THE WEDNESDAY REPORT: August 10, 2022

Posted by Tony Ward on 8/10/22

Dear Partners in Ministry,Today, it's all about the rest of 2022— what's coming, who's doing what, and how we might get there. Let's Talk Christmas!

Since this is my first Christmas with you, I wanted to get a very early start on understanding who might be ministering and ... Read More »

THE WEDNESDAY REPORT: August 3, 2022

Posted by Tony Ward on 8/03/22

Dear Partners in Ministry,August and Potlucks and Concerts, oh my. Lots happening at the moment! POTLUCK TOMORROW!

Just a reminder that we're partying at the Kuerbitz residence tomorrow night at 6 (for the address or more info, email me). If you are coming and haven't told me yet, ... Read More »

THE WEDNESDAY REPORT: July 27, 2022

Posted by Tony Ward on 7/27/22

WE'RE BACK!

Tomorrow is the first of our regular Thursday gatherings as we resume full-time work in Music Ministry. I'm excited to get back to rehearsing with you all (and for that picnic next week; more below)!

Today's post contains several important topics for you: notes about our rehearsals; ... Read More »

THE WEDNESDAY REPORT: July 20, 2022

Posted by Tony Ward on 7/20/22

Dear Partners in Ministry,

As we enter our sixth month together, I wanted to share an observation with you. I've been talking quite a bit lately about the shape of music— the phrasing, dynamics, and rhythmic nuances we layer onto the "ink" (the notes, rhythms, and words) of any piece ... Read More »

THE WEDNESDAY REPORT : July 13, 2022

Posted by Tony Ward on 7/13/22

Dear Partners in Ministry,

Thank you for your flexibility regarding Thursday's cancellation. (The Sox won Game 1 last night, 10-6; Eli missed his second homer by inches.) Let's not worry about rescheduling that one, and stick to the August game plan.

Speaking of which: August 4 Potluck!

Carolyn ... Read More »

THE WEDNESDAY REPORT: July 6, 2022

Posted by Tony Ward on 7/06/22

Dear Partners in Ministry,

This summer is speeding by us! We're already halfway through our "summer break," but it feels like we just started our summer projects. That said, things are going well! Our cleanup project in the music room is well underway (thanks, library crew) and we're ... Read More »

And the winner is....

Posted by Tony Ward on 6/30/22

Dear St. Noel Family:

Thank you all again for your enthusiastic response to the New Mass Survey! You contributed over 275 responses and gave honest and very helpful input. It's further proof of what our liturgical celebrations mean to this community and I find that a source of great joy!

While all five settings averaged a score of at least 3.0 out of five, two clearly stood out. Of those, one consistently ranked highly among all four sample acclamations: Setting Four, Sarah Hart's Mass of St. Mary Magdelene. This very new setting of the Mass is the first by Sarah Hart, one of the most prominent and beloved contemporary Catholic composers today (born in Lancaster, OH, ... Read More »

THE WEDNESDAY REPORT : June 29, 2022

Posted by Tony Ward on 6/29/22

Dear Partners in Ministry,

No lengthy article this week, just a few notes and reminders for you! July 4 Mass

All are welcome to join me in Music Ministry for our Independence Day Mass at 9:00 am. We'll warm up and prep at 8:30. Music selections can be ... Read More »

THE WEDNESDAY REPORT : June 22, 2022

Posted by Tony Ward on 6/22/22

THINK PAST THE INK

Dear Partners in Ministry,

Imagine you’ve paid what it takes to see a touring Broadway hit. After fighting traffic, shelling out a parking fee, hiking from that distant lot to the theater, and making your way into the house, you find there is no set. ... Read More »

THE WEDNESDAY REPORT: June 15, 2022

Posted by Tony Ward on 6/15/22

Dear Partners in Ministry,

I had planned on writing a deep dive into choral technique this week, but I am exhausted! Some of you already know that I am a lifelong Cubs fan (I know, '16) and, naturally, I have passed this love on to my kids. While ... Read More »