The Schola Cantorum of St. John Berchmans wants to make the information about singing chant available to others in the diocese. Knowing that there are probably many others in the diocese with an appreciation for this music, a workshop to increase the skills of the Schola and to provide basic training for others has been planned.

This two-day workshop is scheduled to take place at St. John Berchmans Cathedral on November 30th – December 1st, 2007. With the hope of making the workshop accessible to all who are interested, the cost to attend the workshop has been set at only $35, which includes all sheet music, a reception, a lunch and all snacks. The availability will be limited, however, to keep the workshop a manageable size.

It is directed by Kurt Poterack of Christendom College, an outstanding master of chant and choral conducting, and an excellent teacher.

The unique focus of this workshop, the first of its kind in the diocese, is to be Latin chant and some simple Renaissance polyphony. Both types of music have experienced a revival in academia, concert halls, and the commercial marketplace. Sadly, they are not often heard in the Catholic parish, their natural home. St. John’s Schola, and other scholas around the country are trying to present this music as a means of liturgical expression – not as art or history. This music can and should be reclaimed at all Catholic parishes, as recommended by authoritative Church teaching on liturgical music.

Prior experience in reading the Gregorian chant notation is not required for participation. The workshop will start with the basics and work quickly through a broad range of music in a very short time. At the end of the workshop, the attendees will sing for the 4:00 pm Saturday Mass. This Mass will also be viewable via the cathedral WebCam at www.sjbcathedral.org .

The workshop begins on Friday at 1:00 pm with registration in the Parish Hall. After registration we will begin the first singing session. We will begin with a bit of chant. After a short break, we will continue with some polyphony. After a dinner break, we will continue with chant practice. Saturday begins with chant practice at 8:30 am and afterwards picks up with polyphony singing, a rehearsal for the liturgy and concludes with Mass in the cathedral where we will use what we have learned. The entire program is intended for those with some musical background (meaning the ability to read music).

Come and join us for a fun, educational, two-day workshop on singing and learning about Sacred Music that will leave you inspired and spiritually uplifted. In the center of Shreveport, at St. John Berchmans Cathedral, this workshop will provide a valuable introduction, as well as continued education and information, for all who are active and interested in the sacred music of the Catholic Church.

The registration fee can be paid by check upon arrival or mailed to: Sacred Music Workshop Registration, 204 Crighton Ridge, Bossier City, LA 71111. This includes a Friday evening reception, lunch on Saturday, sheet music and warm Shreveport hospitality. You can register online below.

For more information about the upcoming workshop or to make a donation to support this effort, please email St. John Berchmans Schola Cantorum at: or call the parish at 318.221.5296.

The Schola Cantorum of St. John Berchmans is a parish member of the Church Music Association of America (CMAA).

Here is the brochure for the workshop

Workshop Schedule of Events
Friday — November 30

1:00 pm Registration and Welcome
1:30 pm Chant Rehearsal
3:30 pm Polyphony Rehearsal
6:00 pm Dinner on your own
7:00 pm Chant Rehearsal
7:30 pm Lecture, “Motu Proprio Data” and
“Benedict XVI on Music”
8:30 pm End of Day Reception

Saturday — December 1

8:30 am Chant Rehearsal
10:15 am Break
10:30 am Polyphony Rehearsal
12:30 pm Lunch
1:30 pm Rehearsal in the Sanctuary
2:30 pm Break
2:45—3:30 pm Lecture, Church Documents
And Music in the Liturgy
4:00 pm Closing Mass
5:30 pm End of Workshop