This past summer we incorporated a new, and at the same time ancient, way of singing that focuses on the communal aspects of congregational singing. It is music and singing that is largely unaccompanied and doesn’t require any printed or projected materials. Consequently, the pieces are in some ways simpler than a lot of the service music and hymns, but at the same time allow for a deeper and definitely more communal expression. All Saints Company (that founded St. Gregory of Nyssa Church in San Francisco) has gathered a handful of music leaders and composers to renew this 'method' of singing and write new suitable repertoire for it. All Saints Company produced a book of the new material (Music By Heart, Church Publishing, 2008) and All Saints has been using that book and other music to teach the practice they call 'paperless music' in Music that Makes Community Workshops around the country. Here at the Cathedral we call it “Communitas” because its chief aim is to build community and get everybody singing.
This past summer we took advantage of the disruptions in our normal routines caused by the HVAC renovations to introduce Communitas at St. Paul’s. We experimented with it in between summer Hymn Sings and worked out kinks so now we can use it as we choose. Part of this process was finding the familiar and favorite hymns that we already knew and loved, that were suitable for this kind of approach. St. Gregory’s and All Saints Company have developed their own collections of this kind of music, which we continue to explore as well. And, as always, we are seeking out new pieces from other sources. An exiting part of this work is encouraging the composition of new pieces that are immediately meaningful to our own congregation. Ultimately, we’ll develop our own collection of these songs.
I’ve been assembling a team of song-leaders for this work; people interested in leading this kind of worship – not a choir so much as a team that disperses amongst the congregation to aid in the singing. Remember when I said last year, that if you were here, you were in the choir? Well, that is especially true now! We've already trained three leaders to work with us in this music and we'll continue looking for more people.
Beginning this fall, we dedicated some Sundays solely to this kind of music. And now every Sunday will features some pieces of this kind, as much of the learning process is singing the pieces many times over. Communitas also requires sitting more closely together and “up front” in the sanctuary. Please join in in this endeavor! It promises to create many memorable and devotional experiences for us all.
Ed Broms is the Music Director at St. Paul’s Cathedral, Boston, MA
