Thanks Frogman.

To be clear - when I lead we sing (sorry for any cringing this induces) the entrance hymn, Gloria, responsorial psalm, Alleluia, offertory, Holy, memorial accl., Amen, Communion hymn, and recessional. I've also sung the Exsultet, and we usually sing all the responsorial psalms and the epistle response, etc, at the Easter Vigil. My pastor has only lead the Kyrie and the Agnus Dei. I learned Sanctus but haven't had a chance to teach it to the parish yet.

I am really looking to ramp up the quality of what we sing - getting kind of tired of Haugen-Hurd-Haas and the Jesuits, although I really love to sing them.

It's all this New Evangelization business! I'm ready to grow.

Not to worry about any cringing! I expect most of us have similar music programs in our parishes.

One place to step things up is with a chant-style communion antiphon in English, from "Simple English Propers", for example. You and the choir can sing the psalm verses, and all can sing the antiphon. Forum user ryand has been writing organ accompaniments for them.

I think there is some unexplained jargon going on here- it's hard for people who talk/think about this stuff all the time to know precisely where you might be at with your knowledge and experience. Here is a brief introduction to the music at Mass, with translations/explanations based on what I assume you are currently doing...


Before Mass: Often a Prelude on the Organ. None is needed. Not done during Lent or Advent.

During the Procession/Entrance:
You are probably singing a hymn of some sort. That is one of several options, and often considered the least-good. The best or normative option is called the "Introit." There is an Introit text (and tune) for each Sunday and Feast Day of the year, so it's a "Proper."
The normative source for the Introit (and other propers) is a book called the Graduale Romanum (GR). Additionally, the text of the Introit (and the other Propers) have been set to other musical settings in Latin and English (and other languages). One popular source for these in English is called the Simple English Propers.

During the Introductory Rites:
You probably sing a Kyrie (Lord Have Mercy) and then a Gloria (Glory to God). The texts for these do not change form week to week, so they are part of the Ordinary (as opposed to the Proper).
There are MANY MANY MANY settings of the Ordinary of the Mass in a wide variety of styles. There are a dozen or so Gregorian Chant settings in Latin, and many fine setting in English.

The Psalm (after the First Reading):
This is technically a Proper, as there is a specific text for each day. IT is typically sung, and there are a wide variety of options available for this in a wide variety of styles.

If you see references to "The Gradual," that is a chant which is the predecessor to the Responsorial Psalm. It remains an option, but it is rarely done.

The Alleluia (or Gospel Acclamation):
Technically part of the Proper, as there is a specific verse text for each Sunday/Feast. In practice, often treated as part of The Ordinary. Contemporary Mass Settings (such as those from mainstream publishers) usually include a setting of the Alleluia. The normative setting of the Alleluia is found in the Graduale Romanum, and there is at least one excellent collection of English Alleluias available.

The Creed:
Can be sung. Usually isn't. Part of the Ordinary.

The Offertory:
Part of the Proper. Usually replaced by a hymn or song. However, a set text (and tune) are provided for each Sunday/Feast (in the Graduale Romanum). The Simple English Propers, as well as other Propers collections, provide English settings of the text.

Sanctus (Holy, Holy):
Part of the Ordinary. Usually sung.

Mysterium Fidei (The Mystery of Faith):
Part of the Ordinary. Since this acclamation is relatively new, the traditional Gregorian Mass Settings do not contain it. Newly composed Mass Setting often have settings of the several optional texts. It may also be spoken.

(Great) Amen:
Contemporary Mass Settings often include an elaborately sung "Amen" to conclude the Eucharistic Prayer. This is not needed, as the single "Amen" can be spoken or chanted.

Communion:
Part of the Proper. Text (and tune) set down by the Church, found in the Graduale Romanum. Usually replaced by a hymn or song (but, like all the propers, shouldn't be). The Simple English Propers (along with other collections) include settings for each week in English.

After Communion:
Nothing is needed after the Communion Proper. Often, one or more of the following are done- Motet (meditative choral piece), Hymn or Song, Organ interlude.

During the Exit:
There is no requirement of music at the exit, however it is extremely common to sing a Hymn or Song. These are generally one of the following: General Praise (such as the Te Deum), Marian, suited to the character of the day or season, or related to the Lectionary texts. Other options include an instrumental piece (organ, usually) and silence.

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Additional notes:
The main Propers (Introit, Offertory, Communion) are often referred to as "the Antiphon." This is a form of synecdoche- each Proper contains an antiphon (a short "refrain") along with a Psalm verse or verses and (in some cases) a Doxology. So you'll hear people say "the Communion Antiphon" when they really mean the whole piece of music.


Someone else will (I hope) provide links to the various resources mentioned above or alluded to, as I need to get back to working on something else, but you basically need:

-a source of Propers (GR, SEP, or other)
-a source for Ordinary (GR, CCW's site, the front portion of most any hymnal)
-a source for the Responsorial Psalm (AOZ's, Chabanel)
-a source for the Alleluia (CCW's Garnier Alleluia)

Optional:
-a good hymnal (for the Exit, and any of the Propers you are forced to replace)
-some good motets (Catholic Choir Book, Kevin Allen, CPDL, an SATB hymnal)

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You also need a plan on how to go from what you are doing currently to what you should/could/would be doing. If you explain your current situation more, several people can provide guidance. The changeover from crappy program to awesome program is a project many here are currently ankle-deep in. You'll find plenty of advice.

Check out Canticanova.com. They have lots of information and great articles. Under "liturgical planning" they have numerous hymns and suggestions for the Propers.

Here is a thread I started a few months ago you might enjoy. My choir is larger than yours, but it doesn't matter if you are singing chant: http://forum.musicasacra.com/forum/discussion/comment/67437#Comment_67437

This is a wonderful place to learn.

Thank you everyone - so far, so good!

Jani, one of the most basic, non-threatening (easy) places to begin chanting is at the Our Father. If your pastor is on board, I'd ask him about this.

In all parishes where I've worked, congregations come to chant easily through a chanted Our Father. The celebrant leads it, cantor and/or choir supports it, and congregations begin to own it easily. No accompaniment is necessary, IMO the Our Father is better and more naturally paced without it.
If your congregation is English or Spanish speaking, I'd go with vernacular first before attempting Latin.

Sounds like you have a great attitude and with a supportive pastor and open congregation you're poised to be able to make some great strides toward a restoration of sacred music at your parish. This is cause for rejoicing! Welcome here, btw.

Though I'm (somehow, by the grace of God) in the 2% of us with ideal music program situations, I keenly remember what it's like to be on the edge of finding out about sacred music, propers, and all the terminology. It's overwhelming, but it's also probable that you're at the start of a beautiful adventure.

If you can make it to the Colloquium, I can't recommend that experience highly enough. It's hopeful, inspiring, informative, and the prayerful, fun camaraderie is a treasure! Bring your pastor and some folks from the parish!

Yes yes yes to responses and preface dialog, per hartleymartin's cooment above.

Regarding what Adam said there at the end: with respect to implementing something new - I introduce things in pieces, usually before Mass. With a changeover like this I would anticipate inviting the congregation to meet with me outside of Mass to learn what I have planned that's new. Beyond that - they are very good to listen and learn, and in a matter of weeks they usually have everything down pat.

I can pull some things together by Advent, and then a bit more by Christmas. You've given me a lot to think about and try to coalesce, but so far, if I can talk Father into an Introit and Kyrie, then the responses and preface dialogue, that will be good. So...suggestions on which pieces to use? Just from the sources you all have given me, I wouldn't know where to start.

BTW Adam, thank you so much for backing up a step or two with the reminder that this is new for me. I have the experience and I would not hesitate to sing in any parish. But, it's akin to practicing medicine for 15 years and then going to medical school. I know I've done this stuff; now I need to learn what the "stuff" is. Does that make sense? :)

Thanks again, everyone!

Okay - what does the priest's missal correspond to that I would use to lead? Does OCP's Today's Missal work?

Thanks, Earl_Grey. So I guess the first thing for me to do then is to get with Father... Baby steps - yes, indeed!

I seem to have one little advantage, based on what some of you have said. We have such a high priest-turnover rate that I am often left to my own devices. (We went for one whole year once without a resident priest, and mostly had services with visiting deacons).

The congregation trusts me, and when its time for a new priest to come I can always have something new in place and ready to go. Haven't had any issues so far. I do wish, in retrospect of course, that just one of them would have asked me to raise the bar and sing better things over the years.

Hi Jani:

Welcome to our forum! We are very happy to have you and to help in any way we possibly can.

Here are some resources that might help understand some basics (from my website:)

http://www.romancatholicsacredmusic.com/dolr.html

Also, here is a small booklet that might also help.

http://www.romancatholicsacredmusic.com/wswbsnB2.pdf

Jani

YW... more coming... composing the Sanctus as I type... (well, in the cracks of typing anyway)

Thank you - and ICEL is what? :)

In context here: ICEL is referring to the chant melodies included for all of the Ordinary in the new English translation of the Roman Missal.
Use them.

It's a mixed bag: the principal chants in the missal are based on authentic Latin Gregorian chants for the Mass Ordinary.

Since there are multiple Latin settings for each part of the Mass Ordinary, choosing which melodies to adopt for the English version was a matter of judgment. There was a certain bias toward simplicity, which may be good for the congregation learning the music; but on the other hand, some of the melodies chosen are not the most appealing to beginners, due to their "minor mode" sound.

Regardless of any questions of taste, it's the official setting in the Missal, and it's in all the "missalette" booklets. If you'd like to print up congregational cards or booklets, you can find those on the CMAA web site at http://musicasacra.com/ordinary/, along with links to practice videos your choir members can use.