Westminster Cathedral Choir School: Update
Jeff’s recent post made me think that perhaps a recap of all the events so far at Westminster Cathedral would be helpful to readers.
The Institution as Formator (Part I)
Everyone is searching for a silver bullet. Perhaps it’s a certain education method, a special book or a technique. Standing somewhat in opposition to all of these various techniques and methods is the English choir school, where the director stands in front of the boys and says “that’s an A, now sing it!”
Here is Where We Go
What is absolutely necessary for the existence of a choral foundation?
Colin Mawby (1936-2019)
We commend his soul to the mercy of our Heavenly Father.
Where do we go from here?
We need to break away from simply providing music for the next Sunday’s Masses.
If You Want to Catch All the Youth
The “Schools Singing Programme” currently serves 4,000 children each year, many from the most economically depressed areas in England…
A Professional Choir in Six (6) Years
Support was key, but once Glenn had the necessary vision and support, the rest was a matter of putting one foot in front of the other.
A Professional Choir in Six Months
I often wonder if some of the vitriol directed against the Church’s music is due to its less than stellar presentation.
A *What* School ?!!
These are things a choir director needs to think about as he plans to build a successful choral foundation at his own cathedral or parish.
So… You Can’t Visit a Choir School
Choir Schools would help to fill our parishes with congregations and choir members who would expect real sacred music sung to a high degree…
Sense and Sensibility
This lesson is no less true in the realm of sacred music than it is in the realm of lovers.
Let the Fun Begin
I have been searching for ways to bring more choristers into the choir…
Mr. Pete Avendano and His Incredible Choir
Now back in Los Angeles, Avendano hopes to found a Catholic boys choir dedicated solely to singing the Church’s music.
Five Suggestions • “Music in Our Schools”
If we desire to educate, we should keep our end in mind—to teach children what is good, and to love that good.
Five Rules • “Successful Music Camps”
A choirmaster must always be recruiting…and a summer camp is a great recruiting tool.
Announcing: Saint Rita Choral Academy!
The parish’s new venture, the St. Rita Choral Academy, is the brainchild of Dr. Alfred Calabrese.
A Call to Educate Our Future Musicians
Most of these students, without ever having studied the Church’s documents on liturgical music, have an innate sense that our sacred mysteries require sacred music… and they WANT IT!
In Support of the Choir School Tradition
St. Paul’s Choir School is one of only three Catholic choir schools in the United States, and provides an approach we might call the apprenticeship method.
St. Paul’s Choir School Appoints New Director of Music
James Kennerley’s “rehearsal with the men and boys was brilliant as is his organ playing.”
In Search of the Deeper Meaning
I have heard it said that magic shows up at every concert but usually goes home disappointed.