Sacred Miscellany

What's Happening with the St. Augustine Schola

The Schola has been busy!

Vespers every month at the Shrine of La Leche - always on a Friday at 6 p.m. The last for 2009 will be on December 18th. Generally this is a Vespers of the Blessed Virgin with a mix of Latin and English for antiphons, the hymn, and psalms, etc. We close the short service with a Marian hymn or anthem. Sometimes it will be the Salve Regina, other times it can be O Virgin Pure - a Greek hymn that always a smash hit. This month we'll take an Advent turn - probably "Lo, How a Rose" - although we're working up a fascinating setting of some stanzas from Keble's poem on the Annunciation.

Dates for the 2010 Vespers have been set and will be posted soon at the Schola's web site.

Our "debut" Compline at the Cathedral-Basilica was held on the Night of Lights, when St. Augustine flips the switch on lights for the Plaza and public buildings.  Over 150 came and everyone found it inspiring.  So we'll be back on December 5th to provide a fitting and prayerful close to another event, the British Night Watch that commemorates the years when the English controlled St. Augustine in the 18th century.

I love my singers!  And they love chant and polyphony!

St. Andrew Novena

Where does the time go?  It’s time for the annual St. Andrew Novena.  Here's the text to this wonderful prayer.  Easy to memorize and a wonderful "mindfulness exercise" as you travel through the holidays.

Hail and blessed be the hour and moment in which the Son of God was born of the most pure Virgin Mary, at midnight, in Bethlehem, in piercing cold. In that hour, vouchsafe, O my God! to hear my prayer and grant my desires, through the merits of Our Saviour Jesus Christ, and of His Blessed Mother. Amen.

(It is piously believed that whoever recites the above prayer fifteen times a day from the feast of St. Andrew (30th November) until Christmas will obtain what is asked.)

Imprimatur
+MICHAEL AUGUSTINE, Archbishop of New York
New York, February 6, 1897

Low Country Visit - Mepkin and the Music Man

Living High on the Hog in the Low Country! 

 
A couple of days spent in Charleston, South Carolina included the Nativity Exhibit at Mepkin Abbey (now an annual event in my family) and the most fantastic Southern buffet I've ever eaten.

Mepkin Abbey has a huge collection of Nativity sets from all over the world and mounts a display of selected (and some loaned) pieces each year for two weekends around Thanksgiving.  I know there will be photos soon at Spanish Nativity

The monastery location on the banks of the Cooper River is beautiful and serene.  We purchased oyster mushrooms and a couple of worthy books from the gift shop. And then it was time to eat!  (Well, actually I think it's always time for "a little something.")

The local family member said she had been told the best barbeque was in Moncks Corner (no, the name doesn't have anything to do with the monks!).  Thank goodness for iPhones and Google - they made short work of finding the Music Man's Bar B Que. 

The best!  Every item on the buffet was fantastic - rice and hash, stewed okra, green beans, mac and cheese, pulled pork in vinegar sauce, smoked chicken, fried chicken, beef ribs, bread pudding, banana pudding, Oreo chocolate pudding, bread and butter pickles.  Iced tea included.

Only open Thursday through Saturday with a lunch on Sunday, this is amazingly good food.  Paper plates and plastic utensils and a modest ambience help you stay focused on the food. 

Two aspects of Heaven in one day!

Archdiocese of Washington Blog - and what about me

This is a very cool blog.  Thoughtful articles by different authors.  Religion, culture, politics, spirituality in palatable (but not pablum) form. 

What about me?  Well, I've been busy.  Weddings galore, some serious thinking, back-to-back Vespers at the Shrine and Compline at the Cathedral-Basilica here in St. Augustine.  Not even enough time to read other people's blogs.  Sheesh!  And now it's almost Thanksgiving and I'm behind on my Christmas carols.

The Compline was a smash success!  I know it's tacky to refer to anything liturgical in that way, but this was a first for the Cathedral and the Schola.  Scheduled on the evening of St. Augustine's big "Nights of Lights" kick-off, we all hoped for some folks to come in and finish off the festivities with quiet prayer and chant.

And they did!  There was beautiful candlelight.  My Schola surpassed themselves with the chant, the organist was excellent, the presider had great dignity, even the youthful crucifer did his part well.  Hurray!

Happy Thanksgiving to one and all! 

Chant in Tampa, Florida

Spreading the word: 

SCHOLARS' FORUM: "Gregorian Chant for Everyone"
Larry Kent, Ph.D.
December 8 - Tuesday, 7:00-9:00 p.m.

A workshop with the Music Director of Florida Pro Musica on singing this beautiful music from the Middle Ages. The ability to read music is not necessary, nor is a trained or beautiful voice. Participants will get a brief historical introduction to the role of Gregorian chant in the early Christian Church, but the emphasis will be on singing. Register by: December 4 Cost: $20

The Franciscan Center is at 3010 Perry Avenue, Tampa, Florida 33603
Ph: (813) 229-2695 Fx: (813) 228-0748 Email: francntr [at] tampabay [dot] rr [dot] com

Larry Kent, Music Director
Florida Pro Musica
www.FloridaProMusica.com

"Everyone" means you!

November Harp Music - An Early Thanksgiving Tune

While Thanksgiving for us in the USA is still a couple of weeks off, I know how the time flies (and my schedule fills up) at this point in the year.

Here's my musical offering for the month of November.  I can't imagine a Thanksgiving gathering or service without it. 

Enjoy!

We Gather Together

 

Be There And Be Square - Winter Chant Intensive

Do you wish you could sing Gregorian chant?  Long to start a schola but don't know how?  Dream of unraveling the mysteries of medieval notation? Study with one of the world's leading teachers of chant?  Know how to sing but wish you knew lots more? 

Do you want to spend four and a half wonderful, music-packed days with chant fanatics and wannabes?

Come to Charleston, South Carolina for the CMAA Winter Chant Intensive. 

But don't dawdle about signing up.  Enrollment is limited and spaces are filling up.

Your musical life will never be the same.  Trust me - I know.

A Prayer for One Who is Afraid

I honestly don't remember where this came from and I stumbled across it today on my hard drive while I was looking for something entirely different.  However, it might have some value for someone reading this blog.

A Prayer for One Who is Afraid

O you, who are the ever-blessed God, the underlying peace of the world, speak to me the words of assurance: “Fear not, for I am with you.” Put such a spirit of trust within me that all fear and foreboding shall be thrust out and the right reason and calm assurance may rule my thoughts and impulses. Let quietness and confidence be my strength. Show me that around and about me are your unseen and bounteous powers. Let me remember that you do not give to any spirit of fearfulness, but a spirit of faith. In this faith, grant that I may summon the energies of my soul against the miseries that cast me down. Give me courage, confidence and an untroubled heart. Amen.

Happiness, Anyone?

Today feels very topsy-turvy - strange media headlines ("Psychiatrist Attacks Fort Hood"), lots of unreality - very easy to experience in a tourist town because no matter what's happening in the world, someone is here on vacation.

So why not take a look at The Happiness Project - it's one of the websites that are full of links to problem-solving lists and useful nuggests.  And the most recent posting leads you on to more websites as well. 

Take a break, refresh and reset.  Then figure out what your role in the early 21st century might be.

Of course, I can't do the last until my First Friday gig at the Market on Granada is taken care of.  I'll be creating good vibes with my harp from 5 o'clock to 9 (more or less) this evening. 

St. Johns County Fair 2009

St. Johns County Fair – A Report   

Florida always surprises me.  If you go ten miles inland, you’re in a species of rural America.  I say “a species” because nothing in Florida is quite like anywhere else.

St. Johns County is home to World Golf Village, Ponte Vedra, and St. Augustine – resort sports, posh golf and tennis, and history.  The county fair tells a different story about the rest of our area.

Inspired by three years of cold weather, the fair organizers changed the date to late October.  It was pleasant – mild weather for midway rides and comfortable for the animals.  Low humidity kept the wonderful posters and displays from the 4-H clubs from curling and/or melting.

Best of all – an Open Dairy Goat Show.  And did we have goats – pygmies, Alpines, Toggenburgers, all colors, shapes, sizes.  All clean as could be and behaving in the recalcitrant manner favored by the beast when showing.  I love goats because they always look like they’re scheming – planning an escape, filching an extra bite of food, or sneaking up behind for a quick butt to the back of the knees.  (I can love them because I don’t own one.)

After touring the poultry exhibit that was equally entertaining, we strolled the midway, ate sweet potato fries, and were happy to be alive. 

County fairs – strongly recommended.

An Excellent Soprano - Mary Ann Carr

Looking for a sparkling young coloratura?  Listen to Mary Ann Carr - a dynamic young singer I know.  Based on San Diego, she's simply a delight to listen to (and to work with, I might add).

Even if you don't have an oratorio coming up in the area, take the time to listen to this lovely voice.  It will brighten your outlook immensely.

 

Charleston Tea Plantation

Charleston Tea Plantation – America’s One and Only

During a recent trip to Charleston, I got out to Wadmalaw Island and toured the Charleston’s Tea Plantation.  And I highly recommend it to anyone visiting the Low Country.

Started during the Cold War, when the Lipton Tea Company worried about losing access to tea-producing parts of the world, this is a lovely spot where you’ll learn more about tea than you thought possible.

Fear not!  The tour is entertaining, the setting is lovely, and the gift shop well stocked.  Right now, I’m drinking a cup of Governor Grey (no nobility for us Americans, right?) and finding it quite strengthening.

Vespers this Friday

The St. Augustine Schola Cantorae will be in their favorite shrine again this Friday evening at 6 p.m. for Vespers of the Blessed Virgin Mary.  Someone asked me why we sing that particular vespers.  (1) It's a Marian shrine.  (2) Our Lady enjoys the honor. 

The antiphons for the Common of the Blessed Virgin Mary are wonderful verses drawn from the Song of Songs.  In the rich allegorical world of the early Middle Ages, the Virgin was the Bride.  Here's antiphon 2 which comes with a sensuous Tone 4 melody:

Laéva  éjus *sub cápite méo, et  déxtera   illíus  amplexábitur me. His left hand is under my head; and his right hand embraces me.

Fast Car

No matter how many times I hear this song, it knocks me off my feet! Thanks, Tracy.

It's 3 o'clock. Where are your shoulders?

If you've been sitting at your computer and your shoulders have crept up around your ears, relax them.

You'll enjoy the rest of the afternoon (or whatever time you're in) much more.