This is our catalog of courses. We will occasionally adjust the course listing to reflect the addition of new courses and the retirement of others.
Delve into the ancient Catholic practice of psalm-singing! Discover the rich history of chanted psalmody in the Church and learn the essentials of chanting the Psalms in Latin yourself, just as religious and faithful did throughout the Middle Ages and even to the present day.
Total classes: 6
Prerequisite: Gregorian Chant Camp (live or recorded course); or working familiarity with Gregorian chant and Gregorian notation. Some familiarity with Latin vocabulary and pronunciation will be helpful.
Suggested grade level: 9th to 12th grade
Suggested credit: ½ semester Music or Chant
Description
This is a crash course in singing the Psalms in Latin Gregorian Chant. After two classes establishing the historical and spiritual basis for the practice, students will learn about the Gregorian modes and how to apply them, even without written music! Finally, they will learn techniques to add beauty and intentionality to their chanting with the rules of Gregorian style.
Outline
Class 1: History of Psalms & The Divine Office
Class 2: Psalms & Spirituality
Class 3: The Eight Modes
Class 4: Applying the Modes
Class 5: Singing Marked Psalms
Class 6: Making Your Psalm-Singing Beautiful
Materials and Homework
Materials
All materials provided digitally by the instructor. Students will need access to the internet and the ability to view YouTube links. Access to a printer is recommended.
Homework
A short quiz following each class; one mid-course assignment requiring students to listen to several psalms and name their mode; and a final assignment requiring students to record audio of themselves singing a psalm in the mode of their choice, explaining why they chose the mode in an additional written component. Extra credit will be available in the form of essay work.
Note: Participation is an important part of this course and will constitute a significant portion of the final grade. Participation is gauged by a student’s relevant questions and comments in chat and, in the second half of the course, by coming on microphone to practice singing and demonstrate understanding of the course content.
Important Dates
Class Meetings: Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, June 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 2024
