PAGE 1 The BYZANTINE ECHO - www.mefgox.orgA News Publication MAY of the2010 Mid-Eastern Federation of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians MAY 2010 www.mefgox.org Official Treatise on Greek Canonsburg Orthodox Church Music from Parish Getting Ready for a Great 1820 Published in English Convention Book Review: Great Theory of Music by Chrysanthos of Madytos, The All Saints Greek Orthodox Newly Translated by Dr. Ekaterina Romanou Church in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania is enthusiastically preparing for what will by Stanley J. Takis certainly be a memorable 63rd MEFGOX Annucal Convention on July 15 through Music theory is a dry topic. People like to think of music as an art form and not a science. However, for anyone interested in the correct application of music, the study July 18. Canonsburg, a small town of music theory is a must. This means that all musicians—composers, arrangers, southwest of Pittsburgh and just east of conductors, performers, and directors—would benefit greatly from the study of music the Ohio border, is nestled in the foothills theory. Musicians must make choices that will affect the key element of the of the beautiful Allegheny Mountains. appropriate application of music in any particular situation. For example, in the The church, picturesquely situated in the application of art music, that is, pure music created as art only, it would be most side of a tall hill, features beautiful appropriate to perform the music the way the iconography, a bell tower, a high dome, composer intended. In this case, then, the most and the longest icon screen in America. concern about music theory falls upon the The convention committee of All composer, and the role of the performers is in Saints has been working hard to make interpreting what the composer’s intentions are. this year’s convention worshipful, But even in this situation, knowledge of music educational, and fun. The convention theory by the performers would help them to hotel sits atop another high hill opposite understand how composers use the medium of that of the church, and the view is music to artistically express their creations, stunning. In addition to the usual which would help them in their interpretations. workshops, rehearsals, church services, Church music is a different matter from meetings, and social activities, this year’s secular art music, and particularly so in the convention will feature a picnic in the Greek Orthodox Church. The appropriate park and a poolside dance. application of music in the Church relies on the The music selected for the role of music that was decided upon by the convention offers a one-year-only Fathers of the Church and the traditions that opportunity to sing much of the liturgical developed from it. These traditions have been music in a traditional chant form, canonized, and therefore have become the arranged by Nancy Takis specifically for official music of the Church. Specifically, the use in Greek and English by American role of music in the Church amounts to support of the texts of Church services and Greek Orthodox choirs. In addition to the rituals. This support comes in the form of applying music to enhance the clarity the traditional chant, there are several of texts. The Church expects that everyone in attendance of these services and rituals Nancy’s four-part choral arrangements will participate actively in them, and music is a way to help participants concentrate inserted for this special occasion. The on the words, which will enlighten them, teach them, and sanctify them in their convention choir will be conducted by spiritual journey through life. Therefore, the theory of this music differs much from Nancy’s husband, Stan. the theories of art music in the various cultures throughout the world. It establishes All in all, this will be a unique event Orthodox ecclesiastical music as exclusively vocal, being, in actuality, musically not to be missed by all Federation church enhanced speech without excessive emotion or art that may induce faulty musicians and their families. interpretations. (Continued on page 6) MORE INFORMATION INSIDE PAGE 2 The BYZANTINE ECHO - www.mefgox.org MAY 2010 — A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDET — Christos Anesti! This is my last chance before Ascension to extend to you this greeting. Indeed and truly, He is Risen. I hope you all had a beautiful and spiritually fulfilling Holy Week and Pascha. It has been a busy Spring for all I think. In March, the Executive Board held its third meeting of the year. Behind the scenes we really are working. There are always ongoing efforts to raise money so that we can continue this wonderful ministry. You have received reminders about your Stewardship for MEFGOX and the National Forum. I hope you will give this your serious consideration. It is only through your donations that we can continue to support these musical arms of the church. The funds raised allow us to sponsor workshops, support important transcription projects, the training of directors, chanters, choir members, and preserve our musical legacy in America. Please do your part! There is also our “Friends Program” which is an appeal to our family and friends who appreciate our talents and also want to perpetuate this ministry. Also, in March I had the privilege to represent the Federation at the meeting of the Presidents of the National Forum in San Diego. Every year prior the Clergy Laity all the Presidents of the Federations across the country convene to exchange ideas and provide counsel to the National Forum President, our own Vicki Pappas. We had a rewarding few days together. It is always interesting to learn what colleagues are doing in other parts of the country and how they deal with common situations. Most of them have had youth participate in their conventions in some fashion, or have had separate “conventions” for their youth. We seem to have a long way to go in that regard. On May 15, we will be coming together for our second meeting of the entire Federation Council, not just the Executive Board. I remind you that you are all welcome to attend any of these meetings. The Governance Committee has worked very hard to complete the revisions of our constitution and we are almost there. At the coming meeting we will also complete some of the details for the forthcoming convention in Canonsburg, Pa. July 15-18th. You won’t want to miss it, I promise you. With Love in Christ, Irene Georgantas MEFGOX President EDITOR’S OTE… This month’s issue of the BYZANTINE ECHO is focused upon the preparations for the Annual MEFGOX Convention, to be held at All Saints Church in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania on July 15-18. All Saints choir director Stephanie Zeremenko and her fellow convention committee members have been working very hard and diligently to make this a wonderful event, and I hope all of their hard work will be rewarded with a large turnout. I have the distinct honor of serving as the guest conductor of the convention choir this year. I promise that the rehearsals will be informational, fun, and not overly long. My goal is for everyone to have some time to relax and enjoy the beautiful area around Canonsburg as well as the hospitality of our hosts. Here’s to seeing all of you there in July! THE BYZANTINE ECHO is published by the Mid-Eastern Federation of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians, www.mefgox.org. Please send all correspondence to the editor: Stan Takis, 1900 Burkley Rd., Williamston, MI 48895 — [email protected] PAGE 3 The BYZANTINE ECHO - www.mefgox.org MAY 2010 PAGE 4 The BYZANTINE ECHO - www.mefgox.org MAY 2010 PAGE 5 The BYZANTINE ECHO - www.mefgox.org MAY 2010 Mid-Eastern Federation of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians 63 RD ANNUAL CONVENTION Individual Special Event/Meal Tickets Available to Non-Registrants Thursday, July 15, 2010 Saturday, July 17, 2010 Welcome Night Social and Buffet, 6:30 PM Grand Banquet, 6:30 PM Price: $30$20 Appetizers and Sit-Down Dinner Price: $35 Friday, July 16, 2010 An Evening at Angel’s Acres, 6:30 PM Sunday, July 18, 2010 Meatless buffet; Music and dancing poolside Farewell Luncheon after Divine Liturgy Price: $30$20 Price: $10 Please send attached completed registration form with check made out to ALL SAINTS CHURCH CHOIR to: Stephanie Pankas Zeremenko, 1009 Second St., Canonsburg, PA 15317, no later than June 30, 2010. Tickets will be held at registration or event door. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED---NO TICKET SALES AT DOOR _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ORDER FORM FOR NON-REGISTRANT SPECIAL EVENT AND MEAL TICKETS NAME _____________________________________________ ADDRESS ___________________________________________ PHONE _____________________________________________ PARISH_____________________________________________ Thursday # of tickets @ $30$20 ________ Friday # of tickets @ $30$20________ Saturday # of tickets @ $35 ________ Sunday # of tickets @ $10________ TOTAL _________ PAGE 6 The BYZANTINE ECHO - www.mefgox.org MAY 2010 (Continued from page 1) Chourmouzios were referred to, were controversial and not The book being reviewed here has become the most immediately or universally accepted. However, because of important book of musical theory for the Greek Orthodox Chrysanthos’ sincere intention to accurately preserve the Church. While there are other volumes written about the subject, ancient musical traditions of the Church, his volume has this book by far has formed the basis of the music that the vast become widely acknowledged as the main starting point for majority of Greek Orthodox parishes in the world use in their understanding the theory behind the official music of Greek services.