SALT LAKE CITY — The diocesan Office of Worship is presenting a series of cantor workshops as part of the goals and objectives of the Pastoral Plan.
“Offering resources to the parish, such as these workshops, is one of the strategies listed for Eucharist and Catholic Identity, which is to support the training and ongoing formation of liturgical ministers throughout the parishes and schools, and to offer workshops specifically to assist the development and promotion of vibrant music ministry programs,” said Ruth Dillon, director of the Office of Worship.
The cantor workshops are scheduled for three consecutive Saturdays, June 8, 15 and 22, at St. Ambrose Parish. The workshops are designed for new cantors or for those who have served in the role for five years or less.
The workshop presenters are Chris Huntzinger, director of music and liturgy at St. Ambrose; Sarah Ferguson, music minister at Blessed Sacrament Parish; and Dillon.
“The main goal [of the workshop] is to encourage and assist parish leaders to review their practice of planning and celebrating liturgies that are inclusive, participative, reverent and joyful,” Dillon said.
The workshop will be using presentations and praxis, “providing a broad historical context for the cantor,” according to the description of the series. Workshop content will include historical, ministerial and spiritual foundations of cantoring as well as “vocal technique, psalmody, methods for teaching new music and other aspects of the ministry of cantor.”
The first session of the series is titled “The Cantor as Minister and Musician,” and will include themes such as the theology and history of the cantor, the role of the cantor, the qualifications of a cantor, as well as spirituality and vocals expressions.
The second session will be “The Cantor as Psalmist and Song Leader;” the third session will be “The Cantor As Foundation.”
All sessions will run from 8:30 a.m. to noon.
People interested in participating should be able to read music notation, match pitch and maintain a melody; be capable of singing in a clear and pleasant manner; and have a basic knowledge of liturgy and the order of liturgy and the spirit of hospitality and service. Their pastor’s signature should be included with their registration.
People can choose to participate in one or in all three sessions. Those who complete all three sessions will receive a Certificate of Completion.
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