I'll be headed that way for a few days at least...probably Tuesday and Wednesday. I need to get a few "education hours" in per my contract, and some of the offerings look interesting. I would have loved to go to SLC but it's just too far.

I shall indeed be there all five days.

The Pittsburgh team did a great job of putting together some excellant offerings.

Although not a fan of the overall philosophy that NPM tends to perpetuate, I'm impressed with this year's convention. There's some actual depth to the offerings, such as master classes on the music of Jean Langlais and some weighty theological offerings.

Yes, Father, I did mean that... I didn't want to mention it by name though as I figured I'd start getting negative posts and didn't want things to degenerate. I figured those who were going would know what I meant by "that thing," and those who weren't going wouldn't open the thread if I didn't mention those three letters.

Those of you who are, feel free to send me a message on here if you'd like to get together for a cocktail during the week. I also know a FANTASTIC Italian restaurant that I went to during Colloquium week last year that has changed my entire view on modern Italian cooking.

Piccolo Forno, a short drive and slightly difficult parking, but well worth it.

Matthew (and Charles),

No offense taken.

Matthew, I do understand what you’re saying, and thank you for your comments and support. But isn’t it a little sad for us to realize that some members here might post negative comments about NPM? I would also hope that NPM members would respect the work of CMAA, despite our differences.

To paraphrase the Harry Potter books/movies, I hope people don’t consider NPM as “That-Which-Shall-Not-Be-Named” (Lord Voldemort)!

We here in Pittsburgh have worked very hard to offer a good NPM convention experience. I’ll be directing the music for the main convention Mass. Honestly, I feel like I’ll be in a minefield, as even before a note sounds, I know that we can’t fulfill everyone’s expectations of what the music should be like at an NPM Convention liturgy. To help address this, I’ve written a sort of “apologia” that will be printed in the Convention program book explaining the reasons for the music choices at the Mass, with the hope that people will at least understand the rationale for the musical selections, even if some might disagree with the choices made.

And… (drum roll, please!)… at the Mass, we will have an Introit refrain sung (in English) from the Graduale Romanum during the Entrance Procession, followed by a hymn. (Although I know that’s not how some would prefer it)!

So, Matthew (and any other CMAA folks who are coming to NPM next week), an advance welcome to Pittsburgh! I hope you have a great week. Say hi if you get a chance.

It's good to hear that an Introit will be sung at a Mass there. Can Fr. say any more about the piece? That is, will it be from an existing collection of English propers/adaptations (such as American Gradual or Simple English Propers) or from a new project?

Fr. Chepponis,

Good of you to intervene here, and best wishes re: your efforts. I won't be attending, and won't in future years, until a lot of things change, particularly the theological tone.

As a singer in the main convention Mass, and an organist for a couple of events throughout the week, I'd like to note that Fr. Chepponis and his committee have done a very admirable job in the planning and preparation of the liturgical elements of the convention. I think any CMAA member who attends will be pleased.

P.S.: if anyone is attending the organ crawl on Monday, please introduce yourself--I will be helping out at a few of the venues.

P.P.S.: If anyone is in the mood for a field trip, my parish, which is located a few miles from downtown, just installed a wonderful new 3 manual organ in a lovely acoustic. I'd be happy to show her off to anyone interested.

njgw, is that you, Nick?

I got into Pittsburgh today and I must say that I do love this city.... there's just something about it that is so interesting to me... the bridges, the bars, the water, the mountains/hills....

I believe Jeffrey Tucker, at Colloquium 2010 or 2011 said he thought Pittsburgh was sort of like Gregorian chant. I'm not sure I understood what he meant then, and I'm not sure I'll ever fully understand what he meant, but this is a great city! Local citizens, you are very lucky!

WiesOrganista Where is you parish?