sharing the song: a reflection on Alice Parker as teacher and song leader

May 16, 2024 by Paul Vasile in Article, News, Leadership

Like so many, my first encounter with Alice Parker was through her music, specifically the hymn and Spiritual arrangements found in almost every church and academic choral library. But it wasn’t until I had a full-time church job and continuing education funds that I plucked up the courage to apply for her Score Study Workshop advertised in The American Organist. While I knew she was a brilliant and respected musician, I had no idea how profoundly her teaching would shape my life and work over the next 18 years.

church music institute at shenandoah conservatory

March 18, 2024 by Paul Vasile in News, Congregational Song

I’m grateful to Dr. Wayne Wold for inviting me to participate in this year's Shenandoah Conservatory Church Music Institute from June 16-28, 2024. I'll be part of Week II, offering sessions around the theme "Sharing the Song: Leadership Skills and Resources to Inspire Congregational Voices."

2024 lenten playlist

February 15, 2024 by Paul Vasile in Congregational Song, playlist, Lent

As we step into the season of Lent, here's a playlist I put together for The New York Avenue Presbyterian Church, the congregation I’m serving as interim musician.

an arrangement of glory to god, whose goodness shines on me

November 28, 2023 by Paul Vasile in Congregational Song, Music, Worship

Just before Advent, I received sample copies of an arrangement of “Glory to God, Whose Goodness Shines on Me” by Joel Raney that also weaves in a bit of the hymn “To God Be the Glory” (a more inclusive text, too). It’s an accessible SAB arrangement and available for purchase from Hope Publishing Company. It’s fun to see something you’ve written come back in a new way!

Here’s a preview recording of the arrangement from the publisher’s website.