2nd Annual St. Herman's Church Music Seminar
in conjunction with the St. Herman's Youth Conference
St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Howell (Lakewood), NJ
December 22-26, 2004
Music Seminar Details:
"I shall open my mouth"
The art of using your voice (prayerfully) in church
"I just wanted to tell you again that I think that the choir part of St. Herman's is a very good idea. ... I believe this is a very good cause, especially since there really isn't anything specifically for our age group (20-30 yrs)."
"How is the planning for the music conference coming along? This initiative of yours is truly great."
"Is there a CD of the St. Herman's 2003 Music Seminar Vigil/Liturgy in Montreal? My daughter has been chomping at the bit for one, and she came home singing this incredible music with her pals she met there..."
- comments from 1st Church Music Seminar, Dec. 2003, Montreal
The St. Herman's Annual Russian Orthodox Church Music Seminar will provide young church singers (aimed at college level and older, but younger singers (minimum age 16) will also benefit by participation) an opportunity to focus on the rich spiritual tradition of Orthodox church music. The emphasis will be on singing in tones, 'podobny' and monastery chants, the foundation of Russian Orthodox church music. Emphasis will also be placed on musicality and vocal technique, with a theological/historical perspective.
This year we are concentrating on vocal technique: the voice, and how to use it properly, especially in a choral setting. We will explore the multifaceted concept of "prayerful" church singing.
The main focus of the music seminar will be to prepare for the Fri/Sat services to St. Herman of Alaska, and the Sat/Sun all-Night Vigil & Divine Liturgy Hierarchical services of the Sunday of Forefathers, which will be sung in both Church Slavonic and English (transliterated scores will be available for those who need them). The rehearsals and workshops will include additional material of interest to Orthodox Christian singers of all levels of ability and experience.
Please note: It is not necessary to attend both the Music Seminar and the Main Youth Conference. You may attend one or the other, or both.
Please note: Music Seminar participants not attending the main Youth Conference will need to check-out before Liturgy on Sunday, Dec. 26, and will be leaving the Seminar after the final luncheon following the Divine Liturgy.