Music and the Formation of Our Youth
“While it is true that children can make beautiful music, it is more important that music can make beautiful children…”
Wonderful Things are Happening in Detroit!
Even more exciting were two developments I learned of while in Detroit.
Problems Encountered Teaching Rhythms
Well, today I decided to buck the system (in spite of my general LOVE of tradition) and simply referred to the various notes by their Takadimi syllables.
The Current Heresy
He was right, I spoke an unforgivable heresy—boys and girls are different.
Give Yourself a Boost in the New Choral Year
The grandmother of 5 choristers informed me that one of her granddaughters told her rehearsal wasn’t long enough—it seemed to be over just as it was starting!
A New Choral Year Off to the Races
If you aren’t used to working with children, it can be a bit daunting on your first day…
Strive for Excellence
Let’s face facts—the English cathedral system of forming church musicians works.
The Musical Power of the Priest in the Ordinary Form
One musical advantage for the priest celebrating the Ordinary Form is that he can play an active role leading the music, yet still celebrate Mass.
Ad Orientem and Sacred Music
Father told me that he felt extremely awkward standing in the sanctuary for two minutes while the congregation did nothing but look at him.
Sing the Mass
Whether your particular parishes are rich or poor, big or small, love sacred music or hate it, there is one thing that I challenge all of you to do, and that is to sing the Mass.
Do My Eyes Deceive Me?
I’ve often told my choir members that before I die they will be singing from music displayed on some form of a tablet, but I never thought I’d see the Capella Sistina blazing the trail!
Theology and Music
I hope and pray the Church continues to raise up true artists who will bring the Gospel to the world through the greatest of all the Church’s arts—Music.
The Theology of the Organ
Let’s put the organ back on the pedestal it rightfully deserves.
Choral Repertoire
I plan to do more of this in the future and I would recommend it to all others who direct any kind of church choir.
Teaching the Very Young
I have received a number of emails of late from such musicians with questions regarding the musical training of the very young…