Cathedral to be alive with the sound of music

The event, organized by Jetmore resident Mary Jane Goebel, is open to music ministers and anyone interested in liturgical music. Interested individuals are encouraged to pre-register for the workshop, which will begin at 1:30 p.m. with sign-in. The day will include several break-out sessions on both voice and organ/piano. Dinner will be served at 5 p.m., followed by a 6 p.m. concert by organist Kenrick Mervine, who, with his wife, Barbara, will present the workshop.

The Mervine’s will take participants on a musical journey from Bach through perhaps every era of music history; and more styles (Broadway, Film, Jazz) than most participants will have ever heard in a single organ concert or workshop.

Together, the Mervines are Directors of Music at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, Denver. Ken is also Organist with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra and Temple Emanuel. They regularly present programs and workshops for large liturgical gatherings, as well as the American Guild of Organists regional and national conventions.

Most notably, Barbara was once chosen by Leonard Bernstein to deliver a subtle spoken solo at Avery Fisher Hall, while Ken was chosen as an organist for Pope John Paul II’s World Youth Day in Denver, and as featured artist at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C. On only three hours notice, they filled in for international recording artist Diane Bish in the only concert she’s ever had to miss due to illness — and the audience rushed to the stage to congratulate them during the final applause.

They have presented many workshops for organists, keyboardists, cantors, choir members, and clergy to enrich the music ministry of church or synagogue; Catholic or Protestant; traditional, eclectic, or contemporary liturgy. Extensive experience with and understanding of unique organs and other keyboards allows the Mervines to showcase the best features and uses of the instruments in each and every setting.

To register, send name, address, phone, and email, plus a check for $10 made out to the Diocese of Dodge City, to Mary Jane Goebel, RR 2, Box 201, Jetmore, KS 67854. For information, or to register over the phone, call Mary Jane Goebel at (620) 357-6466.

Music Ministers Day schedule:

1:30 p.m.: Registration

2-2:30 p.m.: Discussion of the unique challenges for cantor and accompanist:

Who’s in charge of leading the music and leading the congregation;

Communication/preparedness;

Different cantoring and accompanying styles: slowing down, erratic tempo, rhythmically challenged, aural/volume/balance perceptions

2:35-3:30 p.m.: Separate into two groups, direct hands-on for vocalists and keyboardists with repertoire.

Keyboard: Hymns and acclamations: How to be an accomplished accompanist. Tempo, registration, tone painting, fermata, intros and free harmonizations

Vocalists: Posture, breathing, placement, diction, congregation connection

3:30 – 3:45 p.m.: Break

3:45-5 p.m.: Reconvene as one group;

Various presentations of prepared selections; rehearse concert selections; summation; questions and answers; requests as time permits.

5 p.m.: Dinner

6 p.m.: After dinner concert presented by Ken and Barbara Mervine.