When to Teach Children to Sight-Read Plainsong
Children can and should be taught Gregorian chant by hearing and repeating—but this binds them to singing only what they have memorized.
God or Nothing
I think we can slay the current and popular belief that by making the liturgy, and by extension liturgical music, “relevant” to people we will somehow bring them back to God.
A Christmas Carol
Keep the flame of the true Christmas spirit burning brightly and carol to your heart’s content.
Appropriate Music for the Sacred Liturgy
It’s hard to implement a program of truly sacred music, focused on the Lord, when so many of our Masses and other services are celebrated as if God were a side note…
A Late Gift for Nicholasmas
Unfortunately we live in a society in which parents can no longer allow the culture to help form their children, and in most instances are forced to fight such an un-cultural leviathan.
Where Does Your Heart Lie?
If Christmas day arrives and you haven’t been to confession, your daily prayer has suffered, and you haven’t eaten supper with your family at least five nights a week during Advent, you’re in too far.
Pastors & Church Musicians: Are We Really Working Together?
Msgr. Marini recently spoke to a group of Italian musicians as part of a choral festival.
Seven Tips for the Organist
I also want to say “thank you” to all of you who play the organ during the sacred liturgy. We owe you a great song of gratitude!
Music for the Year of Mercy
Puccini’s music allows us to glimpse the love of a Father, Who doesn’t merely sit on the 50 yard line waiting to see which side of the eternal line we die on…
Music and the Formation of Our Youth
“While it is true that children can make beautiful music, it is more important that music can make beautiful children…”
Wonderful Things are Happening in Detroit!
Even more exciting were two developments I learned of while in Detroit.
Problems Encountered Teaching Rhythms
Well, today I decided to buck the system (in spite of my general LOVE of tradition) and simply referred to the various notes by their Takadimi syllables.
The Current Heresy
He was right, I spoke an unforgivable heresy—boys and girls are different.
Give Yourself a Boost in the New Choral Year
The grandmother of 5 choristers informed me that one of her granddaughters told her rehearsal wasn’t long enough—it seemed to be over just as it was starting!
A New Choral Year Off to the Races
If you aren’t used to working with children, it can be a bit daunting on your first day…