Swapping psalms at Mass

[Mary_Ellen]

I agree with Pianistclaire, a choir can learn a new Psalm every week, and they can learn it in parts. After 3 years the tunes become familiar because they are repeated and they aren’t ‘brand new’ anymore.

Even in the summer, when our choir doesn’t have practices, we have a different Psalm each weekend, just not in 3-part harmony. It does present a challenge to the cantors and psalmists to learn the material fresh each week but it is really not that difficult, at least not for me and I lead the Psalm almost every single weekend. The congregation doesn’t seem to have any problem following along, either.

Even though Seasonal Psalms are allowed I feel they are too often used, as a crutch. The Psalms available in Respond and Acclaim are usually very singable and the chanted verses, once gotten used to, are not difficult to sing. There are other sources for the assigned Psalms of the day, as well. I don’t know them all but RaA from OCP is the one we use the most often in our parish.

 

[pianistclare]

I agree with Pianistclaire, a choir can learn a new Psalm every week, and they can learn it in parts. After 3 years the tunes become familiar because they are repeated and they aren’t ‘brand new’ anymore.

Even in the summer, when our choir doesn’t have practices, we have a different Psalm each weekend, just not in 3-part harmony. It does present a challenge to the cantors and psalmists to learn the material fresh each week but it is really not that difficult, at least not for me and I lead the Psalm almost every single weekend. The congregation doesn’t seem to have any problem following along, either.

Even though Seasonal Psalms are allowed I feel they are too often used, as a crutch. The Psalms available in Respond and Acclaim are usually very singable and the chanted verses, once gotten used to, are not difficult to sing. There are other sources for the assigned Psalms of the day, as well. I don’t know them all but RaA from OCP is the one we use the most often in our parish.

I bought Responda y Aclama for our Hispanic choir. they don’t read music, but they have been the singing the correct Psalm every Sunday for 3 years now. they are delighted when they come across one they already know.