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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 · 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

Dr. Lucas Tappan · June 8, 2023

“Reverent Catholic Mass Finder” (Website)

Your Vacation Aid!

Dr. Lucas Tappan · May 7, 2023

Bricklayer

Dr. Lucas Tappan • “Open Letter to Discouraged Musicians”

I mentioned to my (much younger) assistant that certain battles I will no longer fight. She told me I was becoming bitter—but I can honestly say that isn’t the case.

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Corpus Christi Watershed

President’s Corner

    New Bulletin Article • “21 September 2025”
    My pastor requested that I write short articles each week for our parish bulletin. Those responsible for preparing similar write-ups may find a bit of inspiration in these brief columns. The latest article (dated 21 September 2025) discusses some theological items—supported by certain verses in ancient Catholic hymns—and ends by explaining why certain folks become delirious with jealousy when they observe feats by Monsignor Ronald Knox.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    Cheap! Cheap! Cheap!
    It’s always amusing to see old diocesan newspapers—in huge capital letters—advertising the Cheapest Catholic Paper in the United States. The correspondent who sent this to me added: “I can think of certain composers, published by large companies in our own day, who could truthfully brag about the most tawdry compositions in the world!” I wonder what she could have meant by such a cryptic comment…
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    PDF Download • Dom Murray Harmonies
    Along with so many others, I have deep respect for Dom Gregory Gregory Murray, who produced this clever harmonization (PDF) of “O SANCTISSIMA.” It’s always amazed me that Dom Gregory—a truly inspired composer—was so confused when it came to GREGORIAN CHANT. Throughout his life, he published contradictory statements, veering back-and-forth like a weather vane. Toward the end of his life, he declared: “I see clearly that the need for reform in liturgical music arose, not in the 18th and 19th centuries, but a thousand years earlier—in the 8th and 9th centuries, or even before that. The abuses began, not with Mozart and Haydn, but with those over-enthusiastic medieval musicians who developed the elaborate and flamboyant Gregorian Chant.”
    —Jeff Ostrowski

Quick Thoughts

    Karl Keating • “Canonization Questions”
    We were sent an internet statement (screenshot) that’s garnered significant attention, in which KARL KEATING (founder of Catholic Answers) speaks about whether canonizations are infallible. Mr. Keating seems unaware that canonizations are—in the final analysis—a theological opinion. They are not infallible, as explained in this 2014 article by a priest (with a doctorate in theology) who worked for multiple popes. Mr. Keating says: “I’m unaware of such claims arising from any quarter until several recent popes disliked by these Traditionalists were canonized, including John XXIII, Paul VI, and John Paul II. Usually Paul VI receives the most opprobrium.” Mr. Keating is incorrect; e.g. Father John Vianney, several centuries ago, taught clearly that canonizations are not infallible. Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen would be another example, although clearly much more recent than Saint John Vianney.
    —Corpus Christi Watershed
    Vatican II Changed Wedding Propers?
    It’s often claimed that the wedding propers were changed after Vatican II. As a matter of fact, that is a false claim. The EDITIO VATICANA propers (Introit: Deus Israel) remained the same after Vatican II. However, a new set of propers (Introit: Ecce Deus) was provided for optional use. The same holds true for the feast of Pope Saint Gregory the Great on 3 September: the 1943 propers (Introit: Si díligis me) were provided for optional use, but the traditional PROPRIA MISSAE (Introit: Sacerdótes Dei) were retained; they weren’t gotten rid of. The Ordo Cantus Missae (1970) makes this crystal clear, as does the Missal itself. There was an effort made in the post-conciliar years to eliminate so-called “Neo-Gregorian” chants, but (contrary to popular belief) most were retained: cf. the feast of Christ the King, the feast of the Immaculate Conception, and so forth.
    —Corpus Christi Watershed
    Solemn “Salve Regina” (Chant)
    How many “S” words can you think of using alliteration? How about Schwann Solemn Salve Score? You can download the SOLEMN SALVE REGINA in Gregorian Chant. The notation follows the official rhythm (EDITIO VATICANA). Canon Jules Van Nuffel, choirmaster of the Cathedral of Saint Rumbold, composed this accompaniment for it (although some feel it isn’t his best work).
    —Corpus Christi Watershed

Random Quote

Had the Church never spoken on this matter, it would still be repugnant to our Catholic people’s sense of what is fit and proper in the holiest of places, that a priest should have to struggle through the prayers of the Holy Mass, because of such tunes as “Alice, where art thou?” the “Vacant Chair,” and others of more vulgar title, which, through the carelessness or bad judgment of organists, sometimes find their way into our choirs.

— Preface to a Roman Catholic Hymnal (1896)

Recent Posts

  • New Bulletin Article • “21 September 2025”
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  • Children’s Repertoire: “3 Recommendations”
  • PDF Download • Dom Murray Harmonies

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