Teens of note find right key at camp for Church musicians

More than three dozen teenagers strummed guitars, pounded drums and bowed violins during "Music and Liturgy at Pyramid Lake," a four-day workshop for budding Church musicians that was held recently at the Pyramid Life Center in Paradox.

The teens, 13-18, learned about liturgy, leadership and music through workshops, jam sessions, talks and prayer services.

Along with singers, there were instrumentalists on drums, trombone, violin and flute.

Liz Chevalier, 14, of St. Madeleine Sophie parish in Guilderland, said she attended "to have fun, meet new friends and learn more about my singing ability at church."

Camp of note

Richard Putorti, music minister at Our Lady of the Assumption parish in Rotterdam, coordinated the camp.

"We're looking at the next ten, 15, 20 years" of music in the Albany Diocese, he explained. "We want to develop the music directors of the future. I want them to leave with an experience of good liturgy, of what is supposed to happen, of what should be and what could be."

The week began with the basics of liturgy, ritual and tradition, and a look at Church documents pertaining to music and the liturgy.

What they learned

The teens learned about the styles of Church music, how music ministers plan liturgical music, and the experience of being in front of a congregation. They also identified the musical and other skills they will need to develop.

Marie Bernadett, the music director at St. Vincent de Paul Church in Albany and another camp coordinator, said the teens "learn pretty quickly what musical theory things they have to learn and that, in order to lead music, you have to know the order of Mass. They also learn what ministry is all about."

The teens could often be found with instruments in hand, "jamming" with one another until late at night, writing songs, practicing for the next day's Mass or planning morning prayer.

Into practice

A highlight of the camp was the daily Mass and song-sharing sessions, where small groups of the teens prepared songs and presented them. For many, the Masses were their first experience of leading a congregation as a cantor or introducing a song with a trumpet or flute solo.

That was a big step for Courtney Sims, 16, from St. Vincent de Paul, who sometimes feels nervous when singing or playing the flute in front of large groups of people.

"It's worse when I'm standing," she said, "but it's usually really fun. We get really into it, and I forget I'm up there sometimes."

Pitching in

Fourteen-year-old Stephanie Hayes, a parishioner at Holy Trinity parish in Johnstown, usually plays her flute for Christmas and holy days at her parish.

"The congregation is the most important part," she said, noting that music ministers have a responsibility to help the congregation sing.

Lorna Lucci, 13, from Sacred Heart parish in Lake George, said that she learned about music and the liturgical year at the camp, and why "you can't just play anything at any time; you have to know what the right time is."

Music and faith

Courtney noted that good music helps her to be more attentive and faithful at Mass.

"I'm surprised at how many churches don't pay attention" to liturgical music," she said. "I've been to churches where they don't do anything to get people involved. It doesn't do a lot for your faith. Music really helps. You really get into it."

"I understand, now, why we sing," said Christina Papale, 16, from St. Teresa of Avila parish in Albany, near the camp's end. "Music gets you into faith."

Old-timer

The oldest participant, 18-year-old Chris Urban, plans on attending the Crane School of Music at SUNY/Potsdam in the fall. He has attended the music camp for four years.

That experience, he said, has assisted him in his position as choir director and organist for a Methodist congregation in Chestertown, where he attends St. John the Baptist Church.

He's required to teach new pieces to his congregation, "to keep the assembly together and to get them to come in," all skills that he said are developed at the camp.

"Without the music, [Mass is] not the same," he said. "It's a great way to share gifts and talents with others."

(7/21/05) [[In-content Ad]]