Jeffrey - I'd like to see a Chant Teacher's College alongside that University of yours. As one who thinks semiology is the study of 18-wheel big rigs, I'm looking for lessons on the practical side of organizing and supporting scholae. Many many hours of singing chant and polyphony with others is indeed wonderful, and that's what the Colloquium schedule offers.
I'd appreciate a track that permits some singing, but focuses primarily on the details of selecting music for OF and EF Masses and Sacraments, coordinating with liturgists, designing music programs for Vespers, Morning Prayers, etc., etc., etc. I guess you might say that on behalf of the groups I'm working with, my time would be better spent on a working vacation than a week in paradise.
What we need is a year round Chant University!
Seriously!
With our advanced technology, why not chant ON-LINE college by CMAA? Start witn one course, like complete course on Vespers from Lent to Easter. Tuition $__. Provide audio samples, interpretation of the chants, resourses, sample music list and program for everyweek ---. (interactive) There are so many courses you can offer in Chant Teacher's college. I'm sure there are many who can take advantage of these courses on line, while CMAA can make profits. Also, this way musicians who are retiring or retired from MD positions or other active music positions can share their vast amount of experiences and knowledge in a more practical way. Then, the colloquium can still be a week of paradise which the musicians can enjoy at least once a year.
Crazy idea?
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