SEPTEMBER 2020
“ It was an opportunity for both communities to come closer, recognize each other, and explore ways to work together and support each other at their parishes.”
Te event began with a Friday evening concert led by Peter Kolar. Tis was the perfect ice breaker for our attendees. Te concert, held at a local parish, featured compositions by Peter, as well as other American and Hispanic Catholic composers; it offered a variety of styles, allowing concert goers to praise and meditate through music. Peter was accompanied by an ensemble of local musicians from the Diocese of Austin.
Te workshop took place at San Jose Catholic Church the next day. Peter focused the first portion on cultural competency, where participants engaged in a dialogue that encouraged them to share their views and approaches to music ministry based on their cultural background. Tis promoted a deeper understanding of Hispanic and American culture, and the way people on both sides envision their role as pastoral musicians. It was also an opportunity for both communities to come closer, recognize each other, and explore ways to work together and support each other at their parishes. Later, Peter invited participants to experience bilingual music resources and repertoire. Finally, the workshop addressed techniques for interpreting Latin American rhythms and styles properly, while still remembering the role of the pastoral musician, which allowed all participants to make music together and learn through practical skills.
Te event was a big success. 120 Spanish and English- speaking pastoral musicians from our local Diocese participated. Te reviews were positive, and many stated that this event allowed them to learn from each other and grow closer together as a community. Many parish music directors said they gained a deeper understanding of their communities and were encouraged to try new ways of approaching their work with their culturally diverse ensembles.
How to:
• To put together an event like this, it is very important to include everyone. Because bilingual events are typically advertised in English with Spanish translations, we decided to do it vice versa. All advertisement went out in Spanish with English translations. Tis was a way to let our Hispanic community know that the event was crafted for them, and that it would also be led in their language.
• Define your target audience. We overstated that this event was for Spanish and English- speaking musicians/music directors, and anybody who works or belongs to bilingual or shared parish communities including liturgists and clergy.
• Consider partnering with your local Diocese. Tis allowed us to reach a greater number of people.
• It is important that the speaker delivering the workshop is someone approachable and has a connection and understanding of both communities.
• Tis event should be bilingual, as the main purpose is to bring two different communities together. Te goal is for everyone to remain together as a group.
• We are all musicians, so music making must be an integral part of the workshop and is an opportunity to learn each other’s repertoire.
• Invite people to bring their instruments!
• Tis should be an all-day workshop so that there is ample time for everything you wish to accomplish.
• Engage publishers to donate free bilingual resources, hymnals, and even open a little consignment stand.
Andrea Ramos is the Associate Director for Music for the Diocese of Austin, Texas. She also serves as the NPM Austin Chapter Director, and she was recipient of the NPM Chapter Leader of the Year
Award in 2019. An active classical singer and cantor, she holds degrees in Voice and Opera Performance.
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