Singing with the Angels Workshop Held

The 2013 Pacific NW Pan Orthodox Liturgical Singing Seminar was attended by over 70 participants of various skills levels-choir directors, singers, Readers, Deacons and Clergy from various jurisdictions and geographical locations. Located at the Church of the Annunciation in Milwaukie, Oregon, the seminar drew attendees from as far south as the San Francisco Bay Area all the way to Langley, British Columbia. Participants ranged from OCA parishes to ROCOR, Antiochian and GOA churches.

This year’s guest lecturers were Prof. David Drillock and Valerie Yova. Attendees were immersed in an intensive all day seminar with lectures focusing on the history and development of Orthodox music, the role of antiphonal singing, Hierarchical services and more. In addition other lectures focused on proper vowel formation, posture and intonation.

The Pan Orthodox Choir sang Great Vespers and Divine Liturgy under the direction of Irina Burkett, choir director at the Church of the Annunciation. It was a Grace filled day of choir development, learning and prayer for those who attended. The website for the Church of the Annunciation, as well as the Pan Orthodox Liturgical Singing Seminar Facebook page will be updated regularly providing information for the October, 2014 seminar.
 
“It was wonderful! We are renewed and excited to use what we learned to the glory of God! Thank You!”
Lyra Josefsson, Redding, CA

“You did a fabulous job. It was educational and fun. I really enjoyed it.”
Pat Moderow, Tacoma WA

“Thank you for all your Church did for this weekend. I loved being under your direction in rehearsals and worship. Of course it’s always a treat for a choir director to just be one of the choir; however, in this case I thoroughly enjoyed your fine conducting, undergirded by a true understanding of what we are doing — leading the people in worship and singing with the angels.  I could truly sing and worship in that setting. The clearly printed music in separate binders were so great to have. We got home about bedtime Sunday night, and when the alarm went off the next morning at 5:30, it was very hard to get up. But by God’s grace I am doing my job (administrative work at the county bus company) with a song in my heart. Still hearing the beautiful singing and the bells. Oh, the bells. What a beautiful temple and grounds you have there! So, thank you, thank you, thank you for all your parish did to pull off this weekend. I know it took many hands and hearts.”
Kathleen Jones, from St. Innocent in Everson, WA.  

“Thank you so much for accommodating our large group of 7 singers from Langley, B.C. I have already started telling people here to book their holidays for next year to be able to attend this yearly music festival. I look forward to seeing you next year.”
Gregory Gascoigne, choir director, B.C., Canada