I like that idea, Ken. As an idea on a similar train of thought, I'd love to see Training course for the parents, like homeschooling mothers, so they can teach the chant to their children. I know the schedules and demands on mothers can't afford time like a Colloquium, but it sure would be nice to moms trained.

Hello, Jennifer. I'm a homeschooling mom and direct children's schola for homeschoooling children. If you are interested in, I could maybe help you with some info and resources. My email address should be in the profile. (just click my username) I just happend to send the parents what we do in our class. I always inform them through the email after the class so they can reinforce what the children learn at home. I also started a half an hour recorder class before the chant class. It's fun and the children learn a lot, reading notes, breath control, listening to good tone quality, etc. We have first Friday Mass for homeschooling families (as well as other parishioners), and the schola sing for the Mass. (and yes, we sing 9 fold Kyrie, and the parents sing with us.)

priorstf - To the best of my knowledge, the RSCM Courses here in America and in England do not focus primarily on Plainsong Chant in Latin. While they do offer a good diet of classic choral polyphony, their focus on music is generally on a more broad spectrum. I have been to many of them both as a chorister and choirmaster. As far as other advantages, I think they would be self evident in that the CMAA would be coming from a Catholic and perhaps even more traditional point of view and emphasis. Some traditional Catholic parents would feel more comfortable sending their child to that rather than to an Anglican based music program unfortunately. Also, there are certain issues that I, as a parent, would not want to risk my child being exposed to in the current Anglican climate (and I say that as an Anglo-Catholic).

I am not saying that such an endeavor as I propose would be easy to set up. Of course there are very important details, some of which you mentioned. But this would be especially worth while for the CMAA to do for many good reasons. If the CMAA truly believes in promoting chant and classical sacred polyphony, (and I believe that they do, else I wouldn't support it), then it should put its words into actions (I mean no disrespect to the CMAA).

And to couple JenniferGM's wonderful idea, mothers could come along, supervise and chaperon while singing with their child (although most children I have known would welcome a little time out from mom, especially while singing with their peers). Boy chorister singing with men would be a great male bounding and lord knows good male role models are needed these days in that area. Mothers could do likewise with their daughters. There are all kinds of possibilities.

Anything worth doing, is going be challenging! Cost? of course, but start simple and small; grow the course. I am sure the Colloqiums started out small too. And I am certain the CMAA could get a pastor and or bishop or two to help in several ways if not even sponsor such!

Doing nothing is not an option (especially if we are scared, afraid or timid about it all). If we all want to truly see the musical life of the Church improve, (and I am sure you would agree), then let us get into the fields and work to be examples to our children to inspire them!

Ora Labora! Familiar with this hymn to which T. Tertius Noble set his wonderful tune to?

Come, labor on!
Who dares stand idle, on the harvest plain
While all around him waves the golden grain?
And to each servant does the Master say,
“Go work today.”

Come, labor on!
Claim the high calling angels cannot share—
To young and old the Gospel gladness bear;
Redeem the time; its hours too swiftly fly.
The night draws nigh.

Come, labor on!
The enemy is watching night and day,
To sow the tares, to snatch the seed away;
While we in sleep our duty have forgot, He slumbered not.

Come, labor on!
Away with gloomy doubts and faithless fear!
No arm so weak but may do service here:
By feeblest agents may our God fulfill
His righteous will.

Come, labor on!
No time for rest, till glows the western sky,
Till the long shadows o’er our pathway lie,
And a glad sound comes with the setting sun,
“Well done, well done!”

RSCM has pretty much abandoned traditional church music in its current training sessions and publications. They do maintain a good publication library.

While there are still excellent summer traditional RSCM workshops, I have never ever heard of any Gregorian Chant being part of them. Anglican harmonized chant in English, yes.

Yes, the repertoire is eclectic. But they are also excited about what the CMAA is doing, and will probably be bringing up lots of good musicians for the Church - future CMAA members.

that's true enough!

Some of us who "do" children's choirs in the southern US have tossed this idea around for some years. We have the place in mind but never pursued it any further. Perhaps now it is time to resurrect it. Give me a few days to talk with my cohorts in crime.

Children will be the salvation of the reform movement.

I'll be looking forward to hear more. Thank you Kevin.

Ken of Sarum < Studied boy and girl choir training, development, rehearsal techniques, and adolescent voice with Sir George Guest, Sir David Willcocks, Sir Michael Nicholas, Sir George Thalben-Ball, Helen Kemp, Doreen Rao, Jim Litton and Gerre Hancock. Would be glad to help the CMAA to make this kind of program a reality.

miacoyne - I think that would be a great idea! As a child, I was taught music and chant through the Ward method by a Sisters of Charity nun. It was fun then. I have for many years tried to find the books used in this method. It would also be important that the Directors of such Children's Choirs should be MORE than just organists-music directors. With all due respect, most church organist - choir directors arenlt that expert in correct child vocal production and techniques, vocal placement, ranges, etc.

This is a very exciting thread. Would like to see something grow, something that I could send my daughter to, something that could teach me how to teach her.

Plans are forming. Do not fear.