The Madeleine Choral Invitational

The Madeleine Music Ministry is delighted to host the First Annual Madeleine Choral Invitational – a full day of workshops, prayer, fellowship, and SONG – for all Catholic choirs, cantors and musicians.  No matter how large or small your choir; whether you are an experienced singer or just like to sing – PLEASE JOIN US!

  • When:  Saturday, May 13, 2023 – ALL DAY
  • Where:  All activities will take place on the campus of St. Mary Magdalene Parish.  Our newly renovated Old Madeleine Church, newly painted Main Church, and beautiful grounds (which promise to be in full bloom), provide the perfect oasis for a day of prayer, song and fellowship.
  • Why?  We all need time to recharge and renew after a busy Easter season – and a LONG two years of CoVid lockdowns.  This day is to connect with other musicians, learn some new skills, recruit new members, perform great music, and do what we love – SING!
  • How?  Choirs and/or individual music ministers will register online or by mail.  A nominal registration fee will be charged per choir or individual. 

Questions?  Please contact:

Dr. Maria Manzo, Director of Music
The Madeleine Church
503-281-5777
mmanzo@themadeleine.edu

The Madeleine Choral Invitational is supported by The Madeleine Parish, Fr. Mike Biewend, Pastor; and in-kind volunteer support from the Portland Chapter of the National Association of Pastoral Musicians (NPM) and a team of musicians from the Archdiocese of Portland.

 

SCHEDULE

Part One:  (9:00am – Noon)

  • Hospitality
    • Begin the day with coffee and pastries. This is a great opportunity to introduce yourself to someone new – or re-acquaint yourself with others since the Pandemic.
  • Morning Prayer
    • Our volunteer Festival team will “set the tone” for the day as we gather together for a brief time of prayer and song. All you need to do is pray and sing!
  • Educational (and FUN) Workshops
    • Workshops are designed for choirs, choir directors, and musicians alike – and will be presented by our own Archdiocesan musicians.
    • Each workshop will be approximately 45 minutes, allowing for two to three offered simultaneously on the campus.
    • Workshops will include a variety of informational, “hands on” topics pertaining to music ministry. They MAY include…..
  • The “ABC’s” of music – a practical guide to rhythm and sightreading
  • There is ONE voice – the art of creating a unified choral sound.
  • A review of Liturgical principles and formation.
  • Can I get an “Amen”? – an inside look at Church music history and the development of “call and response” singing.
  • How to age gracefully as a singer.
  • So you want to be a Cantor? – basic training and skills for the volunteer cantor.
  • The digital age of music – doing your part to care for the environment.

LUNCH (provided)

Part Two: (1:00pm – 4:00pm)

Now the fun begins!  In preparation for the gala evening concert, all choir directors, singers and musicians will join together for a “mass” choir rehearsal.  Music will be made available to all participants for advance preparation.  Immediately following, individual choirs will have an opportunity to rehearse their music for the performance.

AFTERNOON BREAK

We will take a break later in the afternoon to allow for dinner and those who need to sing/play for mass in their respective parishes. 

Part Three: (7:30pm)

The day will culminate in an evening concert for the community – featuring our mass choir and any individual choirs that would like to perform.  This is our opportunity to SHARE the musical gifts that we have been given with the community at large!