Training for diocesan liturgical vocalists and guitarists

Friday, Oct. 02, 2015

SALT LAKE CITY — Liturgical musicians in the Diocese of Salt Lake City will be able to hone their talents during the upcoming workshops sponsored by the Office of Liturgy.

On Saturday, Oct. 17, Saint Ambrose Parish will open its doors to welcome vocalists and guitarists from all over the diocese.

“This year we will have two workshops at the same time,” one for vocalists and the other for guitarists, because instruments are important to the ministry, said Christopher Huntzinger, chair of the diocesan Liturgical Music Committee.

The guitar workshop is for beginners; “its focus is to basically help them learn how to best use that instrument to lead congregational singing,” so the congregation participates in that portion of the Mass, he said.

The class will be led by Steven Penderghast and Bill Kaiser, “both long-time musicians with a long experience in music,” said Ruth Dillon, director of the diocesan Office of Liturgy.

The workshop for vocalists will be facilitated by Melanie Melinka, director of music for the Madeleine Choir School.

“She will do a voice lesson – working on how to sing better, how to project your voice. ... She is wonderful and she is able to do amazing things with people,” Huntzinger said.

This will be the second time that Melinka has offered a workshop in conjunction with the liturgy office.

“She is a wonderful, experienced teacher. The last time she was here with us, a couple of years ago, she was a favorite of the entire group of people that was there,” Huntzinger said.

The workshops are an opportunity for musicians to hear a different perspective on their ministry, said Huntzinger, who invites all those involved in liturgical music in the diocese to attend. “People come from all over the state, and we are happy and honored to be able to offer things that are helpful to people. … Sometimes it takes somebody else that has a different view to encourage us to improve our voices, to improve our performances, and to improve our contributions to the liturgy.