Inaugural diocesan music conference held

I post this not so much to point your attention to the fact that the event occurred, but because there are music samples, photos, and a complete lecture to be enjoyed.

---

(ROCOR-EAD) - From Friday the 28th through Saturday the 29th of May, the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Washington, DC, hosted the first interactive seminar for church musicians, presented by the Eastern American Diocesan Music Committee. Developed in response to a 2009 survey of the liturgical musicians of the diocese (and beyond), the conference was deliberately brief and intensive, focused on the development of basic skills, such as vocal and conducting technique.

The conference began with a Moleben, served by Archpriest Victor Potapov, rector of the cathedral, and sung by the participants, who had traveled from as far south as Atlanta, GA and as far north as Montreal, Canada. Most of the registrants were from ROCOR parishes, but there were also representatives of other jurisdictions, including the Carpatho-Russian Church and the OCA.

The first interactive seminar was led by vocal pedagogue Inna Petcherkin, who provided insight to breathing and exercises to relax and develop muscles needed for proper singing. Thereafter, Youri Petcherkin led choral warm-ups, exhorting choir directors to do so with their ensembles at rehearsals. He led several interactive sessions, demonstrating conducting techniques and having participants try various exercises as well as taking lead of the group, for instruction that was literally "hands-on." Meanwhile, Mrs. Petcherkin provided private, individualized vocal instruction to participants, one-on-one.

At lunch, EADMC Chairwoman Elizabeth Ledkovsky gave a lecture entitled "Multiplying Talents: the Church Singer’s Privileges & Responsibilities." In the afternoon, Dr. Natalie Zelensky gave a fascinating lecture, surveying the history of Russian liturgical music, from 988 to the present. This talk was followed by a dinner and merry evening of camaraderie, singing, and conversation.

On Saturday, Mr. Petcherkin continued his conducting practica, whilst Mrs. Petcherkin continued to offer lessons. Archpriest George Johnson gave an informal talk about discipline in the choir.

The seminar concluded with a panel discussion, in which presenters Jared Brewer and Eugenia Temidis demonstrated various approaches to singing services with varying ensembles, followed by lunch.

The sisterhood, led by Matushka Maria Potapov and head sister Natalia Ekzarkhov, provided sustenance throughout the two days of the conference, serving bountiful and delicious meals and refreshments.

Complete article here.