Description
The human voice possesses a unique role among the musical instruments employed in Christian worship. It is the only instrument which can communicate words, and words are an inseparable part of the sacred Liturgy. Chant is, at its heart, sung speech. Think of your experiences singing the dialogues of the Mass: “The Lord be with you.” “And with your spirit.” “Lift up your hearts.” “We lift them up to the Lord.” “Let us give thanks to the Lord, our God.” “It is right and just.” These are all chants.

In this four-week course attendees will delve into the workings of traditional chant notation (also called square, or quadratic notation). They will learn to navigate pitch on the four line staff with ease, how to express basic neumes (groupings of notes), develop an ear for the eight Gregorian modes, and explore rhythmic nuances of this unique notation. The workshop will be conducted in a virtual masterclass format, giving attendees the opportunity to experience firsthand how to develop your sight singing skills between classes. 

In addition to demystifying the notation, this workshop will emphasize the development of sight singing skills, and the relationship of melody and sacred text.

Attendees must possess the following skills:
Consistently able to match pitch/sing in tune in one’s respective octave.
Ability to aurally distinguish between a half step (semitone) and whole step (whole tone).
Basic familiarity with discerning pitch on some form of a musical staff (e.g. 5, 4, or 2 line staff).
Commitment to practice exercises at least 15 minutes each day.
Familiarity with “movable DO” solfège recommended, but not required.

Date and Time
January 27, February 3, February 10, and February 17, 2025
8:00-9:30 pm ET/5:00-6:30 pm PT

Registration Fees
Non-members: $65 (includes 3 month trial of NPM membership)
Select-level members: $50
Select Plus-level members: $47
Standard-level members: $45
Premium-level members: $42.50

About the presenter: Angela Marie Rocchio
Angela Marie Rocchio has been singing, teaching, and conducting chant in sacred and secular settings for more than a decade. Her interest in chant was sparked during a year in study within the monastic tradition, including daily singing of the Liturgy of the Hours. In 2008, she studied at the Abbaye Saint-Pierre in Solesmes, France, under renowned chant master, Dom Daniel Saulnier. She has studied under distinguished chant instructors from around the globe.

At the request of Bishop Jenky of the Diocese of Peoria, Illinois, Angela founded the Cathedral Chant School. As Director, she designed and implemented an extensive curriculum, and conducted chant for liturgies at the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception.

Angela has presented chant workshops for the Diocese of Peoria, Illinois, Bradley University’s OLLI program, the Diocese of Springfield, Illinois, Musica Sacra Saint Louis, and NPM Saint Louis, as well as for a number of parish choirs. She conducted chant as a guest for the Advanced Women’s Schola at the Sacred Music Colloquium (Duquesnes University, 2011), the Behold conference (Bloomington, Illinois, 2012), the In Her Cherished Heart conference (Springfield, Illinois, 2014), concerts with Pro-Arte Saint Louis (2018 and 2019), and assisted in conducting the schola at the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis. She has been invited to speak about Gregorian Chant as a guest for The Liturgical Looking Glass on Radio Maria England, as well as Seize the Day with Gus Lloyd on Sirius XM The Catholic Channel.

Angela is also a professional singer. She sang soprano for Pro-Arte Saint Louis, a professional Early Music ensemble. She has served as a cantor in more than 60 parishes, and has been a cantor and paid section leader at the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis. She is also in demand as a freelance singer for weddings, funerals, and other special events.

Angela resides near Saint Louis, Missouri, with her husband, Michael Rocchio, who is also a professional singer and teacher of singing, co-founder and instructor for the International Chant Academy. More information can be found at www.chantacademy.com.