What an absolutely great bunch of guys to work with. Since September we’ve been chanting for one Mass a month, and yesterday’s Mass was the last before heading off to a well-deserved summer break. And more important, to the Sacred Music Colloquium in Chicago next week.
Here’s what we’re struggling with right now. This Schola has been in existence since 2005, yet we struggle to maintain a loyal membership of half a dozen. We’ve tried approaching people in a number of ways, mostly using 1-on-1 contact, but the total seems to be flat or slowly declining. I’m a little worried that we may dip below critical mass (har har) on any particular Sunday.
I’d like to get your thoughts on another couple of matters, things I’m working on over the summer. First, we’ve never been able to attract any women to our little Schola – they appear to be intimidated by the thought of being the first woman in a bunch of men. And I don’t think many women have ever heard the glorious polyphony that we could do with a wider range of voices.
I was thinking of just putting together a single “special occasion” – where we could invite men and women from various places to just have a few practices to sing at a Mass next fall. No permanent obligation, just a chance to try something new. New to them, I mean. 😉
Your thoughts? How do you think I can make this more attractive?
The other thing I’d like to put together is a cross-parish activity, where we can chant with the other two scholas in town. Maybe we could do one Mass at each of the three parishes? It could be challenging because two would be Ordinary Form and the other Extraordinary Form, but probably quite rewarding if we could pull it off.
Your thoughts and observations? I’m including those of you who don’t profess to be Chant Geeks also, because maybe some other points of view might help us to explore new avenues.
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I think making the attendance more casual is an excellant idea.
People are busy and maybe they would like to be spontaneous in participation.
We all get something unexected and singing is the highest form of praise.