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!

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.

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. 

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.

 

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.

The Ageless Story by Lauren Ford

This charming children's book just came to my attention.  Read all about it and then take a moment to think. The boyhood of Christ accompanied by Gregorian antiphons.

What was the world like in the late 1930's when it was written?  War was looming on the horizon and a worldwide depression seemed unending.  Violence was everywhere, accompanied by despair. 

And yet, in the midst of all these trials, was this enduring vision of salvation, music, beauty, and trust.