Let the People find their voice
  • musings
    Posts: 23
    Many years ago GIA had buttons that said "Let the people sing!" meaning turn off the microphones and don't carpet the Church buildings.

    I have introduced the SEP for Communion and Offertory now for about 6 months. After Easter season, I shut down the organ and use it only for the Entrance (cough, cough) hymn and the closing hymn. I decided to sing the Responsorial Psalm acapella, (I have been using the Chabenal Psalms), the Gospel acclamation, Kyrie, Gloria (in English) Holy, Mystery of Faith, Lamb of God and the Appropriate Seasonal Marian antiphon without benefit of organ. If the priest sings the doxology we answer him in like kind, if he speaks it, we create a unity with him and proclaim in speech the Amen.

    After quietly doing this for almost a half a year (with some exceptions) I am finally hearing the people's voice, AND it is their voice. I don't have "lead through the microphone" the response the Great Amen, or the Alleluia. The people know. Little by little they are discovering that they can sing as one voice where they are. As a people, we have become consumers of music through electronic devices and function more as voyeurs than participants. I see this in my students as young as Kindergarten sometimes.

    When the Fall season begins and we look towards the changes, especially for the people, I am going to approach my pastor and ask that all the dialogs be sung, "the Lord be with you" the doxology, the sign of the Cross. I intuitively think that as we move slowly and gently through this change from being held hostage to meter and major and minor, and loud blaring artificially generated and amplified sound that as a congregation we are beginning to "miss" the dialog portions being sung which are ours to respond back.

    I think that most people are afraid of the sound of their own natural voices, especially in Church and part of my job is to restore what has been devoured and taken from them in the process of the last 50 plus years. It is very gratifying to be part of a singing humble congregation where I don't force my expertise but lead by example, or so I hope.

    I think that by Advent some of my masses will sung in just this way. It isn't grand and glorious, but it is reverent, simple and intimate.
  • mlabelle
    Posts: 46
    Kudos, and congratulations. It takes a good vision and focus to accomplish what you have in six short months, and you've done your parish a great service.
  • Michael O'Connor
    Posts: 1,637
    Why sing the Chabanel psalms a capella? The organ parts are really the best aspect.
  • Adam WoodAdam Wood
    Posts: 6,451
    GIA also had buttons that said:
    "Say the Black, Do the Red: Banter is for gameshow hosts."



    I love Chabanel Psalms unaccompanied. JO's part-writing in the refrains is gorgeous.
  • MaryAnn Carr WilsonMaryAnn Carr Wilson
    Posts: 1,738
    Excellent points, musings. So glad- but not surprised- to hear your approach is bearing fruit. I always find it thrilling when congregations own their responses and the ordinary. I say that's good leadership.

    A few years ago, I cantored in a parish as a guest. Time came for the Pater noster, and, like a Polly Pop Up doll, I emerged from behind the cantor stand to lead the congregation. By the end of the first phrase they had totally taken over, in tune and at a natural tempo connected to the phrasing of the text (it's most often sluggish when accompanied, as I've experienced it). Happily, I stepped down and out of the sanctuary. It felt really great not to be 'needed'.
  • Adam WoodAdam Wood
    Posts: 6,451
    It felt really great not to be 'needed'.

    My favorite feeling as a cantor.

    Gosh I love full-throated unaccompanied congregational chanting.
  • henry
    Posts: 241
    I wonder why people sometimes sing better without the organ? I've experienced it, too, and it saddens me because I love organ music. I would not like to see the gradual elimination of the organ or reducing it to mere instrumental use. The Church extols it's value.
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