The theme for this virtual conference will be “Church and Music: Texts and Contexts”
Main Content
Alleluia, Dulce Carmen – sing it while you can!
A hymn for the last week before Septuagesima, or in the weeks leading up to Lent. Squeeze in all the Alleluias you can before they’re put on ice.
Quick Vocal Tip: Breathe on Cutoffs
This simple breathing hack could bring new life to your choir’s sound.
Making Sacraments Available amidst Adversity
WWII Chaplain recognized for his heroic ministry after the sinking of the USS Indianapolis
Glaring Omission from Post-Vatican II Lectionary
In the 1980s, Father Valentine wrote to a Vatican Congregation in Rome about this omission. It still hasn’t been fixed.
(Ladies Singing Low) • “Adding Fifths Above”
Under Covid-19, certain “pre-conciliar” practices have been mandated by the same bishops who previously declared such things to be evil.
PDF Download • “Mass Propers For Sundays And Holydays Set To Simple Melodies” (429 pages)
In 1947, this book was given a double “Imprimatur” by Cardinal Spellman, Archbishop of New York.
Hidden Gem: Salvum Fac Populum Tuum (Bruckner)
This little-known, accessible motet could serve as your choir’s introduction to the thrilling sonic world of Anton Bruckner.
Landmark Documentary on the Renewal of Sacred Music
A documentary on the work of Paul Jerberg — one of the most important voices on sacred music in the Church today
Thou Hast Saved the Good Wine until Now
Reflections on the communion chant for the Second Sunday after Epiphany
“Homily for the 2nd Sunday after Epiphany” (EF) • Father Valentine Young, OFM
Why have I been so blessed, and spared such hardships?
Lies, Lies, Lies
“Narrative lies” cannot exist without a storyteller.
What Color Is B-Flat? Life as a Musician with Synesthesia
Musicians rely on hearing. Hearing is a sense. Synesthesia makes the senses cross over. And that’s where the fun begins….
Catholic Choirmasters • Never Fall For This!
Statements so appalling, egregious, and atrocious they must be corrected…
PDF Download • “Essential Liturgical Chart”
I’ve never spent as much time creating a Liturgical Chart as I did for this one.
PDF Download • “Blessing of Epiphany Water”
An 18-page PDF for the Solemn Blessing of Water on the Eve of the Epiphany.
Here’s a New Year’s Resolution: Tell Strangers What You Do
A recent encounter made me realize what can happen when we discuss church music with others.
Practical Reflections on the Restored Order
Thoughts from Bishop Larry Silva of Honolulu
PDF Download • “Puer Natus In Bethlehem” — Simple Christmas Hymn (2 Pages)
This is one of my favorite Gregorian hymns; very catchy!
PDF Download • “No woman shall kiss her child on the Sabbath or fasting day.”
The “Blue Laws” were a series of fanatical laws enacted by the Puritans of the colony of Connecticut…
PDF Downloads
PDF Download • Several Useful Plainsong Books
“Variae Preces” (1892) — “Cantus Varii” (1902) — “Cantus Varii” (1928) — “Cantus Selecti” (1957)
PDF Download • Rare 1970 Document Explains “Spoken vs. Sung Propers”
This is perhaps the single most significant liturgical document CCWatershed has ever unearthed—and translated to English! • Explains the origin of “Gradual Antiphons” vs. “Missal Antiphons” (a.k.a. “Sacramentary Antiphons”)+
PDF Download • Beautiful Requiem Mass Image
“Every diocese, almost every church, had its own customs. Our present rule dates from the revived missal of 1570.”
PDF Download • Extremely Simple (Yet Gorgeous) Polyphonic Funeral Mass
These rehearsal videos were recorded by one person, and he apologizes for the poor singing quality…
PDF Download • “Mass Propers for Weekdays, Commons, and Saints” (1,294 pages)
Useful links as a “follow-up” to Mæstro Clark’s article about Fr. Weber’s plainsong settings.
PDF Download • “Taste and see the goodness of the Lord” (Responsorial Psalm)
Including a written tutorial on how to perform Chabanel Psalms correctly.