To all church musicians, priests and deacons:

St. Edmund's Retreat Center at Enders Island in Stonington CT is expanding its Music Program and offering a wide variety of music workshops in the upcoming months:

2015:

Singing the Mass for Priests and Deacons - Tuesday August 25, 9AM - 4PM
One of the most effective ways of encouraging congregational singing is for the celebrant to sing. This session will explore basic vocal technique and examine parts of the Mass, particularly dialogical, which can be sung by the priest or deacon. Also, basic tones for Collects will be given and participants will learn how to “point”, that is, applying the tones to any length prayer. There will be both group and individual singing. This workshop is for all levels of experience and the ability to read music is not necessary.

The Art of the Cantor - Saturday Sept. 19, 9AM - 4PM
This one-day workshop will provide a unique opportunity for cantors to come together in order to promote the growth of musical skills. Topics will include: developing the voice, the cantor’s liturgical role, song as prayer, leading the congregation, relationship with the celebrant, choosing music and dealing with “stage fright.” Cantors are welcome to bring their own selections to sing if they wish – there will be opportunities for individual singing and coaching.

Freeing Your Voice - Sunday September 27, 2PM - 5PMFor all levels of singers, this workshop will focus on exploring each person’s authentic voice. Through breath and vocal exercises and physical movement, we will explore, as a group, not only technique but also self-expression of our unique creativity. Participants will learn basic vocal technique: breath support, development of head, chest and middle registers as well as integration of the registers, vowel placement and intonation.

Chant Workshop - Sunday Nov. 8 (evening) - Wednesday Nov. 11 (early afternoon)In this intensive workshop, participants will experience the Chant as prayer and practice, learning both its spiritual and technical aspects. Through singing, listening and writing we will study the components of Chant, including sight-reading, notation (both neums and modern), modes and rhythm. We will explore Roman, Orthodox and Anglican chants as well as learn strategies for legato singing, breath control and blending the voice with a group. The workshop is open to all, ability to read music is not required.

2016:
The Art of the Cantor - Saturday January 9, 9AM - 4PM
Chant Workshop - Sunday April 17 (evening) - Wednesday April 20 (early afternoon)
The Sacred Art Institute at Enders Island is developing a new website which is still under construction.
For information regarding fees and registration for any of the above workshops, please call them directly at 860.536.0565.

For more information about the course content, please feel free to contact me via email [marguerite . muse @ gmail . com] or by phone 860.927.5265.
In Christ,
Dr. Marguerite Mullee


A graduate of Columbia University where she earned a doctorate in Conducting and Vocal Pedagogy, Dr. Mullée is Music Director at St. Michael's Episcopal Church in Litchfield CT. Before that she taught for several years at Holy Apostles Seminary in CT. She also serves as Music Instructor at Our Lady of Grace Monastery (North Guilford, CT) and teaches private lessons in voice, conducting and piano in Kent.