Announcing the 2021 Southeastern Sacred Music Workshop in Jasper, Georgia, August 20-21, 2021! Registration is now open.
The past year has been a challenge for all of us involved in church music. Many music programs have suffered losses of personnel and funding, and music directors are finding that the old ways of doing things just aren’t going to work for the future.
Some music directors are having to rebuild their program from the ground up, and the task seems daunting. We believe we have a way forward, and we’d really like to help.
This workshop will equip cantors, choir masters, choristers, and music directors with the tools they need to reinvigorate a stagnant music program by teaching them how to SING THE MASS. Using plainchant—in the vernacular or Latin—to sing the proper texts of the Mass creates stability in a parish music program. Chanted propers are the key to keeping music programs up and running even with unexpected challenges such as a pandemic. [Not sure what the propers are? Click to learn more.]
Likewise, polyphonic music is perfect for small groups of singers when choirs are limited in number. This workshop will introduce participants to polyphonic singing and organum. Everyone will have the opportunity to join a chant group of his or her choice—beginner/refresher or advanced—and/or a polyphonic small ensemble.
Don’t be intimidated. Those who are new to chant are highly encouraged to attend. This workshop is designed to accommodate all levels of proficiency in sacred music. Cantors especially will benefit from the break-out cantor sessions on Friday.
The event will culminate with a sung liturgy Saturday afternoon with the opportunity to sing a Sunday liturgy for those who would like to extend their stay in the beautiful Appalachian setting of Our Lady of the Mountains.
Breakout courses will be offered on a variety of topics of interest to music directors, singers, organists, and clergy.
The $80 registration fee will cover all materials as well as lunch on Saturday and coffee and snacks both days. The workshop begins at 1 p.m. on Friday and runs through 6 p.m. Saturday. Sunday is optional and includes sung Mass at 11 a.m.
Conference hotel information will be available shortly.
Please note:
At this time we are taking registrations only (no payments) so you can reserve your spot at the 2021 Sacred Music Workshop. Payment will be accepted online or by check between July 1 and July 31. By doing this we hope to avoid the need to refund money in the event the workshop must be canceled due to circumstances beyond our control. Registration/reservations are on a first-come basis.
Currently the number of attendees is capped at 50, but we are keeping a waiting list beyond that number in the hope that we’ll be able to accept more participants as the pandemic threat lessens.
Our Lady of the Mountains Church
1508 Waleska Hwy 108
Jasper, GA 30143
Parish website: https://olmjasper.com/
We hope to see you there!
For registration, information about faculty, and more, visit the website at: SOUTHEASTERN SACRED MUSIC