As an option for those who choose not to sing in a polyphony choir at this year’s Sacred Music Colloquium, Dr. Susan Treacy, professor of Music at Ave Maria University, will be offering an afternoon lecture series commemorating the 110th anniversary of the 1903 motu proprio on sacred music of Pope Saint Pius X.  Sounds too good to miss!

Lecture 1: Sacred Music in the Nineteenth Century

The first lecture will set the stage with an overview of Catholic liturgical music in the nineteenth century–the realities of sacred music in parish life and various efforts at reform–both in Europe and America.

Lecture 2: Music in the Life of Giuseppe Sarto

Born into a very poor family, the future Pope Saint Pius X became enamored of sacred music during his boyhood.  In one sense his whole life was a preparation for the motu proprio.  As a young priest, pastor, canon, and seminary rector, Father Sarto gave an important place to the teaching of Gregorian chant.

Lecture 3: Towards the motu proprio

In 1884 Giuseppe Sarto was made Bishop of Mantua; now he was able to promote Gregorian chant and sacred polyphony on a wider scale.  As a bishop and then a cardinal, Sarto issued documents that would form the basis of his eventual papal motu proprio.

Lecture 4: Reception and Implementation of the motu proprio

How was the motu proprio received by the Catholic world?  Did all Catholics obey the Holy Father’s decrees?  This lecture examines some of the initiatives to implement the motu proprio, including efforts to revive congregational chanting.

Lecture 5: The motu proprio:  Past, Present, and Future

The motu proprio of Pope Saint Pius X has been the starting point of subsequent documents on sacred music, including those of Vatican Council II.  Was Pius’s vision for sacred music distorted after Vatican II?  What has been done to restore this vision, and what can be done at the parish level?

You can still register for the Sacred Music Colloquium.

Teaching an online class tonight in Gregorian notation.

Gregorian Notation II:  This course builds on the fundamentals learned in Gregorian Notation I. We’ll introduce more neumes, the flat sign, bar lines, and more.  Register here. 

Truly, there is no reason everyone can’t be learning to read the traditional notation.   Big secret:  hardly anyone learned this in school.  So why not an online class brought to you in the comfort of your living room. Or dorm room.  Or houseboat.  Aside from the knowledge you gain, it is a great way to meet new people on a Tuesday night.  You’ll be learning something that will serve you as your serve the Church. And it is fun.

In a shameless bit of self promotion, I’ll share some comments from students: 

• “Arlene presented an informative and accessible introduction to the potentially daunting subject of Gregorian notation. The riches of Gregorian chant remain elusive to most of us, but Arlene teaches in such a way that anyone can gain the keys to this historical, liturgical treasure. Wonderful class!”

• “Thank you Prof. Oost-Zinner! I learned a wealth of knowledge about reading Gregorian notations and nooms ;). I am going to get a pitch pipe this week! Thank you again for all of your help and excellent instruction!”

We’ve had a great response to the Colloquium scholarship fund challenge I issued about a week ago.  We were able to raise the $1050, and then some.  So that means there are now some additional funds available.  Write to us at programs@musicasacra.com

Dr. Alise A. Brown, music educator and teacher of the Ward Method at the University of Northern Colorado — who will also be presenting on the Ward Method at this year’s Sacred Music Colloquium — has kindly allowed the CMAA to make available on-line her 2007 dissertation, The Life of Justine Ward. 

The University of North Colorado offers Ward method studies every summer under Dr. Brown’s direction; for information on 2013 offerings, see: Ward Method I and Ward Method II.

The full title of her study is The Life of Justine Ward; her Work in Comparison to Orff and Kodaly; with Applications for the Public School Classroom.

She writes:

The paper is available here on-line in PDF format.

You are invited to experience the Sacred Music Colloquium, the largest and most in-depth teaching conference and retreat on sacred music in the world.  Our  2013 program at the Cathedral of the Madeleine in Salt Lake City, Utah, offers new and expanded opportunities for learning, singing, listening, and interacting with the best minds and musicians in the Catholic world today! Avoid late fees and register before May 15, 2013.

MORE INFORMATION HERE

I’m repeating the first course in reading Gregorian notation tomorrow (Sunday) at 5:00pm CDT.  Join me!

As you know, many more than usual have applied for financial assistance in order to be able to attend this year’s Sacred Music Colloquium.  In order to make up a $1050 deficit in the scholarship fund, we are asking you to consider making a contribution this weekend.  If that money comes in, we will have been able to help all of those whose applications were accepted.  (People started applying last July!)  You can mail a check to: CMAA Programs, 166 North Gay St., #19, Auburn, AL , 36830; or send a donation to treasurer@musicasacra.com via Pay Pal.  All donations are tax deductible.  I’ll keep you posted on how the challenge is going!  And thank you, very much, in advance.