Corpus Christi Watershed

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.”

Views from the Choir Loft

Jeff Ostrowski • Article Archive

A theorist, organist, and conductor, Jeff Ostrowski holds his B.M. in Music Theory from the University of Kansas (2004). He completed studies in Education and Musicology at the graduate level. Having worked as a church musician in Los Angeles for ten years, in 2024 he accepted a position as choirmaster for Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception in Michigan, where he resides with his wife and children. —Read full biography (with photographs).

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“Glory To God” • (For Choir + Congregation)

I wish to thank everyone for the nice comments I received vis-à-vis my Glory To God setting for Choir & Congregation. A gentleman with a musical doctorate from Indiana University wrote: “Love this setting so much. And I will pray, as you asked, for your return to composition more fully. You are very very good.” […]

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William Byrd • “Mass for Five Voices”

Our volunteer choir is learning the “Sanctus” from William Byrd’s Mass for Five Voices. You can hear a short excerpt (recorded last Sunday) but please ignore the sound of babies crying: Mp3 recording. We still have work to do—but we’re on the right track. Once we have some of the tuning issues fixed, I desire […]

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“Baptism” • A Unique Hymn

Father Christopher Phillips is the founding Pastor of Our Lady of the Atonement Catholic Church. One of his hymns is unique and (in my humble opinion) quite beautiful. His hymn is basically a prayer to the Holy Trinity but also speaks of Baptism and the Holy Eucharist. It would be an ideal Communion hymn on […]

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For the Record: “Jeff Plays Organ”

Twenty-five years ago, if you’d told me I would end up as an organist, I would have laughed. But God seems to have had a different plan! I intend to record every hymn in the Brébeuf Hymnal on the pipe organ (if our Savior gives me the time and energy). You can hear my first recording […]

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Why Sing? • Byrd Answers!

Make sure to click on the recent article by Dr. Charles Weaver, because he links to something remarkable. In essence, it’s a list—written by William Byrd!—regarding why we should sing.

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SEPTEMBER • Monthly Reminder

Each day, I speak via telephone to folks who have supported Corpus Christi Watershed for years. Yet many of them don’t know about our email newsletter! Please sign up! Simply scroll to the bottom of any blog article and enter your email address. Thank you!

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“Mixing” Your Singers? • Just Do It!

Not long ago, I posted an Agnus Dei for Three Voices by William Byrd (d. 1623). When we sing the “Agnus Dei” at Mass, I often have the singers mix up, so they’re not standing next to someone singing their part. In my experience, this technique does wonders for tuning. Here’s a live excerpt (Mp3) […]

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