There's no doubt that the "package" at St. James Press in NC is quite attractive, and not really expensive considering the abundance of compositions available there. The only thing I've ever purchased singly there is Richard Shepherd's "Canons and Crotchets." Anyone have an opinion as to whether it's too much to slog through for whatever choral gems lie within all the indices? How does it compare/contrast to CanticaNova or other collections, etc.?
I couldn't imagine not having a subscription. It's a wonderful resource. Being intended for Episcopal churches, the music is more apt to be of a higher quality and much of what is offered by other publishers.
The SJMP subscription is great. They have excellent material of all levels, and it's not too expensive.
I don't know that they've ever sent me a packet of anthems to audition (or, as I call it, junk mail), but they do regularly send e-mails trumpeting recently added compositions, which are of varying quality. It's much better in my mind to simply browse their catalog online (which is very helpfully categorized and laid out) and select attractive options there.
To participate in the discussions on Catholic church music, sign in or register as a forum member, The forum is a project of the Church Music Association of America.