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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.”

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Views from the Choir Loft

Dr. Tappan • Article Archive

Dr. Lucas Tappan is a conductor and organist whose specialty is working with children. He lives in Kansas with his wife and four children.—Read full biography (with photographs).

Dr. Lucas Tappan · March 16, 2026

Dr. Tappan • Answers + Analysis: My “Inquiry” For Music Directors (3,087 words)

“This spring my chorister program will see the first priest ordained from our former chorister ranks.” —Dr. Tappan

Dr. Lucas Tappan · January 27, 2026

“Inquiry” • For Music Directors of Cathedrals and Larger Parish Churches

I would very much like to hear from you personally!

Dr. Lucas Tappan · July 11, 2025

“How to Conduct 90 Vespers Services Each Year and Live to Tell the Tale.”

“I don’t claim to be an authority on any of the ideas set forth in the following narrative.” —Dr. Lucas Tappan

Dr. Lucas Tappan · March 20, 2025

A Youth Revolution in Sacred Music

“I have a challenge for each of our readers.” —Dr. Lucas Tappan

Dr. Lucas Tappan · January 9, 2025

Livestreams Worth the Reader’s Time

Today I introduce two very different—yet equally sublime—choral foundations.

Dr. Lucas Tappan · December 12, 2024

An Organ-Less Advent

“It results in a heavy burden being placed upon musicians to ensure that whatever they do is well-liked by all—lest the faithful complain (seemingly the great worry of many priests).” —Dr. Lucas Tappan

Dr. Lucas Tappan · July 10, 2024

Five Reflections • “The ‘Church’ of My Youth Was Coming to an End”

When the Lord finally calls me home, I have no plans to trip over “eagle’s wings” on my way to the cemetery.

Dr. Lucas Tappan · May 31, 2024

Announcement! • New Director for Saint Paul’s Choir School in Harvard Square

“He’ll hold a position of national importance, especially in the eyes of those who work toward Catholic sacred music’s renewal from sea to shining sea.” —Dr. Tappan

Dr. Lucas Tappan · May 9, 2024

Will I Be Meeting You in Late June?

Re: CMAA “In-Person” Events for 2024—Don’t Miss Out!

Dr. Lucas Tappan · May 1, 2024

A Note to Piano Teachers of Beginning Students

“What follows are a few tricks that have greatly aided students with me from a young age…” —Dr. Tappan

Dr. Lucas Tappan · April 23, 2024

The Catholic Academy of Sacred Music (Kansas)

I can affirm that our first concert was a resounding success: everything from Allegri’s 𝑀𝑖𝑠𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑟𝑒 to the 10-year-old boy playing Bach.

Dr. Lucas Tappan · September 20, 2023

This Sunday! • Q&A “Developing a Youth Choir Program”

I will be privileged to field your questions alongside two well known and widely respected church musicians: Mary Ann Carr Wilson and Jennifer Donelson-Nowicka.

Dr. Lucas Tappan · September 9, 2023

Lack Choir Boys? • A Foolproof Way to Get Them!

What happened to this masculine presence in all things musical in the United States?

Dr. Lucas Tappan · August 4, 2023

Should Every Child Be Accepted Into the Choir?

My assistant and I recently had the privilege while in England to have lunch with Dr. Ronny Krippner…

Dr. Lucas Tappan · July 6, 2023

William Byrd: Quatercentenary of Death

“And yet I may live and die a true and perfect member of his holy Catholic Church without which I believe there is no salvation for me.” —William Byrd

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Corpus Christi Watershed

President’s Corner

    Season’s End Repertoire
    Looking at the REPERTOIRE SHEET until the end of the choral season, I see that I’ve fallen behind schedule. (The last three months have been extraordinarily busy.) As you know, I have been providing organ harmonies for all the ENTRANCE CHANTS—as well as rehearsal videos—and you can see I’m behind where I planned to be. Now I must make up lost ground. However, the choir picks up the ENTRANCE CHANT with ease, so I’m sure it will all work out. My ‘unofficial’ harmonizations are being posted each week at the flourishing feasts website.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    PDF Download • “Funeral Procession”
    From a mediæval Book of Hours, I was sent this glorious depiction of a Roman Catholic funeral procession by Simon Bening (d. 1561). The image resolution is extremely high. I’m not sure I know of a more beautiful illustration of a mediæval church. And I love how the servers are wearing red and pink cassocks!
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    Simplified Accomp. • Schubert’s “Ave Maria.”
    Sometimes the organist must simultaneously serve as the CANTOR. (Those who work in the field of church music know exactly what I’m talking about.) One of our contributors composed this simplified keyboard accompaniment for Franz Schubert’s “Ave Maria,” a piece which is frequently requested for Catholic funerals and weddings. In terms of the discussion about whether that piece is too theatrical (‘operatic’) for use in Church, I will leave that discussion to others. All I know is, many church musicians out there will appreciate this simplified version.
    —Jeff Ostrowski

Quick Thoughts

    PDF Download • “Anima Christi”
    I received a request for an organ accompaniment I created way back in 2007 for the “Anima Christi” Gregorian Chant. You can download this PDF file which has the score in plainsong followed by a keyboard accompaniment. Many melodies have been paired with “Anima Christi” over the centuries, but this is—perhaps—the most common one.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    PDF • “Liturgical Law” (467 Pages)
    On Good Friday during the middle ages, the pope privately recited THE ENTIRE PSALTER. If you don’t believe me, see for yourself by reading this passage by Dom Charles Augustine Bachofen (d. 1943). His famous book—called “Liturgical Law: A Handbook Of The Roman Liturgy”—was published by the Benjamin Herder Book Company, which was the American arm (operating out of St. Louis, Missouri) of one of the world’s most significant Catholic publishers. Dom Charles Augustine Bachofen was born in Switzerland but spent his career between the Benedictine monasteries at Conception (Missouri) and Mount Angel (Oregon). His 1931 masterpiece, Liturgical Law can be downloaded as a PDF file … 467 pages!
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    “Gregorian Chant Quiz” • 24 March 2026
    How well do you know your Gregorian hymns? Do you recognize the tune inserted into the bass line on this score? For many years, we sang the entire Mass in Gregorian chant—and I mean everything. As a result, it would be difficult to find a Gregorian hymn I don’t recognize instantly. Only decades later did I realize (with sadness) that this skill cannot be ‘monetized’… This particular melody is used for a very famous Gregorian hymn, printed in the LIBER USUALIS. Do you recognize it? Send me an email with the correct words, and I promise to tell everybody I meet about your prowess!
    —Jeff Ostrowski

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

  • Season’s End Repertoire
  • PDF Download • “Funeral Procession”
  • Re: The “Correct” Way To Sing Gregorian Chant
  • PDF Download • Ascension “Entrance Chant”
  • Every Artist Needs a Refuge

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