Reading sessions are one of our favorite ways to interact with music directors and musicians. Choral reading sessions are an engaging event requiring active participation from the attendees, who in turn get to experience a lot of music in a short amount of time. Similarly, organ or instrumental sessions can offer exposure to new musicContinue reading “Request a New Music Reading Session”
Tag Archives: MorningStar Music
Responsorial Psalm Singing with the Five Graces Psalter
Guest post by Kelly Dobbs-Mickus MorningStar has recently published a new volume of Responsorial Psalms for the 3-year Lectionary cycle by Luke Mayernik. In this series, we will explore the practice of responsorial psalm singing using the Five Graces Psalter for reference, in the context of Roman Catholic liturgy, while acknowledging that other traditions alsoContinue reading “Responsorial Psalm Singing with the Five Graces Psalter”
K. Lee Scott Interview | Featured Sacred Composer
This month we interviewed K. Lee Scott, a composer known for his extensive collection of original choral works and his Alabama roots. How did you first become involved with music, and what drew you to composition? I started music lessons when my father received a piano from a gentleman who offered it as partial paymentContinue reading “K. Lee Scott Interview | Featured Sacred Composer”
Music for All Saints Day | February Featured Recording
This month’s featured recording comes to us from Gothic Records, and includes works by such composers as David Conte, Gerald Near, and Craig Phillips. Music for All Saints Day Into the House and Gate of Heaven The Choirs of the Cathedral of St. Philip (Atlanta) David Fishburn, organ Dale Adelmann, director The Choirs of theContinue reading “Music for All Saints Day | February Featured Recording”
Eileen Guenther on Practical Ways to Use “In Their Own Words”
Eileen Guenther, author of In Their Own Words: Slave Life and the Power of Spirituals, offers some insight on using the book as an effective resource. On this text’s ability to save time and increase relevance in service: There are two concordances listing 100 of the most frequently-sung Spirituals that will be of immense helpContinue reading “Eileen Guenther on Practical Ways to Use “In Their Own Words””
Neil Harmon: Featured Sacred Composer
This month we’re featuring composer Neil Harmon! Acclaimed as “one of the finest products of the American organist school,” [La Nuova Venezia] Neil Harmon enjoys a career as organist, conductor, composer, and teacher. He is Director of Music and Organist at Grace United Methodist Church in Wilmington, Delaware, where he directs a semiprofessional choir, aContinue reading “Neil Harmon: Featured Sacred Composer”
Tried & True Works for Lent, Holy Week, and Easter
Guest post by Kelly Dobbs-Mickus At MorningStar, we strive to publish liturgical music that makes a meaningful contribution to the repertoire. As you prepare for Lent and Easter, perhaps looking for some new ideas, take a few minutes to explore these tried and true editions, from Hal Hopson’s subdued Lenten Prayer to Randall Thompson’s iconicContinue reading “Tried & True Works for Lent, Holy Week, and Easter”
“It is important for us music ministers to remember why we do what we do.”
An introduction to Paul Westermeyer’s Church Musicians: Reflections on Their Call, Craft, History, and Challenges by Kelly Dobbs-Mickus Have you ever met Paul Westermeyer? As I was reading his book Church Musicians: Reflections on Their Call, Craft, History, and Challenges, I recognized the direct but impactful style of his discourse from the many times IContinue reading ““It is important for us music ministers to remember why we do what we do.””
Susan LaBarr: Choral Composer of the Month
“Counterpoint is not scary.” Getting to know composer Susan LaBarr and how she works. How did you get involved with music, and when did you begin composing? I have sung in choirs and played the piano since I was little. I’m fortunate that my parents were always very supportive of my music, and there wasContinue reading “Susan LaBarr: Choral Composer of the Month”
Robert Lau: Keyboard Composer of the Month
“Erase the notes you don’t need.” Robert Lau talks to us about life as a composer. How did you get involved with music, and what drew you to composing? I began violin lessons at the age of seven. Interest in other instruments soon followed, so that by my high school years I played violin inContinue reading “Robert Lau: Keyboard Composer of the Month”
In Tune blog 