Views from the Choir Loft

Veronica Moreno

Veronica Moreno is married to a teacher and homeschools five children. While at UCLA, she earned an undergraduate degree in Ethnomusicology and then went on to study special education at Cal State LA. She has been cantor at her local Catholic parish for over a decade. Read more.

Repeating Repertoire? • Veronica Moreno

Veronica Moreno · March 27, 2020

My own growth as a musician for the Liturgy has culminated in my pastor allowing me to sing the Propers in English: the realization of a decade-long dream.

“Let’s Not” . . . a small moment of reverence

Veronica Moreno · March 11, 2020

Cardinal Dolan at Mass

Organ Scholarship at Christendom College

Veronica Moreno · February 27, 2020

Christendom College will offer free organ lessons and $500 in tuition reduction for a student starting in the Fall of 2020.

Choral Scholarships at Christendom College

Veronica Moreno · February 17, 2020

Christendom College offers up to $4500 in tuition reduction and free voice lessons for students starting in the Fall of 2020.

Four Steps • “Homeschoolers, learn an Advent hymn!”

Veronica Moreno · December 4, 2019

As we navigate through this season, the secular world bombards us with decorated Christmas trees, “holiday music” on every station, and house after house drenched in festive lights…

Sacred Music Symposium • “What We Avoid”

I wish we had to time to discuss artwork at the Sacred Music Symposium, but there’s just not enough time. At this year’s conference in June, we will sing an absolutely incredible Magnificat setting by Father Francisco Guerrero (d. 1599). If you examine the part books, you will notice a marvelous aesthetic desire to avoid the same capital letter—for the sake of beauty. Do you see how the Part Books find a way to avoid repeating the Capital G twice, by using the word “Superius” (which is roughly analogous to “Soprano”)? Breathtaking!

—Jeff Ostrowski

“Abraham” • Guerrero Imitates His Teacher

Father Francisco Guerrero (d. 1599) studied music with Father Cristóbal de Morales circa 1545. He taught himself the organ. On 3 April 1542 he was engaged as a contralto by Seville Cathedral at an annual salary of 12,000 maravedís. He remained there until 1546, when, at the age of only 17, he was invited—on the recommendation of Father Morales—to become mæstro de capilla of Jaén Cathedral. He was entrusted with the boarding, lodging, and instruction of the six choirboys; but he neglected this duty and was sentenced to be dismissed on 30 August 1548. However, he was absolved and reinstated on 3 November. I think you can see (perhaps) a little homage to his teacher on the word “Abraham.”

—Jeff Ostrowski

Too much music!

Choosing music for the Sacred Music Symposium requires careful consideration. We make sure (always) to have great variety. Because the schedule is so full, there’s never sufficient time to discuss the music fully—indeed, we could easily do a month-long seminar on each piece! For example, last year Dr. Calabrese conducted a setting of the Magnificat by Father Guerrero (d. 1599). It is one of the most magnificent (pardon the pun) pieces ever written, and I wish I had time to point out the brilliant way he syncopates the word “dispersit,” which means “He has scattered” or “He has dispersed.” Superb!

—Jeff Ostrowski