—Jeff Ostrowski