Annual PSALM Liturgical Singing Seminar

On February 8-9, 2013, musicians from all over California and beyond gathered at beautiful St. Seraphim’s parish in Santa Rosa, CA for PSALM’s annual Liturgical Singing Seminar: a Pan-Orthodox weekend of training in liturgical singing and conducting. Choral Leadership was taught by Mark Bailey, who is currently director of the Yale Russian Chorus and the American Baroque Orchestra. Vocal Development was taught by Anne Schoepp and Alice Hughes, both directors at St. Lawrence Orthodox Church in Felton, CA.  Voicing Music for Small Choirs was taught by Nicolas Custer of St. Seraphim’s Orthodox Church. Anne Schoepp also taught a session on Entering into the Beauty of God, featuring Fr. Anthony Coinaris’ book, “Do Something Beautiful for God.”  Together participants sang Friday Vespers, and Saturday Liturgy. Great Vespers on Saturday evening was sung antiphonally between a choir of seminar participants and the St. Serpahim’s Parish choir. The time spent singing together is always uplifting for all attendees, but of special importance this year was the singing session devoted to liturgical compositions of the late Maia Aprahamian, friend and colleague of many present. Much of her music was also sung during the services for the weekend. It was a moving and beautiful time for all, and we felt Maia’s presence with us. Many thanks to Fr. Stephan Meholick for serving the services for us and sharing some stories about Maia and her journey from being a secular composer to being an Orthodox composer. Glory to God for all things!