Traditional Choir
The Traditional Choir
Under the direction of Dan Doxzen
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Cantate Domino Canticum Novum |
| S | ince the Traditional Choir was formally established by the Pastor, Fr. Thomas J. Lehning, in September of 1983 when D. H. Doxzen Jr. (d.doxzen@stthomasabecketparish.org) was hired as our parish organist and choir director, it has enhanced our worship experience and has found a special place in our hearts. Fr. Lehning, wanted to insure that diverse liturgical musical traditions balanced with church directives concerning Music in Catholic Worship be part of every Sunday Mass but with particular emphasis and regard for those directives concerning the use of "traditional" music (including Gregorian chant and latin hymns) for Holy Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation as well as according the organ "pride of place" within the church. The music program of our parish reflects several liturgical traditions and styles from Organ and Chant to Guitars, Piano and Folk Music and instruments. |
| I | n this regard, Dan seemed the perfect answer to our parish needs as he was a classically trained pianist, organist, composer, liturgist and experienced cantor. A former Franciscan Friar of the Holy Land, Dan values his association with the Franciscan order as having provided him a unique experience in which he was able to grow as a musician, composer, liturgist and student of Gregorian Chant. Fluency in ecclesiastical latin is also somewhat helpful in this regard as a good understanding of the "Mother Tongue" of the church affords a better understanding of liturgical law and form. At the time of his hiring, the Traditional Choir was assigned to provide music for Sunday Mass at 11:00 am. Father Lehning, intending to build up membership in all parish choirs, decided upon a plan to rotate the Mass assignments for the various choirs annually changing every Advent, the beginning of the liturgical year. |
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ext year, in 1984, on the first Sunday of Advent, the rotating choir plan was begun and so, The Traditional and Contemporary Choirs were reassigned so that the Traditional Choir would now provide music for the Noon Mass and the Contemporary Choir doing so for the eleven o'clock Mass. Shortly thereafter, The eleven o'clock Mass was moved to 10:30 a.m. to afford more time between this Mass and the noon Mass which was having to begin later and later each Sunday. Advent of 1984, the plan to rotate the choirs was abandoned and so, the Traditional Choir has been provided music for the Noon Mass ever since. |
| G | iven most people's very busy schedule, the Traditional Choir has elected to rehearse briefly on Sundays after the noon Mass. We are currently (and perpetually) in need of singers. No additional rehearsals are scheduled during the week so, members needn't give up a weeknight to sing with the Traditional Choir. For more information please contact the parish office at (703) 437-7113. Or Email Dan Doxzen Daniel H. Doxzen, Jr. |