After an absence of four years, Diocesan Music Day will return to the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Springfield on Aug. 1 from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
"It is our hope that participation in the Music Day will once again make this an annual event," said Eliot Kapitan, diocesan director of the Office for Worship and the Catechumenate.
Fredrick Guzasky, director of Music and Liturgy for the Cathedral, says this is an exciting time to be involved in the music ministry of the church.
"We have come a long way since Vatican II," said Guzasky. "We have received the reformed ritual books, have taken part in the introduction of the Roman Missal, Third Edition and have heard various viewpoints concerning music for Mass. We now have the opportunity and challenge of exploring our musical history in order to determine what the sound of our worship will be in the future."
Welcomed to the one-day event are music directors, cantors, choir members, organists/pianists, and clergy said Guzasky, who also serves as associate director of Diocesan Music Ministries. He said several breakout sessions of 50 minutes each are planned in addition to a choral reading session. Among the scheduled speakers will be Keith S. Kalemba, music editor, World Library Publications who will discuss various aspects of liturgical music and lead a choral reading session. Participants will have several options for the three breakout sessions. The choral reading session will end the day.
Breakout Sessions
-
"New World of Gregorian Chant: A Fresh Look at the Chant for Today — Fredrick Guzasky; or "New and Accessible Music for the Parish Choir and Congregation" — Richard Wappel, composer in residence of the St. Louis Cathedral;
-
"Cantors at the Crossroads: the Changing Role of the Cantor Today" — Deacon Larry Smith, staff, Cathedral Parish; or "Open Forum: What Are Your Needs as Liturgical Musicians? — Therese Allen, pastoral associate, Ss. James and Patrick Parish, Decatur, and;
-
"Getting the Message Out: The Use of Technology — Fredrick Guzasky, clinician; or "New Music" — Therese Allen.
Cost is $20 per person or $15 per person for a team of three or more from the same parish. The registration fee includes workshop materials, continental breakfast and snacks. The registration form is at the diocesan website www.dio.org/worship or by contacting Guzasky at (781) 420-6880.