Corpus Christi Watershed

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Views from the Choir Loft

Jeff Ostrowski • Article Archive

A theorist, organist, and conductor, Jeff Ostrowski holds his B.M. in Music Theory from the University of Kansas (2004). He completed studies in Education and Musicology at the graduate level. Having worked as a church musician in Los Angeles for ten years, in 2024 he accepted a position as choirmaster for Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception in Michigan, where he resides with his wife and children. —Read full biography (with photographs).

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“Corde Natus Ex Parentis” (SATB)

A few minutes ago, I uploaded an English SATB version of “CORDE NATUS EX PARENTIS” (an ancient Christmas hymn by Prudentius). A nifty Latin version is also available. The quickest way to download either is to visit #668 in the Portal and scroll down to where it says: Additional information about Hymn 668. Many people […]

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Mandatory Advent Piece

Last Sunday, our volunteer choir sang “the mandatory piece” for ADVENT in these United States. Anyone interested can listen to the ‘live’ recording. The claim is sometimes made (erroneously) that this piece can be sung only during the final days of ADVENT. Such an assertion demonstrates a misunderstanding of where this piece came from and […]

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“Silent Night” • Easy Organ Arrangement

Here’s a handy organ accompaniment (PDF) in three different key signatures: MIDDLE, HIGH, and LOW. The Latin lyrics (“Silens Nox”) are courtesy of Father Valentine Young, OFM (d. 2020). The organ harmonies are very simple, yet beautiful. Those who desire such a thing may also download a Singer’s Version. Choirs will ‘pick up’ this piece […]

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Do You Recognize This Melody?

This morning, I attempted to record a hymn called BRISTOL. Click here to listen to what I produced. I’m trying to provide PIPE ORGAN RECORDINGS for any Brébeuf hymns which don’t (yet) have a choral recording. Thousands of rehearsal videos have been added—by real human voices—but there’s still more work to do. I know very […]

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“PPG” • Plainsong Progress by Girls

You can listen to this ‘live’ recording of females singing the INTROIT (“Pópulus Sýon”) last Sunday, which was the Second Sunday of Advent. I accompanied them softly on the pipe organ. I would like to remind everyone who listens: 100% of the singers in my choir are volunteers recruited from the congregation. Indeed, the two […]

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