The Hotel at Auburn University, which is in walking distance from St. Michael’s (less than five minutes), has extended its offer of $87 per night (plus tax) for workshop attendees. The Hotel features first class guest rooms and service, one of Auburn’s premier restaurants, a garden terrace, a cozy lounge w/fireplace for that evening nightcap, a fully equipped fitness center, and more. This really is a great value! And with all the chanting that will be heard in its halls after workshop sessions have ended for the day, hotel employees will be wondering if they’ve gone to heaven before their time.
The Hotel’s online reservation system is still undergoing an upgrade, so the best thing to do is call 1-800-228-2876. Mention the ” 2007 Sacred Music Workshop” in order to get the special rate. Reservations should be made on or before February 1, 2007.

We have a number of priests and others contact us about the version of the Our Father we are now using in liturgy. We’ve been very pleased with it. Unlike the standard version, which has a downward trend in its melody, this version is much closer to the Latin by using an upward motion in its melody.

It is a bit unfamiliar sounding but that can be a good thing if it causing people to think more about what they are praying. And it is very easy to learn.
Here is the sheet music (in neumes) and here is a quick recording we did last night with high voices only.

The idea here is to move from the English to Latin at Lent, and the transition is made more smooth by the similarity of the melody.

Recent cold weather here in Alabama brought to mind a wonderful feast the schola shared a little over a year ago. Member Anna Smith treated the group to a spicey and steaming pot of New Orleans style Jambalaya, which did wonders at warming our spirits and clearing our vocal passages.

Gather your forces and make a pot this weekend, or schedule a Mardi Gras party featuring this fabulous dish. Plan on singing through your entire repertoire, especially those motets which contain the word “Alleluia!”

If Andouille sausage is not available in your area, you can order some here.

Ham and Sausage Jambalaya

1 ½ lbs hot sausage, preferably Andouille, diced

3 tablespoons oil

1 lb ham, diced

4 onions, chopped

2 bell peppers, chopped

4 or 5 ribs of celery, including some leaves, chopped

1 large can crushed tomatoes (or 4 fresh tomatoes, chopped)

6 cups beef or chicken stock (or a combination of the two)

4 cloves garlic, chopped

4 bay leaves

¼ teaspoon powdered cloves

¼ teaspoon ground allspice

1 sprig of thyme (or ½ teaspoon powdered thyme)

1 teaspoon chili powder

4 cups uncooked long-grain rice

1 bunch green onions, finely chopped

black and cayenne pepper and salt, to taste

In a large (8-quart) pan sauté the sausage and the ham for a few minutes. Add the onions, bell peppers, garlic, and the celery, and cook until the vegetables are limp. Add the tomatoes and the stock and simmer for about 30 minutes. Near the end of the 30 minutes of simmering, add the spices.

Add the rice and bring the mixture to a boil; cover the pan then reduce the heat to very low and simmer for about 15 minutes. Stir. If jambalaya seems dry, add some more stock, then simmer, covered for about 10 minutes more. Add the green onions and simmer for about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to “rest” for 5 – 10 minutes.

Jubilate Deo by Orlando di Lasso, added to the sidebar, and, we hope, added to our repertoire.

Here is a play list for Sunday, which introduces the “Our Father” in English set to the conventional Latin melody, which will provide a solid transition to the Latin during Lent. We also sing Sicut Cervus and Agnus Dei II (Missa Brevis) by Palestrina, and Rachmaninoff’s Ave Maria.

The Art of Gregorian Music, online at MusicaSacra

Here is our solution to the Psalm Problem

Anticipation is growing for the 4th Annual Sacred Music Workshop, coming up on February 16th and 17th, 2007.

Join members of the St. Cecilia Schola, guest conductor Scott Turkington, and other enthusiastic parish musicians from around the country for two days of musical bliss and liturgical renewal. Explore great polyphonic works by Palestrina, Victoria and Lassus, learn to read medieval notation, and be part of the workshop schola as it sings the Gregorian propers for the Seventh Sunday in Ordinary time at the Vigil Mass on Saturday, February 17th. Register here.

N.b. Scholarship help is still available, but going quickly. Write to us and apply.

Here is our program for the Epiphany, which includes two propers and three pieces of polyphony (two by Palestrina and one by Josquin). Very pleased with the progress we are making!

Our new piece of polyphony for Epiphany: Verbum Caro, by G. Palestrina.