June 27, 2009

Today was full of rehearsal for the choristers.  The day began with a concert music class with Fr. Anthony, and then off to rehearsal with Dr. Theimer for the rest of the morning.  After lunch, the choristers had some free time.  Some of them walked around campus while others napped or played cards.  Then, it was back to the choir room.  The NCYC Alumni joined the choristers late in the afternoon to rehearse with them for Sunday Mass.  For supper, they all had a cookout together on the lawn in front of the music building.  Afterward, every one went to the Abbey Church to get a real sense of what the next morning would bring!  Then, there was time for some fun games and socializing after rehearsal.

Concert Music class with Fr. Anthony	Pick me, Father!	Morning rehearsal
NCYC makes great music and great friends!	Did someone say massage?	Choristers having a laugh with Camp Leader Brian
Playing cards during free time	Rehearsing with the NCYC Alums...	...and a view from the side
Waiting for the cookout to begin	Taylor and two alums relaxing together	Mmmm...yummy!
"This looks delicious!"	Fr. Matthew and Dr. Theimer catching up with alums	Choristers and alums rehearsing in the Abbey Church
"Blest are those who are called..."	Compline	Let the peace of Christ surround you
Some of the gals having a good time at the social!	Playing Trivia with the alums	"So this is what we'll be like in ten years..."

The National Catholic Youth Choir is a liturgically-based choir open to Roman Catholic youth entering 10th-12th grade.  The conductor of the choir is internationally renowned choral clinician Dr. Axel Theimer.  Fr. Anthony Ruff, OSB, a monk of Saint John’s Abbey, is the founding director of the choir.  The program takes place each summer on the beautiful wooded grounds of Saint John's Abbey and University in central Minnesota.  What is unique about the National Catholic Youth Choir is its liturgical focus.  The singers learn about the Catholic liturgy and how the treasury of sacred music (Gregorian chant, Palestrina, Mozart, Bruckner, Poulenc, Duruflé...) fits in Catholic worship today.  The choir also sings contemporary and newly-written music, some of it specially commissioned for the NCYC.

© 2009 National Catholic Youth Choir

Saint John's Abbey and University,

Collegeville, Minnesota 56321

For further information, contact the choir founder and chaplain,

Fr. Anthony Ruff, OSB
 

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Last updated on 13 April 2010