Many Voices, One Sound
Don’t Miss What Worship Has To Offer
Everyone has heard the comment, “They sounded like a choir of angels.” Often this sentence is used to extend a compliment to a choral group who just blessed you with their God given talent of singing.
But what is it that allows them to make such a harmonious sound? Those who attended the “Many Voices, One Sound” music ministry workshop sponsored by the Office of Worship and taught by Dr. Randy Babin at St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica on Thursday, Feb. 19, found the answer to that burning question.
All 10 of the Our Lady of the Pines Guitar Group packed in three cars and journeyed to Beaumont with a quest for musical knowledge that evening. Each person brought different skills and talents to the group, and each had different expectations. Whatever our expectations, phonics in music was not what we had envisioned. However, this is exactly what Dr. Babin taught. His message took us from the importance of enunciation, placement of inflection to the crescendo of the POWER OF THE VOWEL.
Randy Babin is the director of the St. Jude Thaddeus Chorale and retired choral director for Lamar University. What a gift each of the more than 50 people attending that night received. His demonstration of the differences in song when the emphasis is on the vowel versus a consonant was amazing. Certainly the St. Jude Chorale, who has performed at many diocesan events, is a testimony to his knowledge. Each of us brought back tangible and useable skills and practices to enhance our ability to proclaim God’s message through song.
If you missed this workshop, don’t despair. You will receive another opportunity to learn from many presenters at the upcoming “Do I Sing My Worship?” 2nd Diocesan Liturgical Conference on May 29 and May 30, 2009, at St. Jude Thaddeus Family Life Center, Beaumont.
This conference is made possible by a grant from the John G. and Maria Stella Kenedy Memorial Foundation and the stewardship of the faithful through the Bishop’s Faith Appeal. Whether you are a cantor, choir member, accompanist, or just love music and liturgy, you will want to mark your calendars. Don’t miss this one!
Lynda Apodaca
Choir Member
Our Lady of the Pines, Woodville
