When our new pastor and I decided to dive into the genre of chant with our parish choirs and congregation, I reached out to Angela for help. We wanted to start with a basic chant Mass setting and Mass Propers by Fr. Samuel Weber. As classical musicians, the concept of chant wasn’t foreign to me or our choir directors, but we needed to become proficient as a music ministry, including learning to read chant notation. Angela quickly came up with a detailed, customized proposal that included two trips to our parish: Angela directed one of our adult choir’s rehearsals, focusing on the chant Mass setting. A few weeks later, she gave a chant workshop which was opened up to the wider area, and covered all of the basics. She even created and printed chant manuals, which we pull out regularly since her workshop. Angela inspires an excitement to learn, and her teaching style is patient, organized, and well-rounded. She commands knowledge of not only the music, but the history and theology behind chant as well. Her skills in chironomy and vocal instruction made for a captivating and informative rehearsal with our adult choir. Angela did an excellent job of breaking down basic concepts for first-time adult learners, successfully teaching workshop attendees the basics of reading chant notation within a matter of hours. Whether your parish is over the moon about chant, or needs help breathing fresh life into the concept, I highly recommend Angela and her work with International Chant Academy."
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Bryan Beams ~ Director of Liturgy and Music
Immaculate Heart of Mary in New Melle
New Melle, Missouri
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