Gregorian Chant and Polyphony Sacred Music Workshop 2008 - Learn to Sing Gregorian Chant
This year's workshop was held on Friday, October 17 and Saturday, October 18, 2008. View the brochure and registration form here.
Below is a selection of music from the 2008 workshop. These pieces were a part of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass on Saturday, October 18th. These pieces were sung by the workshop participants after only two days of preparation, under the director of Dr. Kurt Poterack.
Entrance Hymn: Praise to the Lord
Kyrie
Gloria
Alleliua
Offetory
Sanctus
Mystery of Faith
Agnus Dei
Communio
Ave Verum
Recessional
Join us next year for a hands-on journey into the timeless treasury of the official sacred music of the Church.
The Church's Official Music for the Mass
Gregorian Chant was written exclusively for the liturgy, and is included in the official books of the Church as the music intended to accompany the Mass. The Second Vatican Council called for Gregorian chant to have "pride of place" in the liturgy (Sacrosanctum Concillium art. 116), and recommended sacred polyphony (motets written with a number of voice parts in harmony) as being well-suited to the Mass.
Our Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI has said,
"An authentic updating of sacred music can take place only in the lineage of the great tradition of the past, of Gregorian chant and sacred polyphony."
Gregorian Chant - A Timeless Tradition
Centuries before the monks of Santo Domingo de Silos recorded their chart-topping CD, Chant, Gregorian chant was heard around the world. Just as the Latin language serves a role as the universal language of the Catholic Church, Gregorian Chant serves as the Church’s musical language, crossing years and oceans.
Many Catholics, from pastors to directors of music and choir members to congregation members, are looking forward to bringing Gregorian Chant and sacred polyphony to their church. But at first glance, those “square notes” (called neumes) can seem intimidating.
Attendees of this workshop will learn the basics of reading the neumes, sing Gregorian Chant and sacred polyphony, and spend two action-packed days with other sacred musicians traveling this beautiful path of discovery and enjoyment of sacred music.
Please join us in October for an inspiring workshop!
The Gregorian Chant and Polyphony Sacred Music Workshop 2008 took place:
Friday October 17 from 1:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Saturday October18 from 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
During this workshop we:
- Studied with Dr. Kurt Poterack, Gregorian Chant expert and choir director from Christendom College.
- Received copies of the music you'll be singing, and a hard-bound copy of The Parish Book of Chant, a resource you'll use for years to come.
- Learned how to read the neumes (square notes) of Gregorian chant
- Sung polyphonic music from the earliest days of the Church
- Prepared parts of the Mass in Gregorian chant and polyphony, then sing them during Saint Peter's 4 PM Vigil Mass.
You will also enjoy food and fellowship with the workshop attendees. Included are:
A Friday night wine and cheese social
A sandwich buffet lunch Saturday
A homemade Italian dinner after the Saturday night Mass.
A sacred music concert Saturday night
(Dinner on Friday night is on your own. A local restaurant guide will be provided.)
This workshop is ideal for:
Music directors, choir and schola members, cantors, clergy, teachers, parents, or anyone interested in experiencing our rich heritage of sacred music.
Ability to read music is helpful but not required.
Dr. Kurt Poterack
Kurt Poterack was born in Grand Rapids, MI and attended schools in Michigan culminating in a Ph. D. in Music Composition from Michigan State University. He was a Gregorian Chant student of the late Dr. Theodore Marier,of Scott Turkington and also of Fr. Robert Skeris. He currently teaches at Christendom College where he oversees the liturgical music program, directing its three choirs and administering its newly established minor in liturgical music degree.
Discounted Accommodations for Workshop Attendees
Discounted room rates have been offered to workshop attendees by the following inns and hotels (please mention the Gregorian Chant Workshop when making your reservation):
Dreams of Yesteryear Bed and Breakfast
1100 Brawley Street, Stevens Point
715-341-4525
e-mail bonnie [at] dreamsofyesteryear.com
www.dreamsofyesteryear.com
Rates from $75-135 + tax
5% discount plus a free regional cookbook to workshop attendees
Fairfield Inn by Marriott
5317 Hwy 10 E., Stevens Point
Contact General Manager Amanda Miller to request rate quoted below at 342-9300
or e-mail stevenspointff [at] tharaldson.com
Rate $75.00 + tax
http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/stefi-fairfield-inn-stevens-point/
Ramada
1501 North Point Drive, Stevens Point
715-341-1340
http://www.ramada.com
$84+tax per double room
Incl. complimentary drink, breakfast
REGISTRATION INFORMATION
To download a registration form and brochure, click here. (You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to open this document - download Adobe Reader here.)
To register online, click here.
Or register by phone or e-mail - contact Darcy Bunn at 715-343-9007 or e-mail jdbunn [at] charter.net
For more information about the Church's tradition of sacred music, visit the Gregorian Chant and Catholic music blog.