A recent article in the Wall Street Journal cited a study that showed that a high-stress boss can communicate his own feelings to subordinates. The person who is always rushing around makes others anxious (and “rush-y”) as well.
What does this have to do with sacred music? Well, what kind of director are you? Insecure, easily threatened when someone asks a question you can’t answer, always rooting around in your music, never quite prepared? Is the result a nervous choir? I hope not!
However, wouldn’t you love to feel secure in your understanding of chant? Experienced with high-level polyphony? Up-to-date on what some of the best and brightest have to say about the present and future of sacred music in the Latin Rite?
The Church Music Association of America (CMAA) is here to help. The Summer Chant Intensive from June 23-26 at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh can make all the difference to a schola director’s life! You’ll be grounded in the modes, familiar with the style and shape of Gregorian chant, and experienced in chant’s role in the Divine Office and the Mass.
The Summer Colloquium is another saturation experience for church musicians – just about all the chant, polyphony, and liturgy anyone could hope for. From June 29th to July 4th, beginning to advanced singers will have the opportunity to work with some of the finest musicians in the United States and Europe. Breakout sessions will also be available on topics from children’s programs and chironomy to semiology. Plenary speakers and a special course for priests, deacons, and seminarians, as well as a full complement of Ordinary and Extraordinary Form Masses make this a one-of-kind time. And there’s still ample opportunity for networking and just plain old conversing with old friends and new. Also at Duquesne University this year.
You’ll come away stronger, surer, and heartened! So head on over to the CMAA website and get onboard!