Evolution of Church Singing: Before, During, and After the Pandemic

Explore the transformative journey of church singing at St. Katherine Orthodox Church in Carlsbad, CA, from adapting to personnel changes before the pandemic to embracing online platforms and virtual choirs during the pandemic. Discover valuable lessons learned and future prospects for vocal development and musical growth.

• Church Singing
• Pandemic Adaptation
• Virtual Choirs
• Vocal Development
• Musical Evolution

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Uploaded on Aug 27, 2024 | 0 Views

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1. HomeButton.png Church Singing Before, During, and After Pandemic

2. HomeButton.png Before Pandemic at St. Katherine Orthodox Church, Carlsbad, CA 1. Personnel changes forced us to adopt flexibility even before pandemic 2. Different voicings a. Men s chorus (with or without alto) b. 3-part (melody, harmony, bass) c. Melody with bass (chant with ison)

3. HomeButton.png During Pandemic 1. Focus on chant-based repertoire core melody a. Works with various combinations of voices b. Challenge Identify the melody and pitch it properly 2. Two-choir (two-kliros) model: two singers singing alternately a. Foundational principle of Orthodox church singing b. The best way to negotiate long services vocally 3. Used Zoom to assemble composite Old Testament Readings and Paschal Agape Vespers Gospel reading in multiple languages 4. Online teaching via Zoom Children s Choir met weekly

4. HomeButton.png Going Forward Lessons Learned 1. Not all singers are of equal ability a. Both services and streaming need to be done and presented well b. Not all can sing solo, but all can grow and improve opportunities for vocal development c. Virtual choir projects are a quick lesson in independence and self-sufficiency d. Do a sound check before going live 2.Not all singers can function independently knowledge of services and being able to navigate the books

5. HomeButton.png Lessons learned (cont d) 3. Identify and use good sources of chant-based music a. Divine Liturgy in Chant by Benedict Sheehan (St. Tikhon s Press) b. Vespers and Matins bigger challenge (OCA chant tutorials) Vespers Chant book forthcoming

6. HomeButton.png Looking Ahead 1. Create and utilize opportunities to learn and grow: a. Vocally sing daily b. Sight-reading OCA website, Juliana Woodill c. Knowledge of services OCA website: Outlines of services 2. All these present opportunities for personal engagement as well as online gathering and teaching 3. If you need help where to go? (pritchey@oca.org) 4. All these will strengthen us once the pandemic passes