Composer Kathryn Rose began Cecilia’s List to help music directors find sacred choral music written by women. Her site links directors to music grouped by Season and by Lectionary readings.
Earlier this year I switched to a 6 week work cycle. Here’s what it is: 6 weeks of concentrated work on a handful of goals/projects, then 2 weeks of buffer time to tie up loose ends, rest, and plan the next cycle. When I finished the cycle, I realized something had fundamentally shifted in my …
I switched to a 6 week work cycle, and I’m never going back Read More »
Last week I did something for the first time: I cancelled an anthem because of the composer’s very public sin. In other words, I did not separate art from the artist—I made a choice affirming my belief that composers matter to our experience of the music they create. Then, I wrote about my reasons for canceling …
Jazz composer and pianist Deanna Witkowski shows how hymn arrangements can enrich our interactions with familiar texts. And she discusses how we can better welcome guest musicians into our congregations.
Check out my follow-up post: I don’t separate art from the artist. Every week, I declare that composer’s identities matter by including their biographies in the Order of Worship. And every week, those who read the notes implicitly agree with me that the composers matter.
What’s the difference between ministry and a job when your income comes from a church but you’re not a pastor? What is your vocation and calling? In this week’s podcast episode, church musician Crawford Wiley and I discuss how our personal identities align with our ministry in the church. Neither of us is a pastor, …
I learned Dan Locklair’s “The Peace May Be Exchanged” (from Rubrics) almost fifteen years ago. Little did I know, but this beautiful, tricky piece would become my single-most-played piece ever. At first glance, you wouldn’t think this would be the piece I come back to over and over. It’s quiet. And it’s challenging, with double pedal …
Catholics can sing! Here’s how one music director leads congregational singing at Mass in bilingual and multi-ethnic parishes.
There’s no regular Music and the Church podcast this week because I’ve spent several days taking care of a sick toddler (fortunately he’s on the mend). But I want drop in with this reminder:
Want to get kids to church VERY early on Sunday mornings? Here’s how one music leader uses bands to get youth invested in music ministry.