Body Mapping

I recently attended a workshop on Vocal Techniques sponsored by my local chapter of National Pastoral Musicians (NPM). Using the Andover Body Mapping Technique, the presenter, Heather Buchanan gave us a new look on how our posture affects us when singing, playing the organ/instruments or directing. Body mapping refers to knowing your body and how the parts of your body move and interact as you sing/play your music. For more information on Body Mapping or to attend a workshop, check out these links:

The Andover Body Mapping Website: http://bodymap.org/

Heather Buchanan’s Body Mapping Website: http://bodymapping.net/

-Antonia

Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Ave, María, grátia plena,

Dóminus tecum,

benedícta tu in muliéribus,

et benedíctus fructus ventris tui, Jesus.

Sancta María,

Mater Dei,

ora pronobis peccatóribus,
nunc et in hora mortis nostrae. Amen.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you.
Blessed are you among women,

Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now
and at the hour of death. Amen.

Photo:

Marian Name: Assumption Lily

Botanical Name: Hosta plantaginea "Royal Standard"

Missa Cantata

If you have the opportunity, don't miss the re-broadcast of the Missa Cantata High Mass in the extraordinary form for Good Shepherd Sunday on EWTN. The live airing was this morning at 8:00 AM from the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Hanceville, AL; the re-broadcast will be at 12:00 AM.

HE IS RISEN! Alleluia, Alleluia!

Jesus Christ is risen today, Alleluia!
Our triumphant holy day, Alleluia!
Who did once upon the cross, Alleluia!
Suffer to redeem our loss. Alleluia!

Hymns of praise then let us sing, Alleluia!
Unto Christ, our heavenly King, Alleluia!
Who endured the cross and grave, Alleluia!
Sinners to redeem and save. Alleluia!

But the pains which He endured, Alleluia!
Our salvation have procured; Alleluia!
Now He rules, eternal King, Alleluia!
Where angels ever sing. Alleluia!

Sing we to our God above, Alleluia!
Praise eternal, as God's love; Alleluia!
Sing in praise, you heavenly host,
Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Alleluia!

Latin carol, 14th century
Lyra Davidica, London 1708
Psalmodia Evangelica, London 1789
Stanza 4: Charles Wesley, 1707-1788

Boom-whackers

I recently attended a workshop for teachers of the Visual and Performing Arts. While the presentations weren’t all that great, some of the sample lessons and activities were. I especially liked the instructions on how to make your own Boom-Whackers.

What are Boom-Whackers you say? Boom-Whackers are colored tubes of different lengths that when they are whacked on the floor produce sounds. Each student is given a tube to learn how to play scales and songs. However, there are a couple of problems with them. The B-W are made of thin plastic that will bend and break over time. Also, the B-W are not that loud. This recipe for homemade B-W solves both of those problems.

Materials:

• Three – 4” PVC Pipe (they come in 10’ lengths)
• One – 4” PVC Cap for each note
• PVC Glue to attach the caps
• One small Carpet piece for each note (protects floor and prevents the cap from breaking)
• Duct Tape (to attach the carpet pieces)

Pipe 1: C (51 ½") F (37 ¾") A (29 ¾")
Pipe 2: D (45 ¼") E (40 ¼") G (33 ¾")
Pipe 3: B (26 ½") C (25") F# (35 ¾") Bb (28")

If you go to Home Depot or Lowe’s, they will cut the Pipes for you.