This is beautifully conceived and laid out. I wish that more stanzas were included on some of the hymns, such as Jesus Christ is Risen Today, O Come, All Ye Faithful, and some others. A classic, Once in Royal David's City, might have been included. It is interesting that this hymn was written in mid-XIX. century specifically for children whereas today many adults seem to have trouble with the syntax. (Sad!) Still, you have put together a fine little book. Are you going to publish it? Are we free to copy and propagate it? Also, I agree with Ken: more musical notation would be nice (including square notes where appropriate - if they grow up seeing and singing them, they won't appear strange later on). [Mea culpa! You do have square notes!]
It's not mine, I was doing a search and it popped up, from the nature of it I assume that it was by a member of CMAA...if not, it's someone who woudl fit in here very well!
Here's the contact info:
Religious Education Department St. John the Baptist Catholic Church 120 West Main Street Front Royal, Virginia 22630 540 635-3780 ext 404 Religious Education Email: wluckey@comcast.net website: sjtbre.org
Nicely done, indeed! May we copy and distribute, or is this for publication? I could start using this immediately with my students. I sorta agree with the comments about more notation, but then again, a mini-hymnal like this doesn't need to be an all-inclusive resource; it would be perfect as one resource among others for teaching a core repertoire. Besides, why couldn't a teacher line out some of the unnotated melodies on a whiteboard, a la The Ward Hymnal, then introduce the text from this charming booklet? Excellent choice of repertoire, and the images are perfect for striking up theological and liturgical discussions with children. Many thanks, Noel!
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