Home » Blog » Church Music Institute Trains Church Musicians from around the Region

Church Music Institute Trains Church Musicians from around the Region

The Church Music Institute (CMI) was held from July 17, through July 29, at Shenandoah Conservatory under the leadership of Director and Associate Professor of Organ and Church Music and Director of the Church Music Institute J. Thomas Mitts, D.M.A. The two-week event is a time for church musicians to come together to develop and refine the many aspects of their work in an atmosphere that encourages creativity and exploration, based on a solid foundation of technique. CMI’s philosophy is rooted in historical practice adapted to today’s worshiping congregations of all denominations, employing a variety of musical styles and repertoire.

The study of liturgy and liturgical music is made practical as the participants design worship services of all types. Masterclasses provide instant feedback to the performer under the clinician’s guidance, hymn-playing and improvisation skills are honed as the group sings with the organist, and conducting and rehearsal skills are sharpened as the singers and accompanist respond to the conductor. All these skills are synthesized as the participants plan and present a variety of public worship services.

This summer’s events included a Choral Evensong in the Anglican tradition, an Organ Mass by François Couperin with motets by Jean-Baptiste Lully, hymn festivals for Advent, Lent, and the Easter season, and vespers for Pentecost Day. The culminating event was the presentation at the Franciscan Monastery in Washington, D.C., of the “Vespers for Our Lady” by Marcel Dupré.

Lunch, dinner and “after-hours” gatherings allowed time for personal interaction in forging or renewing friendships, as well as providing the opportunity to learn about the work of colleagues in other churches. One of the most notable aspects of CMI is that musicians of all levels and backgrounds come together and are met where they are—from this they all learn with one another and from one another.

Categories: , , ,

Recent News

Shenandoah Pharmacy Graduates Secure Competitive PGY2 Residency Matches

Four pharmacy graduates advance into competitive PGY2 residencies in pediatric, psychiatric pharmacy, oncology, and investigational drugs and research

Professor explains content on a screen in a Shenandoah University educational leadership doctoral class.

New Higher Ed Concentration Offered in Shenandoah University’s Educational Leadership Doctoral Programs

Course topics delve into the primary responsibilities of higher education leaders

Headshot of J. Robert "Bobby" Spencer

Shenandoah University To Hold Special Performance To Benefit SSMT Living Legacy Endowment Fund

Original ‘Jersey Boy’ J. Robert Spencer headlines ensemble cast of Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre alumni

Shenandoah OT Programs Recognize Students & Educators of Distinction

2024-25 Awardees Hail From Four Occupational Therapy Programs

Students walk on campus with Sarah's Glen in the background.

Shenandoah University Participating In 2025 Virginia Private College Week

Prospective students who visit from July 21-26 will be entered to win an Amazon gift card and are eligible for an application fee waiver

Monthly Archives