Cantate Domino

I have a blog? It's looking a bit dusty in here

2010-07-11T19:36:00.001-05:00

I had thought that this little corner of the blog world would have been completely overgrown with weeds and spider webs. Yet, there is still continuing activity by more than just search engines and other assorted bots. The most popular page is by far the translation of Cantate Domino: http://northernal.blogspot.com/2006/07/cantate-domino-translation.html It may be time to consider getting back

Music for Lent and Holy Week 2009

2009-03-28T20:08:00.003-05:00

Lent 1: Call to Remembrance - Richard FarrantLent 2: O Savior of the World - John GossLent 3: Ave Verum Corpus - Edward ElgarLent 4: God So Loved the World - John StainerLent 5: Miserere Mei - Antonio LottiPalm Sunday: What Have We Done? (Senzeni Na) - Hal HopsonMaundy Thursday: Ubi Caritas - Maurice Durfle, Twas on That Dark and Doleful Night (Brookfield) - William

Anglican Entertainment

2008-07-30T20:52:00.004-05:00

Time and interest has kept me from paying much attention to the Lambeth Conference currently in progress. However, I could not help noticing the Episcopal News Service email update in my inbox before hitting delete:Lambeth bishops wrestleWell, wouldn't that be a sight.Since the WWE has made a bundle off of the wrestling show, maybe we found a way for increased fund raising (MDGs accomplished in

Music of Praise and Worship

2008-06-10T21:50:00.003-05:00

In the darkened cathedral or the church, with the candles burning and that slight smell of incense in the air; the organ with great warmth leads the congregation in the William Monk's tune, Eventide. The choir trebles joins with a glorious descant on the last verse as we sing Henry Francis Lyte's hymn:Abide with me: fast falls the eventide;the darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide:when other

Live from Lake Michigan

2008-05-19T11:38:00.001-05:00

First I was blogging from the train, and now I am blogging from Lake Michigan aboard the Lake Express. I now blog from many places. Now all I need is a useful subject. I do need to type fast as I will soon lose a signal. There are no cell towers in the middle of the lake and I am grateful.

Blogging in transit

2008-04-07T17:22:00.000-05:00

I am enjoying the new found ability to blog at 70 m.p.h. No, I am not driving but riding the Metra. Blogging while driving would probably not be a good thing.

Driving hazards

2008-01-19T15:21:00.000-06:00

Listening to Anglican Chant can be a wonderful and calming experience when driving in the Chicago area. However, for those who lean/kneel to the higher church end, there may be a hazard.Kind police officer: What caused you to not see the stopped car in front of you?Lawful and caring driver: Well, you see, I was singing along with an Anglican Chant CD, and then came the Gloria Patri....Kind (

Choral Music for the winter

2008-01-13T16:59:00.000-06:00

Here is a brief overview of some of the music recently performed by the choir here:All Saints: The Souls of the Righteous - Stanley MarchantNov 11: Jerusalem (Jesus, my all, to heaven is gone) - this is arranged from the Sacred HarpNov 18: Soon and Very Soon - Andre CrouchChrist the King: Te Deum Laudamus - Slavonic ChantAdvent 1: E'en So, Lord Jesus, Quickly Come - Paul Manz (authors note

Flickr errors

2008-01-12T18:25:00.000-06:00

I always enjoy when a company puts some humor into their "server down" message. I found the following on Flickr (the photo sharing place). Flickr is having a massage. For updates, please check the Flickr Blog.The updates were even more interesting: The latest estimate from our awesome Ops team is 6:30pm PST. It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your precious photos,

The XII Bishop of Chicago-elect

2007-11-10T14:03:00.000-06:00

Though the former Quaker in me says it is no big deal, for those who really want to know:The Diocese of Chicago has elected The Rev. Jeffrey D. Lee as the 12th Bishop of Chicago. After receiving the appropriate consents, he will be consecrated in February, taking over for the retiring Bishop Persell.Information about the new Bishop and a breakdown of voting can be found here:http://

What Chant are You?

2007-10-27T13:03:00.000-05:00

No, I have not found a new online quiz, though it would be a novel idea. Instead, I am reflecting on a conversations I have had with others regarding chant. Just in Western Christianity, chant is a broad term covering many styles and the constant elaboration on chants have obscured the difference between a "chant" and "song."Here are some styles that have been used recently at my church:

Do I know you?

2007-10-27T12:35:00.001-05:00

Some who once were my loyal readers (all 1-2 of them, including myself), have likely wondered (or not), whatever happened to him? The working world having called, I found myself procrastinating from using my procrastination tools. It should be noted here that the working world not only took away some time, it appears to exacted a toll on any limited writing style I may have once exhibited in

quiz results... what a shock...

2007-05-26T20:40:00.000-05:00

Your Dominant Intelligence is Musical IntelligenceEvery part of your life has a beat, and you're often tapping your fingers or toes.You enjoy sounds of all types, but you also find sound can distract you at the wrong time.You are probably a gifted musician of some sort - even if you haven't realized it.Also a music lover, you tend to appreciate artists of all kinds.You would make a great musician

Who is this?

2007-05-05T17:21:00.000-05:00

Since certain other bloggers seem willing to remind me that having a blog generally means that you actually intend to post, sometime... ever, here I will attempt to get rolling again with yet another music list.Lent, Holy Week and Easter, in my humble opinion, seemed to work quite well musically. I enjoyed many of the various offerings. Since the hymns have been rather typical, I will not

Job application

2007-01-23T06:11:00.000-06:00

Though I have a temporary "day job" to pay for my church job, I am always on the lookout for different possibilities. This job application seems promising.http://www.parody-pages.com/application/

Christmas Wrap-up

2006-12-26T08:15:00.000-06:00

It is the day after Christmas and all through the house... the church musician attempts to recover. It was a very enjoyable Advent 4/Christmas Eve/Christmas Morning liturgy this year even with half of the organ out of operation due to an electrical short. Here are some brief highlights for those who wish to know...The hymns/carols were rather standard so I will not list those, though the

Sing-a-long Messiah solos

2006-12-07T06:59:00.000-06:00

A scenario:You are a part-time church organist/choirmaster in Advent/Christmas season. You also hold another full-time job to help pay for your church music career. So, what is your response to all this extra time?Quite simple... When the North Suburban Symphony loses their bass soloist for this weekend's Sing-a-long Messiah say, "sure, I'll do it." Nothing lack last minute preparation, but

404 Not Found

2006-12-02T21:38:00.000-06:00

Occasionally while browsing, a page will be missing (or for those who like oddly phrased statements: "a page will turn up missing" or "the user will find a page missing.")This missing page is also none as a 404 Error, made famous with the Internet Explorer page that appears:The page cannot be foundThe page you are looking for might have beenremoved, had its name changed, or is temporarily

Here comes the snow.. maybe...

2006-11-30T17:00:00.000-06:00

With the first "Winter Storm" apparently approaching Chicago, newspapers have been running articles on safe winter driving. These contain smart items like changing windshields, checking fluids, having a winter kit, etc. I felt this list lacking so, with my experience of "Up North" driving, I offer my humble suggestions for safe winter driving:1. SLOW DOWN2. Leave earlier and take it easy3.

Get off my Bach...

2006-11-25T09:45:00.000-06:00

A wisdom tooth infections has laid me low for about a week, necessitating a switch in organ music for the First Sunday of Advent, since I have lost a valuable practice week. So now organ/choral music for that Sunday looks as such:Prelude: "Nun Komm, der Heiden Heiland" - J.S. BachOffertory Anthem: "Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme" ("Sleepers Awake, the Voice is Calling"), 4th movement of

Running behind - music list

2006-11-01T09:40:00.000-06:00

I know, I know - I have been very negligent of this blog. So, in order to announce my continued existance, here is a quick list of some music we being sung at St. Lawrence Episcopal in Libertyville.10-1-06Anthem: The heavens declare thy glory, William SelbyPrelude: Prélude modal, Jean LanglaisPostlude: Psalm 19, Benedetto Marcello10-8-06Anthem: All Good Gifts , Natalie

Hybrid cars

2006-10-06T16:21:00.000-05:00

I like the idea of the hybrid cars in both reducing use of fossil fuels and reduced noise. An accident by my house has made me consider one unfortunate problem. About ten minutes ago, there was a car-bike accident at the intersection by my apartment. I do not know the details of the incident such as who is at fault but the car was a Prius, one of the new hybrids. Having almost stepped in front

September updates

2006-09-09T09:43:00.000-05:00

You, the kind reader, may notice that I have said very little lately. This current status results from various changes that have rendered me with very little extra time. As things calm down, one may hope that this will correct itself. So, for the curious, here are the updates:Immuanel United Church of Christ, Bartlett: I played my last Sunday morning on September 3. They congregation sang

Language

2006-08-23T13:55:00.000-05:00

The Episcopal Church has, in its history and possibly sometimes now, a tendancy to have sermons that were a little obscure, due to a rather complex use of language. Apparently, some sermon writers and corporate management types have studied the same use of language. I present an actual company job description for an account aquisitions officer. The company name has been replaced with XXXXX.

Symbols - tech tip

2006-08-20T06:18:00.000-05:00

So you are writing away and want to add a a special character:Maybe you wish to show a copyright symbol: © ® ™Or you want to show your pride in you fraternity/sorority: Γ Δ ΙDid you with to write Taizé ?How about some german: ß öAre you into math ≤ and are hungry so you need some π?Is it time to take a note ♪ or two ♫?Or you are just a former electrician who wishes to go back to your old job,

Selecting music

2006-08-17T19:32:00.000-05:00

There is a great difficulty in selecting music for a congregation you have never seen before, a choir you have never heard sing, and an organ you have never played. So, I have followed so simple tricks to help out.Read over past music lists and bulletins (ordos for the Seabury crowd).Be conservative in hymn and service music selection. Try to avoid assumptions on the congregations repertoire

St. Mary the Virgin

2006-08-15T09:49:00.000-05:00

In honor of the Feast of St. Mary the Virgin (or Feast of the Assumption of the Blesed Virgin Mary, or The Fest of the Dormition of Our most Holy Lady, the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary), I created a shared playlist for the Rhapsody music service. It contains:Rhapsody Playlist:"1. --- Hail! Blessed Virgin Mary - The Cambridge Singers2. Ave Maria (Chant) - Giovanni da Palestrina3. Hail Mary full

To convert or to be transformed

2006-08-14T10:33:00.001-05:00

In yesterday's sermon, the Interim Pastor made a brief reference to converting and/or transforming. This got me thinking. It appears to me that to convert only requires a personal choice to accept a particular faith and it's doctrine. To be transformed, though, requires opening oneself to allow God grace to bring about a change. Conversion would then be our work and not God's.Is this not

Sibelius acquisition

2006-08-04T18:16:00.000-05:00

Earlier this week, Sibelius Software Ltd., maker of one the two more popular music notation software programs (with the other being Finale), was aquired by Avid Technology, Inc. Sibelius will be come part of Avid's audio unit, Digidesign. Let's hope that that quality of Sibelius remains.Read the full press release here:http://www.sibelius.com/news/press100.html

New Position

2006-07-30T20:01:00.000-05:00

Though many reading this may already know, I have accepted a position as Music Director at St. Lawrence Episcopal Church in Libertyville, Illinois. I had held off mentioning it here until my resignation was announced at Immanuel United Church of Christ, lest somebody from that congregation actually reads this blog. I will be finishing at Immanuel at around the end of August and starting at St.

Cantate Domino translation

2006-07-19T07:09:00.000-05:00

I have noticed that in the site statistics for this blog, there are a fair number of people who come here looking for a translation of "Cantate Domino." So, to assist these readers, I am giving a general translation.The phrase Cantate Domino basically translates "Sing to the Lord." Its use in church music most often comes from Psalm 96:1-4 (95 in the Latin Vulgate) which was the Introit for the

Duluth

2006-07-11T12:24:00.000-05:00

I just returned from a brief trip to Duluth, Minnesota, for my Grandmom's 90th birthday. I have been up there twice before so I new it was a lovely area, but since I have been in the Chicago area, Duluth looks even more lovely. As an added bonus to the trip, we went to a "Planking Party" at the mouth of the Knife River, which is on the north shore of Lake Superior. The next day we took a

Church transition update

2006-07-02T19:31:00.000-05:00

In hopes of posting information of actual potential usefulness, I will attempt to relay information about the music and liturgy at my employing church as they enter upon this time of transition. I have noticed that over the years, that I have developed patience with changes in the church whether created by myself or created from elsewhere. I find I am entering this process with more a curiosity

Some Stuff

2006-07-01T06:39:00.000-05:00

Here is some stuff:Seabury has photos from graduation 2006 posted on their Flickr site (here)I passed: In the one of the shortest and easiest tests I have ever taken, my Ranger passed the state's emissions test. It is a rather interesting process. Instead of actually checking the emissions, they plug into the truck (to the OBD port) and the truck tells them if the emissions are ok. I waited

Rearranging the Furniture

2006-06-30T10:09:00.000-05:00

Yes this is still the Northland Al/Cantate Domino blog. I just happen to rearrange the room. I just have not had enough change in my life lately.

Water from the rock

2006-06-30T07:56:00.000-05:00

In the span of one week I have heard the same story multiple times, Numbers 20:1-13. On Sunday, the Pastor Emeritus used as the basis of his preaching on "stones", the Joshua story on the stones (Joshua 4:5-10 or so). As part of the sermon, he also referred to the Numbers passage.Later in the week, the History Channel mentioned the same story in some show.This morning, the Old Testament reading

Then we play "Here Comes the Bride" on harmonica... - Yahoo! News

2006-06-29T06:47:00.000-05:00

Earlier this year the European Union had come out with new rules regarding the use of lead in materials that electrical, which would include pipe organs if they have electric blowers (click here). It appears that they have decided that the rule does not apply to pipe organs. See the article below.Then we play "Here Comes the Bride" on harmonica... - Yahoo! News

Watch your language in church

2006-06-29T06:26:00.000-05:00

A few weeks ago, I was talking to one of the choir members and the guest minister and I used the term - "intinction." At that point, I suddenly realized that I had very easily learned the liturgical language of the Episcopal Church, yet I was working in a UCC congregation. Time to watch my language. Intinction = dippingChalice = cupPaten = plateVesting = putting on robesParishioner = member of

Where was I?

2006-06-26T05:59:00.000-05:00

On Sunday, I was at Immanuel UCC for the normal worship service. As the Interim Pastor does not start until next week, the visiting clergy was the Pastor Emeritus of the that church. Attendance was higher than last week, which was rather expected, given the congregations love of Rev. Preuss. Nothing unusual there, but during the day some other strange events happened.The congregation sang -

Dealing with the Difficult

2006-06-22T09:05:00.000-05:00

Reverend Ref shared a wonderful story of deal with difficult parishoners. It is a wonderful lesson in grace.Click here for the story

Radar problems

2006-06-22T07:46:00.000-05:00

Sometimes it is good to check multiple sites for weather forecasts. If I accepted this radar image - we would be in for quite a problem. As it is, there was only the rain on over by Iowa.

Composer News

2006-06-20T06:32:00.000-05:00

György Ligeti, 1923-2006 has died on June 12, 2006, at the age of 83. He was well known for his work on the music for 2001 A Space Odyssey.For more info:http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,60-2222419,00.html

Information Overload

2006-06-14T09:12:00.000-05:00

The General Convention of the Episcopal Church has started in Columbus. Now I sit here in Evanston and watch my email inbox grow exponentially with the every thirty minute email from the Episcopal News Service. Add that to the unbelievable amount of people blogging from Columbus and the sheer amount of information is staggering. I do wish there were a better way to sort out the types of

Transitions, Transitions

2006-06-12T14:42:00.000-05:00

Yes, he still exists. I have been slacking in my blogging, and here may be a reason.Finished school - no regular classes or assigments due. My regular schedule has been rather disrupted.Considering future possibilities and callings.The departure of friends whom I may not see again for quite awhile (if ever).Yesterday was the last Sunday for the Pastor at the church where I work. There will be

Graduations and Ordinations

2006-06-03T15:27:00.000-05:00

The Commencement Eucharist was very nice (even though we did skip "I the Lord of Sea and Sky). Congratulations to all of the graduates. Good job to the very large group of liturgical ministers. It was a special day. Today's Ordination of Transitional Deacons was equally exciting. Congratulations to all of those ordained today (plus those being ordained elsewhere in the next few weeks).

What hymn is he using

2006-06-01T07:31:00.000-05:00

This Sunday's hymn quiz: On Communion Sundays (remember, I work for a UCC congregation), the choir has traditionally sung a cyclical song while people receive communion (i.e. Taize - Eat this bread, etc.). At times, we have invited to congregation to join in, especially since Eat This Bread is in the hymnal.This Sunday, we are doing something different and using an actual hymn. As we have

This is the end...

2006-05-30T16:46:00.000-05:00

I have pressed send on my email with attached assignment and so:I HAVE TURNED IN MY LAST ASSIGNMENT!!Except for some last minute problem, which God willing, there will be none:IT IS FINISHED!!Thanks be to God! Alleluia, Alleluia Alleluia.

Thesis endings

2006-05-26T08:09:00.000-05:00

Recently, I used the lecture-recital music for a Theology of Music presentation. Though the main points were different, the conclusion of the thesis was still pertinent. Due to time considerations, the conclusion was left off, just like in the lecture/recital. So, for those who may wonder, here it is.Conclusions from:"Music of the English Parish Church, 1800 and 1900:the Influence of an Oxford

Favorite Hymns

2006-05-26T07:36:00.000-05:00

I have been sloppy about posting so to fill in the time here is a list of some of my favorite hymns. Helmsley - Lo, He comes with clouds descendingEngelberg - When in our music God is glorified, We know that Christ is raised and dies no more, etc.Lauda anima - Praise, my soul, the King of heavenWestminster Abbey - Christ is made the sure foundationCaelites plaudant - Christ the fair

Alleluia

2006-05-15T15:10:00.000-05:00

It is finished. My thesis has been approved by the committee and I have turned in the final printed copies to Academic Affairs. Thanks be to God. Alleluia, Alleluia.

Buckle up

2006-05-15T09:12:00.000-05:00

While on the way to church yesterday, I was pulling onto the Kennedy Expressway only to be stopped by a collection of State Police performing a seatbelt enforcement zone. I was quickly waved on since I wearing a seatbelt. That comes as no suprise. I am almost incapable of not putting on seatbelt. Even if I were to climb into my truck to wait for somebody and not drive, it is very likely that

Happy Mother's Day

2006-05-14T05:53:00.000-05:00

Happy Mother's Day to all mothers (including my 0wn, who occaisionally reads this).

Congratulations fellow students

2006-05-13T17:45:00.000-05:00

Today was a good day for Seabury students.Derrick was ordained a Deacon in Southern Ohio. Congrats Derrick.Christine gave a wonderful lecture-recital today. Congrats Christine.As for me, I have spent today finding silly typos in my thesis. They seem to keep reappearing no matter how many people proof it. When will it end.

Organ music around 1900

2006-05-09T07:41:00.000-05:00

Since my posting has become erratic as of late, I offer an excerpt from my thesis. Enjoy.4.3 Organ MusicThe Ecclesiologists wished to remove or at least reduce the organ from the church because they believed it obscured the beauty of the music:Church music is almost exclusively vocal. At any rate, the Gregorian chants, the canto-fermo and the responses… clearly are better without instrumental

Lecture-recital review

2006-05-06T12:54:00.000-05:00

The lecture-recital last Monday (5/3) went well. I have received many positive responses from many people for the evening. The choir performed exceptionally and it was a privilege to make music with them. The Stanford anthem "How Beauteous are their feet" was just glorious.A few pieces have been mentioned repeatedly:C. Hubert Parry - Choral Fantasia on an Old English Tune "When I survey the

Raising the test scores

2006-04-28T06:49:00.000-05:00

How's this for raising test scores.Teacher helps feed students to boost their gradeWith No Child Left Behind focusing on schools and teachers, do you think any of the politicians considered that not all low test scores result from bad teachers and schools.

Liturgical History - Tradition, Mission and Colonialism - The America's

2006-04-27T00:49:00.000-05:00

For those who remember, earlier this month I made a presentation to my Catholic Theological Union Liturgical History Class. The presentation was on Catholic Church Music - Trent to Baroque. This week it is Tradition, Mission and Colonialism. After my normal run to Rhapsody and help from Milner and Paula (thank you, if you read this), I have collected my presention list.Aztec procession

Of the Anglican Communion

2006-04-24T22:30:00.000-05:00

A thought on the Anglican Communion from Nicholas Temperley:Referring to the ritualist controversies of the 19th century, he says,“In all cases it may be said that the strength of emotional involvement was in great part due to differing conceptions of the identity and character of the Church of England, which had been, from the beginning, a Church of compromise.”[1][1] Nicholas Temperley, The

Alleluia, Sing to Jesus! or Alleluia, Gracious Jesus!

2006-04-24T08:49:00.000-05:00

What follows is the William Dix hymn “Alleluia, Sing to Jesus!” The original verses are contrasted by an editor’s alterations. I am withholding comment at this time. What do you think? (note: do not rest too much concern on capitalization as both the “original” and H82 are different in this regard, plus I may have added some errors). Verse 1 – originalAlleluia! sing to Jesus! His the

the words

2006-04-21T09:45:00.000-05:00

Oh, how we love the words. They comfort and strengthen us, forever ceaseless and unchanging. They catagorize our existence and preserve our truth. Oh, how we venerate and adore the words with their superior power to command and control. Yet, in our lust for the words, have we heard the Word?

Grammar checking

2006-04-18T10:38:00.000-05:00

While writing papers, I generally use the attached grammar checker as one tool in identifying errors and assisting in the writing and rewriting process. It is not a substitute for repeated editing and peer review, but ONE tool in the process. Recently, I realized many errors, including simple sentence

Alleluia

2006-04-16T15:36:00.000-05:00

Alleluia, Christ is Risen.I have noticed on occasion, it is sometimes difficult to fully experience and fully participate in the worship while sitting at the organ but over the last few days, there have been moments in every service where I felt involved in the prayer and praise of the church. There was also the stark feeling of the Holy Saturday service at Seabury in which the lack of music and

Out of season musicians

2006-04-13T06:39:00.000-05:00

He enters the dark and quiet chapel. Everything seems stark and bare. The sense of anticipation hangs in the air, now approaches those three holy days. He sits on the bench, thinks, meditates, reflects, and then:Jesus Christ is ri...As a church musician, it is difficult to remain focused on the events of holy week when it is punctuated by practice for Easter (not to mention the advent hymn

Choral Rehearsal tips

2006-04-08T11:29:00.000-05:00

Rehearsal starting times are suggestions. Rehearsal ending times are mandatory. Regularly complain about the temperature, humidity, lighting, perfume (or lack thereof), acoustics, the weather, the rehearsal times, the chairs, the person’s tone next to you, etc. Softer means slower. Basses, when your conductor is a tenor, ask them to demonstrate various bass lines for Tchesnekoff and

Congressional job responsibilities

2006-04-07T11:01:00.000-05:00

I do not care to spend much time discussing politics here, but a statement from an Associated Press article regarding GOP approval numbers struck me as odd . I have removed the name of the quoted person for their privacy."I'd just as soon they shut (Congress) down for a few years," said _________ a Republican-leaning voter in Chicago. "All they

Trent to 1800 - Roman Catholic Church Music

2006-04-06T07:23:00.000-05:00

In my Liturgical History Seminar at Catholic Theological Union, each student gives a presentation every two weeks on a particular foci for the time period being studied. Unsurprisingly, my area of focus is music. For my last presentation I demonstrated, thru examples, the development of polyphony, from Leonin and Perotin, then thru Machaut to Dufay and Dunstable. Thank you ITunes. This week

A communion song

2006-04-01T20:40:00.000-06:00

Here is the latest text for a cyclical song to be sung during communion on Maundy Thursday.This bread , my body, broken for you.This cup, my blood, shed for you.A gift of love in the upper room,Take, in rememberance of me.Now all I have to do is figure out the music.

Latest News - European Organ Building

2006-03-23T07:14:00.000-06:00

A European law intended to control lead in consumer electronics has fallen upon the "King of Instruments" (the pipe organ for those who have not heard this term). Apparently, since the pipes contain lead and the bellows are powered by electricity, new builds would not be allowed. Manual powered bellows would be fine. You can read the New York Times article here.An apparent official from the EU

Done for the day

2006-03-20T19:12:00.000-06:00

The rough draft of the thesis is completed and turned in.Played two services, though I am not sure whether I actually knew what I was doing during them. The thesis effect.Stacked up the pile of library books and notes circling the floor around my computer. Less reminders of the last few days of thesis panic.It is the first day of spring today and a robin appeared and has been hanging out in the

Well Duh

2006-03-17T12:34:00.000-06:00

You are a Black CoffeeAt your best, you are: low maintenance, friendly, and adaptableAt your worst, you are: cheap and angstyYou drink coffee when: you can get your hands on itYour caffeine addiction level: highWhat Kind of Coffee Are You?

Help wanted, high rewards, low pay

2006-03-16T15:39:00.000-06:00

The following was posted on the American Guild of Organists Positions Available database.St. ____ Episcopal Church seeks a Music Director with a degree in music or commensurate life experience and at least 3-5 years of experience in accompanying/directing in a church setting. Must be proficient in organ and piano; experience with bell choir a plus. Experience with sacramental liturgy preferred.

Here comes the snow ... kind of

2006-03-16T06:40:00.000-06:00

I am amused that a possibility of four inches of snow seems to require constant news coverage and a Winter Storm Warning. When I lived up north, that would be a rather normal snowfall. Here would be the reason:Average yearly snowfall:Chicago: 34 inches (22 so far this year according to the news)Benzie County Michigan: 128 inches (with 204 inches the first year I lived there)Benzie does have

Murphy's been busy

2006-03-13T12:39:00.000-06:00

In the Seabury "Manual for Theses," there is reference made to Murphy's Law and how it tends to apply the closer one gets to a due date. The closer the date, the more uncooperative machines become. And so it begins. This weekend my DSL connection begins to go up and down more than an Anglo-Catholic at High Mass until it up and quits along with my phone. Admittedly, I was intending to to have

2006-03-06T07:23:00.000-06:00

"...need a person with solid keyboard skills for a wide range of music styles, who has an appreciation for Christian worship. Pipe organ, 8-9 ranks, 2 manuals, 5-7 stops, built by ___________; Gulbransen piano, Roland keyboard with 16-track disc. Annual salary: $7,000; 1-3 weeks paid vacation, 2 weeks sick leave." So are the amount of ranks and stops negotiable?

Ash Wednesday

2006-03-01T21:41:00.000-06:00

Attended one service. Played for another.Did some work on Liturgical HistoryCame home and listened to Gregorio Allegri's - Miserere. Simply beautiful. Truly prayer through song asking for and opening oneself to God's mercy.During this season of lent, may we open our hearts to receive God's loving kindness and mercy, and so prepare ourselve to experience anew that glorious time of Christ's

A burst of techno language

2006-02-25T14:39:00.000-06:00

Plug the VGA cable into the VGA port unless you are using a DVD than use either the video out vga port, S-video cable or the RGB cable.On the internet connection plug the CAT-5E cable into the ethernet port on the laptop and the wall port. For wireless, insert your wireless 802-11b or 802-11g card (i.e. using IEEE 802.11 standards) into your pci slot. Enter your WEP key password and check for

2006-02-25T13:28:00.000-06:00

As an addition to the previous choir list, I am included the music list from Christmas in 2005. I believe it is the final one that was actually used since certain pieces originally planned were dropped due to time. The hymns used during the service are not included since the Pastor chooses them. 7:00 Service Anthem - Children's Chorus - "Away in a manger". Offertory - organ - Lo, How a

Choir Anthems Thus Far

2006-02-25T12:21:00.000-06:00

I have decided to list out some of the choral music I have used thus far at Immanuel United Church of Christ. Many of the musical choices have been directed by the lectionary, available music since we currently lack funds, and most importantly, who is singing on any given Sunday. Most members are present every Sunday but with only 7-11 people, one person missing can change quite a bit.

Gettin busy with lent

2006-02-24T10:47:00.000-06:00

Traditionally, some people have given up something for lent as a way of focusing on God. Apparently, I have added something, though not entirely my own choosing. I realized recently that I am playing a few more services than usual. Besides my normal Sunday morning Immanuel service and Monday Seabury Eucharist and Evensong services, I have added Tuesday's Deans Mass and Thursday Matins for a

Surprise

2006-02-19T16:01:00.000-06:00

Well, when you think you have your congregation figured out, they spring something new. I was informed this morning that the church council has decided to try something new. On the first Sunday of the month, which has been traditionally Communion Sunday (remember, I work for a UCC church), we will have the service in the Fellowship Hall to allow those who can not climb the steps at the entrance

Teacher criminal history

2006-02-16T17:10:00.000-06:00

As a former Michigan teacher I have kept an eye on the latest flap over the new procedure over background checks of current teachers (new teachers have been required to be fingerprinted for over ten years). It appears the list released to the schools was rife with errors including some teachers being listed as committing felonies when they would have been 4 years old or not even born. This

What I learned today.

2006-02-13T22:06:00.000-06:00

While perusing "Roman Catholic Worship, Trent to Today" by James White, I found: G.I.A. (that well known Roman Catholic hymnal publisher) was formerly called Gregorian Institute of America. The name changed soon after Vatican II.Marty Haugen, that well known composer of Mass settings, hymns and psalms (Shepherd me, O God , Psalm 23 and the Mass of Creation being possibly the best known) which

This one gets an A (440)

2006-02-13T14:40:00.000-06:00

A must for every musician:OnlineTuningFork.com

...but is it singable?

2006-02-09T07:01:00.000-06:00

I can appreciate the use of inclusive/expansive language but I have found in some ways (especially that of the New Century Hymnal), the singability of the hymn was ignored in favor of creating an inclusive hymn. Consider the following:Crown him with many crowns,... redone as: Crown with your richest crowns,Indeed, the male imagery was reduced but the revised version is much more difficult to sing

Why I am not a writer

2006-02-02T06:49:00.000-06:00

I have been reminded of why I am a musician and not a writer. While coming up with a short cyclical song to be used for receiving communion, I am at a loss for a useful text. The music, though bearing a slight resemblance to Taize's Ubi Caritas, is useful but I am not entirely pleased with the text.Thank you Lord Jesus, for this wine and bread. Praise be to Jesus, In him we are fed.(the

In the north land...

2006-01-28T14:05:00.000-06:00

You know you're a true UpNorth Michigander... (thanks to St. Paul's, Muskegon and St. Philip's Beulah with some additions from myself)If you consider it a sport to gather your food by drilling through eighteen inches of ice and sitting there all day hoping the food will swim by....If your local Dairy Queen is closed from October to May...You see people wearing camouflage at social events (or

post of four

2006-01-28T13:32:00.000-06:00

Well, I have avoided this till now, so here we go. (Thanks to AKMA)Four Jobs I’ve Had Church Music Director (organist and/or choir director)High School/Middle School Choir DirectorBoy Scout Camp Program DirectorComputer support geek Four Movies I Can Watch Over and OverGodfather (all three)Star Trek 2,6,8,10 (That is 4 right there) Four Places I have Lived Portage, Michigan Kalamazoo,

Being Prepared

2006-01-25T06:11:00.000-06:00

I remember while taking Use of the Voice, our professor suggested copying the parts we needed for officiating from the Prayer Book and Hymnal and putting them in a notebook so we wouldn't need to bounce around the various books. This was a wonderful suggestion and many students do just that. Of course, I was not one of them. I would just use a generous amount of Post-it notes to tell me where

Arvo Pärt - Triodion

2006-01-23T16:04:00.000-06:00

The newest addition to my music collection is Arvo Pärt: Triodion (click here for a review from BBC). It contains recently composed music (1997-2002). Though I originally purchased it after hearing a clip of the Nunc Dimittis, which is stunning, I found other interesting items. The Salve Regina, though using his typical austere harmonies, at times it sounds as if it were Brahms due to the long

How to annoy an organist. Tip #3899

2006-01-21T06:36:00.000-06:00

Thou shalt not remove the pencils from the organ, for if thou doest, thou shalt be struck down with a 32 foot Bourdon pipe and forced to spend eternity playing the Wagner Bridal Chorus. So there.Dropping pencils thru the pedal board is acceptable as always. I am well on my way to mastering that discipline.

The Hymnal - online or print

2006-01-13T04:30:00.000-06:00

While discussing a few new hymnals that have been produced, a professor of mine noted that very soon, we may no longer be producing book-style hymnal. With the growth in CD and online hymnals such as GIA's HymnPrint and Church Publishing's The Rite Song, along with the ease of securing and paying for copyright permissions at places like OneLicense.net and CCLI, using electronic versions for

2006-01-11T04:44:00.000-06:00

Long ago I decided that, in terms of keyboard instruments, I am the worst page turner. I can turn pages for others but when I try to turn pages for myself I find new and interesting ways to launch the music accross the room or, for those big heavy books, knock them onto the keyboard (my Bach now sounds like Cage). There is even the fun of having a page turner when conducting a choir from the

An Episcopalian in Presbyterian land

2006-01-09T22:15:00.000-06:00

Tomorrow I begin my two week intensive course, Worship in the Reformed Tradition at McCormick Theological Seminary in Hyde Park. I look forward to seeing how our sister and brother Presbyterians view worship and to learn more about what the “reformed tradition” means today. I also hope that this class may give me some insights into the worship at Immanuel UCC as it is also in the "reformed

And so it begins..

2006-01-09T09:53:00.000-06:00

With a little trepidation, I have entered into the world of the blog. Why might I have taken this step? After spending time reading other blogs and reflecting on my current course work, I felt that some type of journal might be beneficial to my own work and, providing anybody actually reads this, may create comments that our helpful. So here we go. I believe introductions are in order. I