Views from the Choir Loft

Richard J. Clark

Richard J. Clark is the Director of Music of the Archdiocese of Boston and the Cathedral of the Holy Cross. He is also Chapel Organist (Saint Mary’s Chapel) at Boston College. His compositions have been performed worldwide. Read more.

Reopening our Churches – Encouragement – Resources

Richard J. Clark · May 22, 2020

As churches are working towards reopening, it is also no small change for many to concede congregational singing and choirs of any size. So many musicians have already sacrificed so much, spiritually, artistically, and economically.

Pain, Trauma, Caution in the Choir World

Richard J. Clark · May 8, 2020

Fallout from the recent NATS/ACDA webinar: A Conversation: What Do Science and Data Say About the Near Term Future of Singing.

Follow the Discussion on Facebook

If you are having a bad day, this is what it means

Richard J. Clark · April 24, 2020

God ensures will blossom even harsh conditions.

God will not be outdone in generosity.

Richard J. Clark · April 9, 2020

People are hungrier than ever for the Gospel. This is a great blessing, and a turning point in our lives and ministries.

Repeating Repertoire? • Richard J. Clark

Richard J. Clark · March 28, 2020

“Repetition” in the Age of Streaming Masses…

From a Catholic priest…

Regarding the CCW mailing list, a priest (Father E. J.) wrote to us yesterday:

“Sometime ago, you wrote something along the lines that none of your emails are copies or merely pitches; each one is individual. I respect you so much for that. I don’t always get to read through them, but they remain in my inbox for when I have time. I can’t over estimate how much I appreciate you and your team’s work, how many times I’ve turned to CCwatershed for guidance, tips, and ideas. Unfortunately I’m not in a position to choose or direct music at my assignment. I may have said this to you once before but: I look forward to when I can. One of the first things I’d do in a parish is bring your resources aboard (gradually, of course).”

—Jeff Ostrowski

Does Gregorian Chant ever skip a 7th?

I’ve really been enjoying singing from the Père Daniel Kyriale (126 pages), which is a fabulous little book. I had no idea it would turn out so nicely—incredibly useful, and the printing is super crisp. I noticed something quite strange the other day: Kyrie X (an extremely ancient chant) contains a skip of a seventh. Sometimes that’s the result of a missing Trope, but not in this instance. (I know, because I also examined the Troped version.)

—Jeff Ostrowski

We love getting messages like this one…

“I am a 25-year-old organist and cantor from the mountains of Northern Colorado. I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you and your friends for working hard to bring excellent content to your website and my inbox. I have found many, many awesome resources to help me stay faithful to the Church’s stance and traditions on good, beautiful sacred music at the local parishes for which I play the organ and cantor. Truly refreshing to see all the good content. Mere words fail me. I wish you could know how helpful you’ve been. I can sense your passion for this, and it’s contagious. We were able to start to implement the chanted antiphons in English, and I am more comfortable singing the traditional Latin propers at Holy Communion or Offertory. I have a tremendous appreciation for the beauty handed down by our forefathers, especially with the Extraordinary Form Mass… I wish we could have them more often, but good things are starting to happen to sacred music. Other church musicians I know and used to work with are grateful for your resources and hard work. You influence more people than you know!”

—Jeff Ostrowski