THE WEDNESDAY REPORT: August 31, 2022

Posted by Tony Ward on 8/31/22

Dear Partners in Ministry,

First things first: hello from most of the musical history of St. Noel! Monday night, NPM Cleveland held its first gathering since COVID (and my first opportunity to gather with them as well!) at Our Lady of Grace in Hinckley. As it turned out, ... Read More »

THE WEDNESDAY REPORT: August 24, 2022

Posted by Tony Ward on 8/24/22

Dear Partners in Ministry,

You know far better than I do that we're missing a lot of former familiar faces in the choir these days and, even though we're so grateful for those of you who've joined up since I've arrived, we're keenly aware of those empty seats each ... Read More »

THE WEDNESDAY REPORT: August 17, 2022

Posted by Tony Ward on 8/17/22

Dear Partners in Ministry,

Why yes, we are talking about Advent in the middle of August. But before we do, a note from the composer world: Last weekend, we learned of the passing of Dr. James E. Moore Jr., whose name you might recognize from his beloved 1983 setting of ... Read More »

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 »