The Longest Nuptial Mass Ever!

... well, that is what it looks like it is turning out to be; at least for our small choir! We have been asked to sing the Mass in a Catholic Church not our own... with no practice using their equipment. The couple is from Africa and will be doing some traditional things along with the normal Nuptial Mass music.

Some music that we already know is being used; but most of it is new to us. We have learned a new Kyrie, a new Gloria, a responsorial song that we have never sung before though some of us were familiar with the tune. Fortunately, we know the Grayson Brown "Alleluia" and also his "Holy, Holy"... We also are using our Great Amen. A new memorial acclamation; a new Lord's Prayer and a new Lamb of God, a new Communion song. I have no clue who wrote the music for all of these pieces because we had to learn almost everything without written music... not unusual for a Gospel choir... We made up the harmony as we went along. Our musician was writing the notes down as our director was teaching us the tunes!

We also learned a new song for Communion, as well as a special song to be sung after the exchange of rings. Fortunately, the Offertory song is one of our favorites and a second Communion song will be our choice. Thankfully, the processional and the recessional will be done by the professionals at the church. Organ music, surely. A contrast to our piano.

Last night we had a major learning rehearsel for the wedding which will be this Saturday. The music is not as difficult as some music we have learned in the past; but after 3 hours of practice, one is ready to collapse! Tomorrow we will practice for Sunday Mass and then go over the Wedding music again. That will be it!

It will be a beautiful wedding. The music will turn out just fine. Though we are a small group of about 16 (when everyone is available to sing), we have sung together for many many years so we know what to do to make the music memorable.