Square Notes: The Sacred Music Podcast
You’ve got questions about sacred music? Here’s your chance to learn what the Church teaches and envisions for music in the sacred liturgy.
Welcome to Square Notes: The Sacred Music Podcast with your host Dr. Jennifer Donelson-Nowicka. We address topics of interest both to priests and liturgical musicians, as well as a general audience of Catholics interested in learning more about the Catholic Church’s teachings and treasury of sacred music. Our topics range from discussion of Church documents on sacred music, to the music of certain composers or eras, Gregorian chant, the role of music in Catholic education, and techniques for directing a better choir rehearsal. We’ll interview bishops, priests, music directors, composers, teachers, philosophers, and theologians. We’ll talk to people who found a home in the Catholic Church because they heard the call of Christ in the Church’s sacred music. We’ll ask questions about how really great music programs are doing their work. We’ll introduce you to Catholics who love their faith and, through sacred music, offer all their efforts for his glory and the sanctification of all who hear them.
We aim for our podcast to be thoughtful, encouraging, and informative. We hope, too, that it will inspire and motivate you to work for the renewal of authentic beauty in sacred music—whether you’re a working church musician or an average Catholic in the pews wondering what’s going on. With the prayers of our patronesses, Our Lady, Seat of Wisdom and Saint Elisabeth of the Trinity, we hope to help draw souls to Christ through the beauty of the Church’s sacred music.
Square Notes is the official podcast of the Catholic Institute of Sacred Music. http://catholicinstituteofsacredmusic.org/
Latest episodes
Apr 22, 2024 • 30min
SE06 EP09 - Gregorian Chant and the Art of Memory: Chant Books (Tonaries) and Florilegia - with Dr. Anna Maria Busse Berger
Dr. Anna Maria Busse Berger, a music professor, delves into the connection between music notation and memory in Gregorian chant. Topics include memorization techniques, monks' use of music for learning Latin, the shift to modal systems in chant, and the spiritual benefits of singing scriptures and hymns. The importance of memory in church music practice and performance is also highlighted.
Apr 15, 2024 • 44min
SE06 EP08 - The Sacramentality of Sound: Bells and Their Place in Catholic Life - with Fr. Christopher Gray and Carl Zimmerman
Fr. Christopher Gray, a priest with expertise in the role of bells in Catholic life, and Carl Zimmerman delve into the historical and sacramental significance of bells in Christian worship, exploring their symbolism, rituals, and sound in Catholic life. They discuss the engineering and tradition of bell ringing in England, emphasizing the importance of quality craftsmanship and the profound impact of bells on sacred spaces.
Apr 12, 2024 • 44min
SE06 EP07 - Your Questions, Answered: Liturgical Q&A about Sacred Music - with Christopher Carstens
Christopher Carstens, Editor of Adoremus Bulletin, discusses liturgical-musical questions like using instruments during Lent/Advent, choir placement, approved songs, and paraphrasing psalms. They also debate on cantors being vested and the significance of robes in sacred music performance.
Apr 11, 2024 • 37min
SE06 EP06 - 3 Warmups, 3 Motets, and 3 Polyphonic Masses Every Choir Should Learn - Choral Institute Preview - with Prof. Christopher Berry
Adjunct Prof. Christopher Berry shares 3 warm-ups, motets, and polyphonic masses every choir should learn. They discuss vocal pedagogy, essential repertoire, and the mystical influence of Jean-La's music. Explore the enriching experiences at the Catholic Institute of Sacred Music's Choral Institute.
Mar 13, 2024 • 33min
SE06 EP05 - Tenebrae and the Lamentations of Jeremiah - with James Monti
Explore the history and significance of Tenebrae, including the unique rituals and structure of the ceremony. Learn about the profound meaning behind the Lamentations of Jeremiah and how they tie into the Easter triduum. Dive into the dramatic elements of the lamentations, depicting themes of sorrow and grief, and the role of faith in addressing grief and sorrow.
Mar 3, 2024 • 48min
SE06 EP04 - Fundraising for an Amazing Sacred Music Program - with Dr. Lucas Tappan
Budget crunch at your parish? Limited funding for your planned children's program? Join us for a discussion about fundraising strategies that are workable, easily manageable, and make it possible for you to build an amazing sacred music program. We also discuss models for a multi-parish children's sacred music program. Our guest is Dr. Lucas Tappan, the founder and president of the Catholic Academy of Sacred Music, founder and director of the Most Pure Heart of Mary Schola Cantorum, and the Director of Liturgy and Music for Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Topeka, Kansas. Find out more about Dr. Tappan's work here: https://catholicacademyofsacredmusic.org/ Learn more about the "Teaching Gregorian Chant to Children" graduate course this summer, which prepares teachers to teach using the first level of the Ward Method of music instruction, by clicking here: http://catholicinstituteofsacredmusic.org/summer-courses/.
Feb 27, 2024 • 38min
SE06 EP03 - Marian Chant: The Music of Lady Masses - with Dr. William Mahrt
Explore the significance of Lady Masses and Marian votive Masses in Catholic liturgy. Delve into the complexity of Gloria text with Trinitarian aspects and Marian tropes. Learn about the evolution of polyphonic music influenced by Marian chants in liturgical worship.
Feb 25, 2024 • 39min
SE06 EP02 - It's All Greek to Me (Until It's Latin): The Evolution of Language in the Roman Rite - with Fr. Nicholas Schneider
Explore the transition from Greek to Latin in the Roman Rite with insights from Fr. Nicholas Schneider. Discover the pivotal role of language in Christian sacred music and liturgy. Learn about the evolution of language in the Roman Rite and the spiritual significance of Latin for prayer.
Feb 24, 2024 • 43min
SE06 EP01 - Priests and Musicians Working Together: Salaries, Contracts, and All the Practical Stuff - with Michael Olbash
Explore the dynamics of salaries and contracts between musicians and priests in the realm of sacred music with guest Michael Olbash. Learn about the expectations and responsibilities of musicians in parish settings, hiring the right fit for music director and organist positions, and navigating stable employment amidst pastoral changes. Discover fair compensation schemes for musicians in parish settings and considerations for substitutes and fair compensation.
Apr 27, 2023 • 43min
SE05 EP16 - Charles Tournemire as Liturgical Organist: Improviser & Composer of L’Orgue Mystique with Kevin Faulkner
As he works on finishing up his biography of French Catholic organist, improviser, and composer Charles Tournemire, Kevin Faulkner joins us to discuss Tournemire's studies with Franck, his career as an organist, his improvisations, a look at his overall compositional output, focusing on works for the organ, and how his monumental composition L'Orgue Mystique fits into the sung Mass. To learn more about L'Orgue Mystique, check out the collection of essays entitled Mystic Modern: https://shop.musicasacra.com/product/mystic-modern-the-music-thought-and-legacy-of-charles-tournemire-eds-donelson-schloesser/ To learn more about the Organ Improvisation Seminar as part of the Catholic Institute of Sacred Music's Summer 2023 term, visit: https://catholicinstituteofsacredmusic.org/
