Strive for Excellence
Let’s face facts—the English cathedral system of forming church musicians works.
“Is it not true that prohibiting or suspecting the extraordinary form can only be inspired by the demon who desires our suffocation and spiritual death?” —The Vatican’s chief liturgist from 2014-2021; interview with Edw. Pentin (23-Sep-2019)
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).
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.
Just remember to laugh, thank the Good Lord and keep your coffee off of the piano!
Your are invited to the MPHM Schola Cantorum’s Spring Concert!
I thought I would share some visioning ideas regarding music in the Ordinary Form parish.
Corpus Christi Watershed is a 501(c)3 public charity dedicated to exploring and embodying as our calling the relationship of religion, culture, and the arts. This non-profit organization employs the creative media in service of theology, the Church, and Christian culture for the enrichment and enjoyment of the public.