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Evergreen Church Music Conference Winter Park, CO, July 24–30

March 18, 2003
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The Evergreen Church Music Conference took place July 24–30. Because the original site in Evergreen, CO (home of the conference since its founding in 1907) was sold this past year, the conference was held at the Iron Horse Resort Retreat in Winter Park. Donald Pearson, organist-choirmaster of St. John's Cathedral in Denver, served as Dean of the conference; John Repulski was conference coordinator.

The conference began with an opening Eucharist service. After dinner, Dr. Charles Kiblinger, Dean of St. John's Cathedral, Denver, gave the first of a series of lectures on the Catechumenate, an innovative program to bring people into the church in this post-Christian era. David Conte, professor of composition at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, spoke about techniques of choral composition. Throughout the week he gave several sessions on his choral and organ compositions. The first day ended, as did every day, with a sung Compline service.

Tuesday began with a lecture on "The Practical Church Musician" by Richard Webster, organist-choirmaster of St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Evanston, IL. John Repulski then presented "Getting Started with Handbells," with many practical suggestions for rehearsal techniques and repertoire. Donald Pearson ended the day with an introduction to the new recording of his choir at St. John's Cathedral and the choral music of Alan Hovhaness.

Wednesday began with a bus trip to Evergreen where a Eucharist service was held at Douglas Chapel in the Hiwan Homestead near the former conference site. The rest of the day's events were held at St. John's Cathedral, beginning with a workshop on "Enhancing Vocal Quality" by Marilyn Hetzel, professor and director of theatre at Metropolitan State College in Denver. Frederick Swann, director of music and organist at the Crystal Cathedral, Garden Grove, CA, spoke about his upcoming evening recital, giving background information about the repertoire, the organ, and general ideas on effective programs and adapting them to various instruments. After high tea (fortunately it was iced tea in the 100-degree heat), the St. John's Cathedral Summer Choir presented a concert under the direction of Richard Webster, assisted by Eric Plutz, assistant organist of the cathedral. Following dinner, Frederick Swann played a recital well-suited to the cathedral's 1938 Kimball organ.

On Thursday, Frederick Swann offered helpful solutions to the problem of adapting orchestral accompaniments to the organ, interspersed with many entertaining stories of his wide-ranging experiences as a church mnusician. Richard Webster followed with a presentation on working with children in the church setting, and rehearsed a group of choristers from St. John's in preparation for a service the next day. John Repulski and Don Pearson then presented "Liturgical Music with Handbells," and Frederick Swann led a workshop on different styles of hymn-playing, followed by a reading session of recent choral publications.

Friday began with Frederick Swann fielding a lively set of questions and discussion of various topics on church music. Following continuing workshops by Charles Kiblinger, David Conte, and Richard Webster, the afternoon ended with an Evensong service sung by the choristers of St. John's, conducted by Richard Webster and assisted by Eric Plutz. In the evening, Thomas Troeger, professor of preaching and communication at the Iliff School of Theology in Denver, presented the first of two extended workshops entitled "The Landscape of the Heart: Church Music and the Sacred Imagination." His presentation included opportunities to sing some of his hymns, many of which have been set to music by Carol Doran. His second workshop on Saturday morning was followed by the final Eucharist service in Winter Park. The traditional talent show ended the Winter Park portion of the conference on Saturday night. The conference ended with the Sunday morning service at St. John's Cathedral.

--Carolyn & John Skelton

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