THE BLUE MASS

By Tim Claubaugh

The "Blue Mass," to honor the work of all public safety personnel, will be held on Sunday, May 17, 2009 at 1:30 p.m. The event is hosted by the Sandusky Knights of Columbus and will begin at 1:30 downtown at the Police and Fire Memorial in Washington Park by the Court House. After a blessing of the memorials, there will be a procession of police and fire vehicles to St. Mary's Church where a Mass will begin at 2:00 p.m.

The blessing of the Memorials downtown and the Mass are open to the public. This yearly event has been a tradition for the past 6 years. Come and be part of the tradition for 2009! !

SPRING CONCERT COMING SOON

St. Mary's 27th annual Spring Concert will be on SATURDAY, May 16 at 7:30 (this is different from the Sunday of previous years).

This year the concert will be dedicated to our pastor, Fr. Phil Feltman who will be retiring after 18 years of leadership and service to God here at St. Mary's.

Four choir anthems will also be done in memory of long time organist and Music Director Paul V. Becker who passed away last August. Paul was Organist and Music Director at St. Mary's from 1955-1980.

The concert will feature the Firelands String Quartet, Contemporary Choir, Parish Choir and flute soloist, Jennifer Kustec.

Please join us for this evening of enjoyable music. This concert is free and open to the public. We urge you to attend and bring your family and friends.

SEASONAL HYMN: EASTER

By Tim Claubaugh

As in the other 3 major seasons of the liturgical year (Advent, Christmas, and Lent), the Easter Season provides us with an array of wonderful hymns. During the Easter season, the hymns are about Christ’s resurrection! Probably THE ONE Easter hymn that is sung in all churches in the United States (Catholic and Protestant alike) during the Easter Season is the hymn “Jesus Christ is Risen Today.” This rousing hymn of Christ’s resurrection was written in the 14 Century (“Surrexit Christus hodie”) with verse 2 & 3 added around 1750 (when the “Alleluias” were added) (found in “The Compleat Psalmodist”) and verse 4 written by Charles Wesely (1707-1788).

The hymn tune, EASTER HYMN, was written in 1708 and is in 77 77 meter.

As one can see, this has been a very treasured Easter hymn for well over 300 years!

St. Mary's sang this hymn as the closing hymn on Easter Sunday. We will sing this hymn again on May 3 (Offertory) and May 17 (Opening Hymn).

The verses:

1. Jesus Christ is ris’n today, Alleluia!
Our triumphant holy day, Alleluia!
Who did once upon the cross, Alleluia!
Suffer to redeem our loss. Alleluia!

2. Hymns of praise then let us sing, Alleluia!
Unto Christ, our heav’nly King, Alleluia!
Who endured the cross and grave, Alleluia!
Sinners to redeem and save. Alleluia!

3. But the pains which he endured, Alleluia!
Our salvation have procured; Alleluia!
Now above the sky he’s King, Alleluia!
Where the angels ever sing. Alleluia!

4. Sing we to our God above, Alleluia!
Praise eternal as his love; Alleluia!
Praise him, now his might confess, Alleluia!
Father, Son, and Spirit blest. Alleluia!

ORGAN & BRASS CONCERT WRAP UP

There were about 100 people that attended the Organ & Brass Concert with Organist Tim Claubaugh and the Terra Brass Choir. The Terra Brass Choir consists of 4 Trumpets, 2 French Horns, 2 Trombones, and 2 Tubas all under the direction of Jeff Blanchard.

Below is the program that was performed:

Performed from the balcony:
BRASS: "Toccata from "L Orfeo" - Monteverdi / arr. Leavitt
ORGAN & BRASS: "Praise the Lord With Drums & Cymbals" - Karg-Elert/arr. Brantigan BRASS: "Ave Maria" - Schbuert / arr. Gale

Performed down front:
ORGAN: "Legende" - Louis Vierne
ORGAN & BRASS: "Voluntary in D" - Stanley / arr. Leavitt
ORGAN: "Hornpipe" (From "Water Music") - G. F. Handel
BRASS: "Fugue on the Magnificat" - Pachelbel / arr. Dishinger
ORGAN & BRASS: "In Dulci Jubilo" - Praetorius / arr. King
ORGAN: "Fantasy Prelude on an Easter Hymn" - Gilbert Martin
ORGAN & BRASS: "My Spirit Be Joyful" (from Cantata No. 146) - J. S. Bach
ORGAN: "Tuba Tune in D Major" - C. S. Lang
ORGAN & BRASS: "Maestoso" (From "Symphony No. 3") - Saint-Sanes/arr. Gardner




A special thank you to our photographer, Craig Rudolph! !
Click on the picture to see it in a larger format.

The church before the concert began.

The first three pieces on the program were played from the balcony

First Row: Thomas Hetzel, Stephanie Lehr, Jackie Macko
Second Row: Rosemary Titkemeier, Travis Magoto
Third Row: Duane Waite, John Waite, Steve Shimer, Barry Cover

Terra Brass Choir Director, Jeff Blanchard, talking to the audience.

The final bows.

ORGAN & BRASS CONCERT THIS SUNDAY! !

An "Organ & Brass Concert" will be held at St. Mary's THIS Sunday, April 26, 2009 at 7:30 p.m. The brass are the "Terra Brass" from Terra Community College with St. Mary's Organist, Tim Claubaugh. This concert is FREE and open to the public. Mark your calendars now and plan to attend this exciting concert! ! !

COPLAND AT 9:30 MASS THIS SUNDAY

The Parish Choir will be singing one of the four motets by Aaron Copland this Sunday (April 26) at the 9:30 Mass. The motet, "Thou, O Jehovah, Abideth Forever" will be sung at the Offertory.

To read more about the "Four Motets" by Aaron Copland, go here.

REHEARSALS RESUME THIS WEEK FOR CHOIRS

The Contemporary Choir and the Parish Choir will resume their weekly rehearsals this week on Wednesdays at 7:00 (Contemporary Choir) and Thursdays at 7:30 (Parish Choir).

The choirs have a VERY busy spring ahead of them. They will be preparing for:
First Communion (May 3 - Cont. Choir)
Spring Concert (May 16 - both choirs)
Confirmation (May 23 - Cont. Choir)
Deacon Kishore Kottana's First Mass (May 31-both choirs)
Fr. Chas Singler's 25th Anniversary Mass (June 7 - Parish Choir)
Deacon Jason Kahle's Mass of Thanksgiving (June 13 - both choirs)
Wedding:Kris Proy / Kent Thornell (June 26 - Parish Choir)
Fr. Phil Feltman's final weekend (June 28 - both choirs)

CYCLE B: THE YEAR OF THE GOSPEL OF MARK: THE MIRACLE STORIES

By John R. Donahue, S.J., "Mark," Harper's Bible Commentary [Harper & Row, Publishers, San Francisco], pg. 987

Miracle stories occupy roughly a third of the gospel (more than the passion narrative). Mark describes the miracles of Jesus as "mighty works," not "signs" that authenticate the ministry of Jesus. From our perspective they are better called "symbols" of the power of God manifest in Jesus. This power is stronger than the forces of evil and illnes and respond to the needs of suffering people. They comprise four groups: healings, exorcisms, nature miracles and one resuscitation.

Mark also refers to them in summaries of Jesus' ministry. The different groups have similar formal characteristics which argue for oral retelling prior to Mark. Similar tales of extraordinary deeds of Old Testament prophets, Jewish rabbis, and Hellenistic heroes were common.

Mark incorporates these stories for a variety of reasons: to show Jesus as prophet mighty in word and deed, to exalt him above other claimants to divine power, and to evoke wonder and awe in God's power. By placing most of them prior to the first passion prediction (8:31-32) and the beginning of Jesus' journey to Jerusalem, Mark subjects them to the narrative paradox of his gospel. Jesus the powerful one submits to God's will in becoming the powerless victim who is raised up by God. The resurrection is the ultimate work of power in Mark.

CHOIRS HAVE WEEK OFF; BUT NOT SUNDAY

The Parish Choir and the Contemporary Choir do not have rehearsals this week (Wednesday, April 15 and Thursday, April 16). HOWEVER, both choirs WILL sing at their respective Masses on Sunday Morning (April 19). Be ready to warm up at your usual times Sunday morning.

WEBSITE WITH EXCELLENT MUSIC

The "Sound of Majesty" is a website that broadcasts a daily radio program of religious music. It is a very good program which you can listen to anytime during the day by going here then go to whatever date you want to listen to and click on the "Playlist" to get a list of what is being played, then click on "Listen" to actually listen to the program.

The program is mostly performances by very good choirs, soloists, instrumentalists from across the United States and all around the world as well as some spoken word. One could have this site playing while doing work on their computer.

This link is also in the sidebar.

FUNERAL FOR MARY D. HARTLIEB

Funeral mass for Mary D. Hartlieb on Saturday, April 18 at 8:15 a.m. Choir members are asked to be in church by 8:00.

For the Sandusky Register obituary link, click here.

CHILDREN'S CHOIR REHEARSALS TO BEGIN

St. Mary's Children's Choir will resume their rehearsals on Sunday, April 19 at 10:30 in the choir room. Rehearsals will last until 11:20. They are preparing for the Saturday, May 9, 4:00 Mass. If your child has not participated this year, and is interested in participating in the choir, contact the Children's Choir Director, Alice Weiss at 419-656-4499 or Music Director Tim Claubaugh at 625-7465, ext. 18.

To see the Children's Choir Calendar, click here.

FUNERAL FOR KATHRYN H. BRENGARTNER

Funeral mass for Kathryn H. Brengartner on Wednesday, April 15 at 10:00 a.m. Choir members are asked to be in church by 9:45.

For the Sandusky Register obituary link, click here.

THE EASTER SEASON

By Tim Claubaugh

Alleluia! The Lord has risen! The Easter Season is upon us! This year, the great 50 Day Feast of the Easter Season begins with Easter Sunday, April 12 and ends on Pentecost Sunday, May 31.

Some of the major feast days that we have during this time are:
Sunday, April 19 - Divine Mercy Sunday (with Divine Mercy service which includes Exposition, singing the Divine Mercy Chaplet and Benediction at 3:00)

Saturday, April 25 - St. Mark the Evangelist

Wednesday, May 13 - Our Lady of Lourdes (although this is not a major feast day, it is important to our parish since we are a Marian parish)

Thursday, May 14 - St. Matthias the Apostle (the apostle who was chosen by the other 11 apostles to replace Judas)

Sunday, May 24 - The Ascension of Jesus into Heaven

There are also dates of historical importance to St. Mary's that you can see here.



So, liturgically and musically speaking, what can we expect?

First the environment will be spectacular! Jeff Elchert and his crew always do a tremendous job on reflecting the sights and smells of the season with all their skills of time and talent that they so graciously give.

More music!
1) The prelude, opening song and Gloria will all return!
2) There will be a Sprinkling Rite that will be used occasionally in place of the Penitential Rite.
3) After the priest or deacon proclaims the Gospel, he will chant, "The Gospel of the Lord," and we will all respond by singing the "Alleluia!" again.
4) During the General Intercessions (the petitions) we will sing the response, "Risen Lord, risen Lord, hear our prayer."
5) At the 9:30 Mass, the Parish Choir will sing the "Regina Caeli" as the Marian Anthem at the end of communion. Click here to see the article on "The Four Marian Anthems."
6) There will be the addition of more instruments (flute and brass) at certain Masses.
7) And of course there are all those wonderful Easter hymns that we will be singing over the next 50 days! !

MONTHLY VIDEOS

MARCH 2010:
This months video features again the English Boy Choir "Libera." This 5:22 long video is of the Libera Choir singing "Going Home" live at one of their many concerts that they give every year.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2aLSat3h0w



FEBRUARY 2010:
This month's video is Fr. Edward Beck on ABC News Now interviewing Joe Simmons and Nancy Meyer. Meyer is a singer and actress and cantor at St. Paul the Apostle Church in Lincoln Center, New York City. Simmons is the “Principal Cantor” at St. John The Baptist Church in New York City and was the cantor at the recent Yankee Stadium Mass with Pope Benedict. Both Meyer and Simmons have recent CD’s out. This video is 6:51 in length.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpNEr1UKBGI




JANUARY 2010:
This months video features the English Boy Choir "Libera." This video contains highlights from the U. S. tour in 2008. It shows the boys being boys as well as showing their "angelic" side while performing. The video also shows short clips of some of their concerts including the Pre-Mass concert at Yankee Stadium when Pope Benedict was there. With their musical talent, Libera is a group of very gifted boys. The video is 6:31.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n8UITvUW_VQ



DECEMBER 2009:
With Christmas coming upon us, a version of "O Come, All Ye Faithful" is in order. And who best to play this wonderful Christmas Carol than the famous Virgil Fox in concert, complete with audience participation! ! ! This video is 5:51 in length.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6hwJubxie88&NR=1


NOVEMBER 2009:
This months' organ video clip is a “Funny.” However, you need to know a little bit about organ stops in order to understand the video clip. Most stops on organs have numbers on them such as 16’ 8’, 4’, 2’. What this tells the organist is that in an 8’ stop, the pipe that plays low C on the keyboard (or pedal) is 8’ in length with middle C being the same pitch as middle C on the piano (and all notes are played at the pitch that they are written). A 4’ stop means that the low C pipe is 4’ in length and all notes sound 1 octave higher than written. A 2’ stop means that the low C pipe is 2’ in length and all the notes sound 2 octaves higher than written.


The same is true if we go the opposite direction (lower). A 16’ stop means that the low C pipe is 16’ in length and all notes sound 1 octave LOWER than written. Almost all organs have 16’, 8’, 4’, and 2’ stops. Some organs have 32’ stops which means that the low C pipe is 32’ in length and the notes sound 2 octaves lower than written. These stops add a lot of “depth” to the music with those low sounds coming through. Our St. Mary’s organ has 3, 32’ stops, but they are all digital, not pipes.


A very few organs have 64’ stops (low C pipe is 64’ in length and the notes sound 3 octaves lower than written) such as the Organ at the Atlantic City, New Jersey Convention Hall that you heard a couple of months ago. With these stops, the human ear can no longer detect the pitch, but you “Feel” the sound waves as it resonates through your body. Quite an experience! ! The St. Mary's organ can produce a 64’ stop, but again it is through digital technology, not organ pipes.


Now for this months' video: In this video, the organist supposedly has at their disposal a 128’ stop (complete with a “danger” sign) which he draws on and then the video shows you the consequence of drawing this stop on and how it effects an entire city! ! ! VERY funny.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Wpn7xyzUqg&feature=related


OCTOBER 2009:
Two versions of Bach's Toccata and Fugue in D Minor (probably the most popular organ piece ever written) played first by organist Kurt Ison at the Sidney (Australia) Town Hall on a HUGE 5 manual monster!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_FXoyr_FyFw&feature=related


The second (just the Toccata) is played on the organ at the U. S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. This is another HUGE 5 manual monster!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eSjYAcUomds&feature=related



SEPTEMBER 2009:
LIBERA (5:30):The group is comprised of about 15 boys from all over London, England. Their ages are six to sixteen. They toured the US back when Pope Benedict XVI celebrated Mass at Yankee Stadium (April 2008). They are an amazing choir with rich, pure, and yet haunting voices.Check this link out the link:
http://www.libera.org.uk/video/wvx/newdawnepk_b.wvx

Another church musician made the following observation,“It really angers me that in our American culture we place so much emphasis on sports and by their audacity of questioning their masculinity, heap ridicule on innocent children when they sing to their hearts’ desire, sometimes destroying that innocence forever….for what gain? State championships, all-league, all-state honors are really only temporary and fleeting. And THAT is supposed to teach our young people about life?

These kids raise the beauty of the human voice to the highest level of musical art. I have been blessed to hear the Moscow Boys Choir, the Vienna Boys Choir, the Texas Boys Choir, the Pittsburgh Children’s Choir and now Libera (although not in person, yet!).

Through these childrens’ voices, they have soared and touched the wings of angels and have shared their God given talents for the nurturing of our spirits and the edification of our souls. In their simplicity, by sharing their art, they….have allowed us… a glimpse of the Sacred Artist…..”



AUGUST 2009:
THE WEATHER CHANTED (2:57)
How would you like the weather to be chanted like this every night on the evening news?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4z2jwDcb9wI


JULY 2009:
With Independence Day being this month, we have another Virgil Fox video of Fox playing the "National Anthem" and parts of it he plays only with his feet! !

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ocgQ-00deI


JUNE 2009:
This months' organ clips are from the famous Mormon Tabernacle in Salt Lake City, Utah. This building is considered by many to be the most acoustically perfect building in the world. It recently underwent a massive multi-million dollar renovation. This huge pipe organ has grown in size over the years. The last additions were done in the 1950’s.

The Renovation of the LDS (Mormon) Salt Lake Tabernacle
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akgRN6ITYyw&feature=related

Mormon Tabernacle Choir Celebrates Re-opening of Tabernaclehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-AlNVGzdr4&feature=related


MAY 2009:
This month's organ video clip is again on the largest pipe organ in the world at the Atlantic City, New Jersey Convention / Auditorium also known as the “Boardwalk Hall.” The organ is a 449 Rank Midmer-losh, Op. 5550 with 2 consoles. The first console has 5 manuals (keyboards) and the second console has 7 manuals. In comparison, St. Mary’s organ has only 11 ranks of pipes.

The Auditorium Organ video, click here.

Boardwalk Hall Midmer Losh Atlantic City video, click here.



APRIL 2009:
This month's video will introduce you to the largest pipe organ in the world at the Atlantic City, New Jersey Convention / Auditorium also known as the “Boardwalk Hall.” The first video (2 minutes, 5 seconds) is a little intro to the hall itself: it’s history and the $90 million renovation / restoration project that it has undergone. The second video (1 minute, 54 seconds long) is a summary of this massive instrument which is currently under a multi-million dollar restoration project. It is a 449 Rank Midmer-losh, Op. 5550 with 2 consoles. The first console has 5 manuals (keyboards) and the second console has 7 manuals. Next month's video will go into a little more detail about the organ itself.

Boardwalk Hall - Atlantic City Tour
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1y7PNUeQmx0&NR=1

The Senator's Masterpiece (trailer)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dHJ-ral_IVM&feature=related



MARCH 2009:
Famous Organist Virgil Fox playing “Perpetual Motion” by Middelschulte (a "pedals only" piece)http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KbGCriVk9UM&feature=related