By Mr. Jonathan Mercado, Organist and Music Director

Everything old is new again...

Now more than ever, the importance of preservation, appreciation, and restoration of craftsmanship from a different era, is at the forefront of those wise enough to know the difference. Sometimes, this exists when members of a culture catch a glimpse of the past; whether in a photo, a recording, or in the relics that remain from this time gone by. When we look at these items, and quality exists on what we have found, it can immediately spark the interest of the observer. When enough time has passed which has allowed something that is exceptional to be forgotten, it seems as though only a matter of time exists before someone will recognize it and bring it back to a place of prominence. Immeasurable examples exist all over the ecclesiastical world, with the construction of the grand worship edifices in cities and states all over the United States, at the turn of the 19th Century. Housed in these buildings are exquisite examples of woodworking, statuary, architecture, painted art through the medium of the fresco and stained glass, and many of the finest musical instruments in the world. Sadly, these grand edifices, once ornate, have been painted white. Hand carving of stonework, statuary, and other furnishings are replaced by mass-produced items of significantly lower quality. Carpet covers terrazzo and hardwood, and wind- blown pipework replaced by speakers, subwoofers, and the addition of other instruments as worship styles change. One thing is clear in ecclesiastical situations, when parish leadership is counted among the few who appreciate the efforts of those before us, indeed, everything old is new again.

William Wallace Kimball left rural north- eastern Iowa for the young city of Chicago on a new start. With him, he carried the deed to land in Decorah, Iowa. As chance would have it, Kimball found himself striking up a conversation at breakfast with a New Yorker piano salesman down on his luck and wanting to return to his native New York. The next morning, a swap of four pianos for the deed to the land in Decorah, Iowa was made. The company that William Wallace Kimball was to found in Chicago would become the world’s largest manufacturer of musical instruments including Pianos, harmoniums, and a very short fifty-year organ building department that met its demise when an order to cease operations during World War II closed the doors that would never reopen.

(Stay tuned! This story continues next week...)

As we answer God’s call of service to one another and our parish community, please take a moment to review the specifics of our Parish Music Program and consider the offering of time and talent to the glory of God through sung prayer.

FESTIVAL CHOIR (high school- adults)
The Festival Choir serves our English-speaking community,  and  sings  for Sunday Mass at 12:10pm with warm up at 11:30am.  The ability to read music is helpful but not required. Choir members must possess a sense of pitch, a love of singing, an appreciation for music of various styles and genres, and a commitment to our weekly rehearsals for a full choral season.  
Training Needed: Will be provided
Time Commitment: choir rehearsal each Thursday evening from 7-9pm. Additional rehearsals will be scheduled for Christmas, Easter, and other special choral liturgies thought the season. 
Duration of Commitment: One year (choir season September- early June)
 
CANTOR PROGRAM
Ministry Goal: To act as leader of sung prayer at liturgical functions.
Age: High school age or older.(exceptions made based on musical ability and development)
Training Needed: Must possess a pleasant voice and sense of pitch; some previous experience and musical background preferred, but not necessary. 
Time Commitment: Minimum of one Eucharistic Celebration per month;  private rehearsal with the music director for proper preparation and training. 
Duration of Commitment: One year at a time with reliability being a must.
Contact:  Director of Music   music.blessedsacramentnr@gmail.com