The Current Heresy
He was right, I spoke an unforgivable heresy—boys and girls are different.
Jesus said to them: “I have come into this world so that a sentence may fall upon it, that those who are blind should see, and those who see should become blind. If you were blind, you would not be guilty. It is because you protest, ‘We can see clearly,’ that you cannot be rid of your guilt.”
Dr. Lucas Tappan is a conductor and organist whose specialty is working with children. He lives in Kansas with his wife and four children.—Read full biography (with photographs).
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!
If you aren’t used to working with children, it can be a bit daunting on your first day…
Let’s face facts—the English cathedral system of forming church musicians works.
One musical advantage for the priest celebrating the Ordinary Form is that he can play an active role leading the music, yet still celebrate Mass.
Father told me that he felt extremely awkward standing in the sanctuary for two minutes while the congregation did nothing but look at him.
Whether your particular parishes are rich or poor, big or small, love sacred music or hate it, there is one thing that I challenge all of you to do, and that is to sing the Mass.
I’ve often told my choir members that before I die they will be singing from music displayed on some form of a tablet, but I never thought I’d see the Capella Sistina blazing the trail!
I hope and pray the Church continues to raise up true artists who will bring the Gospel to the world through the greatest of all the Church’s arts—Music.
I plan to do more of this in the future and I would recommend it to all others who direct any kind of church choir.
I have received a number of emails of late from such musicians with questions regarding the musical training of the very young…
Our program continues to expand, and we look forward to working with more than 60 students next year!
If you truly love the children of your parish, fight the elitism that says young children can’t sing, or just can’t appreciate good music.
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