Open Your Hymnal

OYH Live! An Evening with Dan Schutte Mar 26, 2021

We’re celebrating our 50th episode with a special live show! Recorded with a live audience at Saint Boniface Catholic Church in Cold Spring, Minnesota, this interview with Dan Schutte is from a Lenten mission that took place on March 8, 2020. This was the last time the three of us were able to travel before the quarantines and travel restrictions put into place because of the Corona Virus pandemic. This is an hour filled with conversation, stories, reflection, and music making. It’s the same kind of interview as our other episodes, just with 300 of our closest friends! You don’t want to miss it!

So, please open your hymnal!

OYH Lessons and Carols, 2020 Dec 24, 2020

We are closing out Advent and 2020 with our third annual “OYH Lessons & Carols.” You’ll hear a range of instrumental and choral music from a variety of composers. You’ll also hear readings from scripture and seasonal reflections woven throughout, read by friends of the podcast: Kate Williams, LaTonia Clark Chalmers, Genoa Arling, Ivy O’Connell, Audrey Reichert, and Clare Reichert..

We hope that this celebration will serve as a moment of pause and reflection during this busy time of year.

So, please open your hymnals!

Songs of Advent: "This is Your Justice" Dec 13, 2020

Happy Advent! As we journey through this sacred season toward the celebration of Christ’s birth we are spending time revisiting some of our favorite Advent music. Today we feature a conversation with Craig Colson about his piece “This is Your Justice,” filled with references to texts from the prophet Isaiah. In addition to excerpts from our interview with Craig you’ll hear an extended playlist, journeying through new and familiar music for the season. Make sure to visit our social media pages for more Advent music, and make sure you are subscribed so you don’t miss our upcoming Christmas special features, including the 2020 edition of our annual OYH Lessons and Carols.

So, please open your hymnals to “This is Your Justice” and the music of Advent!

OYH Selects: "Creator of the Stars of Night" Nov 29, 2020

We are proud to bring you this interview replay! This episode was originally posted in December, 2018.

Happy New Liturgical Year! Advent has just begun, and to kick things off, we’re bringing you one of our favorite seasonal episodes from the past four years. Join Zack Stachowski and Matt Reichert as they speak with composer Carol Browning about “Creator of the Stars of Night.” Bob Moore stops by to talk about Carol’s music, and Fr. Anthony Ruff, OSB, gives some historical background to the 1,000-year-old chant hymn at the core of this piece. Plus, you’ll hear a bunch of great music in the OYH Playlist.

So, please open your hymnal to "Creator of the Stars of Night."

In Memoriam, 2020 Nov 01, 2020

This week we celebrate the Feast of All Souls, and in this time of remembrance, we thought we’d take some time to honor the composers, text authors, and pastoral musicians who passed away over this last year.

In this episode, you’ll hear music from six members of our field who died between November 2019 and November 2020. As we celebrate their lives and their contributions, we hope you’ll join us and add in the names of your loved ones, colleagues, friends, mentors, choir members, neighbors – who died in 2020.

"In Every Age" Oct 01, 2020

We’ve been featuring the music of Janét Sullivan Whitaker in our episodes for several seasons. If you’re a long-time listener of the podcast, you’ve heard her compositions in many “OYH Playlist” segments and special themed episodes. We’re excited to finally feature an interview with Janét, and we discuss all of the usual topics: setting text, crafting melody, and more. We’ll also hear one of our favorite cringe-worthy cantor moments, and you don’t want to miss it.

So, please open your hymnals to “In Every Age.”

Season 4 Kick-Off! Aug 28, 2020

It’s finally here! After an extended summer “break,” we’re happy to be back with an all new episode! Today we’re kicking-off Season 4 of Open Your Hymnal with a special preview episode. You’ll hear a run-down of the songs and composers we’ll be featuring in our upcoming season. You’ll also hear a little more about some of our new approach to programming and interviewing. Our first full interview episode will be out in just a few weeks.

Of course, we have more plans in the works for Season 4 than we were able to talk about in today’s episode. We’ve got additional interviews, some surprise guests, lots of themed episodes, and more. If you haven’t already done so, follow us on social media (Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter). Subscribe so you’ll never miss an episode! You can subscribe to OYH on Apple Music, Spotify, and Google Play.

We’re glad to have you with us for another season of the show. So, please open your hymnals to Season 4!

Songs for This Time of Pain and Darkness May 30, 2020

As with all of you, things at Open Your Hymnal have been different the last several weeks. So, we’re behind with our new episodes. We promise we’ll get back to them very soon.

In the meantime, though, we can’t ignore the things that are happening in our communities. We’re feeling the pile up of grief, sadness, anger, and hopelessness. So, we offer these songs to you, hoping they meet you wherever you are, that they accompany you, speak to you. At a time when, on the one hand we’ve lost our ability to sing together and, on the other hand, we’re made speechless by so much pain and injustice, we hope that we can still be fed, lead, and joined together by a power that can only come through music.

There won’t be any conversation in this episode, just the music. Thank you for spending this time with us in prayer and reflection. May we be healed, but never the same. May we all respond to the call, accept the commission, for real work, real action, real justice.

OYH Prayer Series: Easter Vigil Apr 11, 2020

This is the night! Our prayer series concludes with this offering for the Easter Vigil. You’ll hear prayers written by John Kyler, a reflection given by Fr. Michael Joncas, and music selections from several composers. May it be a way for you to enter deeply into these holy days, and may it serve as a way for us all to pray together, though we are apart.

So, please pray with us!

OYH Prayer Series: Good Friday Apr 10, 2020

Our prayer series continues with this offering for Good Friday, or Friday of the Passion of the Lord. You’ll hear prayers written by John Kyler, a reflection given by Fr. Michael Joncas, and music selections from several composers. May it be a way for you to enter deeply into these holy days, and may it serve as a way for us all to pray together, though we are apart.

So, please pray with us!

OYH Prayer Series: Holy Thursday Apr 09, 2020

These holy days of Triduum are unlike any other days of the year. This year, for many in areas affected by COVID-19, our celebration will be unlike any other year. In order to provide a way for us to still pray together, we are presenting a special podcast series for Triduum. You’ll hear prayers written by John Kyler, a reflection given by Fr. Michael Joncas, and music selections from several composers.

So, please pray with us!

**OYH Prayer Series: Stations of the Cross** Mar 24, 2020

(photo credit: Saint John’s Abbey)

At this time of year, communities gather together to pray the Stations of the Cross. However, due to the spread of COVID-19, this is not possible for many parishes around the world. In order to provide a way for us to still walk the way of the Cross together, we are presenting a special podcast version of Stations of the Cross with original reflections and prayers as well as a newly composed music setting by Zack Stachowski. You’ll also hear several selections from several composers you know..
So, please pray with us!
**Notes and resources**
You can find the music you heard via the following links: “Way of the Cross” (Francisco), “Restless is the Heart” (Farrell), “Sing Out, My Soul” (Whitaker), “When One Among Us” (True), “The Cross of Jesus” (O’Brien), “Psalm 22: My God, My God” (Montgomery), and “Ave Verum Corpus” (Moore).

*Download the guide for use in your home or parish by following the links below!*
**The Way of the Cross: A Prayer of Hope and Healing Amidst a Global Pandemic**
PARISH USE version
INDIVIDUAL/FAMILY USE version
PURCHASE MUSIC for the sung introductions
Guided Video Prayer

All content of this podcast is property of Look Up Here Productions or its content suppliers and is protected by United States and international copyright laws. For information about the podcast and its use, please contact us.

2020 Hymn Tune Madness Tournament Mar 20, 2020

It’s back! Our favorite podcasting event of the year returns with the 2020 “Hymn Tune Madness” Tournament. This year our bracket is populated with hymn tunes voted on by you, our faithful listeners. There are some returners from our first tournament last year, with favorites like NETTLETON, HYFRYDOL, SLANE, and PASSION CHORALE. There are also several upstarts who are making their first appearance in the tournament, like OLD HUNDREDTH, LAND OF REST, and AR HYD Y NOS.

You can download and fill-in your own bracket here. Share it with us on social media and join the conversation on our Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter pages. The voting will begin on Monday, March 23 with one match-up being decided each day. Voting will take place on our social media pages, so follow us for more information and updates.

Today’s episode is an exploration of the first round match-ups, talking through each pairing in our two divisions, “New Britain” and “Darwall.” You’ll hear excerpts of each tune, and a special tribute to the 2019 Grand Champion, THAXTED.

So, please open your tournament brackets!

OYH Prayer Series: Evening Prayer Mar 13, 2020

Take twenty minutes out of your day to pause, reflect, and pray. Following a basic evening prayer structure, this prayer experience includes Psalmody, Psalm prayers, readings from Scripture, time for reflection, intercessions, and a blessing.

**Celebrating the Music of the Dameans** Feb 13, 2020

The Dameans and OYH! Darryl Ducote, Matt Reichert, Buddy Caesar, Gary Daigle, Mike Balhoff, Gary Ault, and Zack Stachowski (NPM 2019, Raleigh)

The Dameans occupy a special place in the development of contemporary Catholic music following the Second Vatican Council. They made significant contributions to the growing repertoire of liturgical music, they helped shape the ways communities experienced the liturgy, and they influenced the way composers approached writing and recording music for prayer. Co-hosts Zack Stachowski and Matt Reichert were fortunate to spend time with the members of the Dameans at the 2019 National Association of Pastoral Musicians convention in Raleigh, North Carolina. In this conversation, Gary Ault, Gary Daigle, Darryl Ducote, and Mike Balhoff discuss the origins of the group, their writing and recording process, some of their favorite compositions, and more.
So, please open your hymnals to the music of the Dameans!
**Episode links**
For more information about the Dameans and their compositions, visit GIA Publications.
You can join the fun and play along with the 2020 OYH Hymn Tune Madness competition. Also, join us for our second “OYH Live!” event featuring a conversation with Dan Schutte. For more details, visit our “Events” page.
You can purchase the song recordings you heard in this episode. All are available from GIA Publications: “Path of Life,” “All That We Have,” “We Praise You,” “O Antiphons,” “Evening Offering,” “God is Everlasting Love,” “The Lord is Near,” “Gloryland,” “Love is Forever,” “Rest in His Peace,” and “Song of Thanksgiving.”
You can purchase a recording of “Bridge Over Troubled Water” from iTunes.
**Don't forget to "subscribe" so you'll never miss an episode!**

All content of this podcast is property of Look Up Here Productions or its content suppliers and is protected by United States and international copyright laws. For information about the podcast and its use, please contact us.

OYH Lessons & Carols, 2019 Dec 23, 2019

We are closing out Advent with our second annual “OYH Lessons & Carols.” You’ll hear a range of great music from a variety of composers. You’ll also hear non-scriptural readings woven throughout, read by friends of the podcast: Meredith Augustin, Rory Cooney, Bex Gaunt, David Haas, Carol Browning, Jaime Cortez, Kate Williams, and Audrey and Clare Reichert. Whether you listen while driving in the car, baking Christmas cookies, preparing for liturgy, or anyplace else, we hope that this celebration will serve as a moment of pause and reflection during this busy time of year.

So, please open your hymnals!

"When You Come" Dec 18, 2019

OYH is shaking things up and turning our microphone around! Today, our co-host Zack Stachowski serves as our interview guest, speaking about his Advent piece, “When You Come.” Since the co-host is becoming the guest, it only makes sense to have one of our past guests serve as co-host. We’re glad to be joined by Tony Alonso, who serves as co-host and helped interview Zack. As a special surprise, you’ll also hear from a host of other guests from past episodes, all sharing their insights into Zack’s piece.

So, please open your hymnals to “When You Come.”

OYH Selects: Celebrating Hymns, Part 1 Nov 22, 2019

This is a special rebroadcast of our episode from November, 2018.

It’s the first OYH Hymn Fest! In honor of the Feast of St. Cecilia, patroness of music, we’re celebrating some of our favorite hymn texts and hymn tunes. We’ll play a lot of music, including hymns from the English, German, Irish, and American traditions and some recently composed texts and tunes. We’ll also chat with special guests Dr. Michael McMahon (executive director of The Hymn Society), Brian Hehn (director of the Center for Congregational Song), and Dr. Tony Alonso. You’ll hear, too, from a few of our friends as they share their favorite hymns.

As we mention in the episode, this is the first of several special episodes we’ll release this season. We’ll be preparing and releasing special episodes for “Songs of Mary,” “Songs of Christmas,” “Songs of Lent,” “Songs of Easter,” as well as episodes focusing on women composers and African American composers. Be sure to follow us on social media so you can share your requests with us. Who knows? You might end up on one of our episodes!

So, please open your hymnals!

Celebrating the St. Louis Jesuits Oct 05, 2019

On September 29, 2019, the five member of the St. Louis Jesuits presented their final concert together, and OYH was there! Today, co-hosts Zack and Matt are joined by several guests to look back on the contributions of this pioneering group of composers. You’ll hear from listeners, pastoral musicians, and liturgical composers including Tom Booth, Lorraine Hess, Carol Browning, Bob Moore, Rory Cooney, Craig Colson, and Jaime Cortez. Most importantly, you’ll hear lots of our favorite songs from the past fifty years.

So, please open your hymnals to the music of the St. Louis Jesuits!

OYH Live! An Evening with Marty Haugen Aug 10, 2019

It’s our first ever live episode! Recorded with a live audience at St. Michael the Archangel parish in Canton, Ohio, this interview is from the second night of a three-night parish mission given just before Lent in March, 2019. Join Zack and Matt for a conversation with composer Marty Haugen about several of his best-known songs. They’ll explore song writing, approaches to setting Scripture, instrumentation and musical styles, and more. You don’t want to miss it!

So, please open your hymnal!

In Review: One Call Institute, 2019 Jul 06, 2019

It’s our first audio “yearbook”! In this episode, co-hosts Zack Stachowski and Matt Reichert bring you musical highlights from the 2019 One Call Institute. One Call exists to help support, empower, and engage young pastoral musicians and their advocates. This year, participants gathered from across the country to learn, pray, and make music together. Most importantly, the participants were sent out to continue using their skills and talents in their home communities. Today’s episode explores a selection of the music used by OCI participants during prayer, the end-of-week concert, and final Mass.

So, please open your hymnals!

"I Will Choose Christ" Jun 01, 2019

It’s the Season 3 premier! Zack Stachowski and Matt Reichert are joined by composer Tom Booth to talk about his song, “I Will Choose Christ.” There is a lot packed into this episode! Conversion, encounter, vocation, evangelization, and the craziest recording story we’ve heard so far (teaser: Paul McCartney). You’ll also hear the first every OYH Playlist debut, as Tom shares one of the first songs he ever wrote, back when he was 17, never before recorded or published.

So, please open your hymnal to "I Will Choose Christ."

Songs of Mary II: "The Memorare" May 11, 2019

It’s our “May Crowning” episode! We’re continuing our celebration of the treasury of devotional songs written in honor of the Blessed Mother with a hybrid show: part interview, part special feature. To help us out, we’re speaking with composer Lorraine Hess about her setting of the “Memorare” prayer. In addition to featuring her song, you’ll hear a wide range of musical selections covering styles from chant to hymnody, from folk songs to contemporary pieces.

So, please open your hymnals!

OYH Selects: "Covenant Hymn" Apr 20, 2019

To conclude our Lenten series, we are bringing you our Easter Vigil episode, originally released in March, 2018..

Join hosts Matt Reichert and Zack Stachowski as they return to composers Gary Daigle and Rory Cooney, this time in conversation together about one of their best-known and best-loved collaborations. You'll hear about "homiletic" texts, the song's intended use for rites of initiation, and the latest OYH liturgical music "bombshell". Our conversation is also joined by Diana Macalintal who shares more information about the RCIA and the concept of "covenant" in the ritual action of the Easter Vigil.

So, please open your hymnal to "Covenant Hymn."

"I, the Lord" Apr 13, 2019

Often, the songs that resonate with people the most are those that originate in authentic experience. Join hosts Zack Stachowski and Matt Reichert as they speak with composer Tom Kendzia about his song, “I, the Lord,” a song of comfort with a very personal connection. Tom will also talk about the evolution of contemporary Catholic music, give a glimpse into the recording process, explore the role of the producer, and more!

So, please open your hymnal to "I, the Lord."

OYH Selects: "Center of My Life" Apr 09, 2019

This is a special re-release of our original episode from March, 2018. It has been expanded to include the OYH Playlist feature, and more!

Join us as OYH ventures "across the pond"! In this interview recorded in July 2017, Matt Reichert and Zack Stachowski spoke with composer Paul Inwood about one of his best-loved compositions and, in the process, learned a little bit about the trajectory of post-Vatican II music in the United Kingdom. In addition to earning extra frequent listener miles, this week's episode features another music theory lesson from Prof. Stachowski (and he busts out his guitar, back by popular demand).

So, please open your hymnal to "Center of My Life."

"Fly Like a Bird" Apr 01, 2019

Our Lenten journey continues with powerful personal witness from composer Ken Canedo. Join OYH hosts Zack Stachowski and Matt Reichert as they speak with Ken about his own return to the Church and how it led to the composition of one of his most beloved songs. They’ll also speak about Ken’s work chronicling the history of contemporary Catholic liturgical music, and Ken shares his experience as a person with hearing impairment. You won’t want to miss it!

So, please open your hymnal to "Fly Like a Bird."

A Lenten Celebration, 2019 Mar 24, 2019

We are marking the mid-point of Lent with a special feature episode. You’ll hear a range of great seasonal music from a variety of composers arranged around the final three Gospel readings for Lent, the “Scrutiny Gospels.” These readings are shared with us by composers Meredith Augustin, Ian Callanan, and Luke Rosen. We hope that this presentation will help you in your own preparations for the celebration of Easter.

So, please open your hymnals!

OYH Selects: "From Ashes to the Living Font" Mar 09, 2019

It’s our Lenten kick-off episode! To commemorate the start of the season, we are re-releasing our conversation with Alan Hommerding from February, 2017. You’ll hear the same great interview, but with added features like the OYH Playlist segment.

Join Zack Stachowski and Matt Reichert as they chat with composer and text-writer Alan Hommerding. They discuss the way metrical hymns works, the "evaporating pool" of hymn tunes in American parishes, and the need for a moratorium on the tune BEACH SPRING (no, not really). Whether you know a lot about hymns, are new to hymns, or think you don't like hymns (you're wrong, by the way), you'll learn something new in this episode.

So, please open your hymnal to "From Ashes to the Living Font."

Celebrating the Music of Women Composers Mar 04, 2019

We’re focusing on music written by women composers, and we’re blessed to be joined by five guests: Sarah Hart, Lori True, Carol Browning, Lorraine Hess, and Kate Williams. You’ll hear our guests discuss the experience of composing, publishing, and ministry as women. You’ll also hear several additional composers featured in this episode’s OYH Playlist.

So, please open your hymnals!

"We've Come This Far By Faith:" Celebrating Black Sacred Music Feb 22, 2019

We’re focusing on the rich heritage of the Black sacred music tradition, and we’re blessed to be joined by two important voices: Leon Roberts (recorded in a presentation from 1985), and Lynne Gray. Join co-hosts Zack Stachowski and Matt Reichert for an exploration of the treasury of hymns, spirituals, and gospel songs. You’ll hear lots of standard and familiar music, and you’ll also hear selections from several contemporary composers.

So, please open your hymnals!

"City of God" Jan 04, 2019

We are kicking off a new year with our second conversation with Dan Schutte! In this episode, co-hosts Zack Stachowski and Matt Reichert speak with Dan about his song, “City of God.” They talk about its origins as an Advent song, the musical structure of the piece, the importance of the St. Louis Jesuits in forming a generation of guitar players, and more.

So, please open your hymnal to "City of God."

OYH Lessons & Carols, 2018 Dec 21, 2018

We are closing out Advent with our fourth release, our first ever “OYH Lessons & Carols.” You’ll hear a range of great music from a variety of composers. You’ll also hear readings woven throughout, read by friends of the podcast: David Haas, Jes Garceau, Audrey Reichert, Carol Browning, and Jesse Manibusan. Whether you listen while driving in the car, baking Christmas cookies, preparing for liturgy, or anyplace else, we hope that this celebration will serve as a moment of pause and reflection during this busy time of year.

So, please open your hymnals!

"Creator of the Stars of Night" Dec 15, 2018

Advent is going fast, but it’s not over yet! Join Zack Stachowski and Matt Reichert as they speak with composer Carol Browning about “Creator of the Stars of Night.” Bob Moore stops by to talk about Carol’s music, and Fr. Anthony Ruff, OSB, gives some historical background to the 1,000-year-old chant hymn at the core of this piece. Plus, you’ll hear a bunch of great music in the OYH Playlist.

So, please open your hymnal to "Creator of the Stars of Night."

Songs of Mary Dec 08, 2018

It’s another very special themed episode of OYH! To commemorate the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception and the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, we’re playing some of our favorite Marian songs and hymns. We’ll play a lot of music, in a lot of different styles, including liturgical and devotional music. You’ll hear songs celebrating Mary as servant, as mother, as queen, as intercessor, and Marian songs from around the world. You’ll hear, too, from a few of our friends as they share their favorite Marian songs.

So, please open your hymnals!

OYH Selects: "Night of Silence" Dec 02, 2018

Did you know that 2018 is the 200th birthday of the song “Silent Night?” To celebrate both this important anniversary and the start of the Advent season, we are re-releasing our interview with Dan Kantor about his song, “Night of Silence.” You’ll hear the same great interview from 2017, but with added features like the OYH Playlist segment.

Dan Kantor's song, "Night of Silence," has been sung and celebrated in churches and concert halls around the world. In this episode, Zack Stachowski and Matt Reichert chat with Dan about writing vivid text, creating harmonic structure, and the importance of celebrating Advent. We also learn new words like "Quod Libet," Matt gets Zack to both play his guitar and sing for our listeners, Rob Strusinski shares his memories of this song’s origins, and we explore the importance of Advent with a reflection written by Rachel Held Evans.

So, please open your hymnal to "Night of Silence."

Celebrating Hymns, Part 1 Nov 17, 2018

It’s the first OYH Hymn Fest! In honor of the Feast of St. Cecilia, patroness of music, we’re celebrating some of our favorite hymn texts and hymn tunes. We’ll play a lot of music, including hymns from the English, German, Irish, and American traditions and some recently composed texts and tunes. We’ll also chat with special guests Dr. Michael McMahon (executive director of The Hymn Society), Brian Hehn (director of the Center for Congregational Song), and Dr. Tony Alonso. You’ll hear, too, from a few of our friends as they share their favorite hymns.

"My Soul is Thirsting" Oct 22, 2018

You likely knew that composer Steve Angrisano is very talented musician and speaker. But, did you also know that he’s a great foot washer? It’s just one of the many things we discussed when we discussed his setting of Psalm 63, “My Soul is Thirsting.” Join co-hosts Zack Stachowski and Matt Reichert as they speak with Steve about songwriting, contemporary music, family ministry, mentorship, and what the Church gets wrong about young people. We’ll also get a little closer to answering the question that’s been on all of our minds: just how big of a nerd was Zack in high school? It’s a conversation you won’t want to miss!

So, please open your hymnal to "My Soul is Thirsting."

"No Greater Love" Sep 30, 2018

We’re welcoming Fr. Michael Joncas back to speak about another one of his best-loved compositions: “No Greater Love.” While many know this popular song, not everyone knows that it was composed as part of a full Mass setting. So, there are a lot of layers to today’s episode: orchestral Mass settings, setting Scripture to music, using chant-like melodies, the effect of changes to the Mass translation, and what it means to compose “theatrical” liturgical music. We’ll discuss all of these with Fr. Michael, and explore them further with additional choices in the Open Your Hymnal Playlist.

So, please open your hymnal to "No Greater Love."

OYH Selects: "On Eagle's Wings" Sep 01, 2018

Open Your Hymnal is making its debut on Catholic radio tomorrow (September 1st)! To celebrate, we are releasing a re-mastered version of our very first podcast episode, "On Eagle's Wings," with composer Fr. Michael Joncas. The re-release includes the addition of our newest feature, the Open Your Hymnal Playlist, and more. Please enjoy this episode, originally released in May 2017!

[From the original episode posting]: The song "On Eagle's Wings" is everywhere: hymnals, YouTube, funerals and memorial services, and even PBS television specials. In this episode, Zack Stachowski and Matt Reichert interview the song's composer, Fr. Michael Joncas, to learn more about the story of the song, the writing and publication process, and the song's legacy. There is even a surprise revelation about the connection between this beloved piece and Stephen Sondheim, and you don't want to miss it.

So, please open your hymnal to "On Eagle's Wings".

"Many and Great" Jul 29, 2018

It's been a busy summer for Open Your Hymnal - conferences, travel, new interviews, new partnerships. Now, co-hosts Zack Stachowski and Matt Reichert return from their summer break to a conversation with composer Fr. Ricky Manalo, CSP, about his song "Many and Great." They discuss musical style, cultural idioms, compositional influence, cultural identity, and more! They also introduce a new segment - the "Open Your Hymnal Playlist" - featuring songs Zack and Matt picked that relate to one of the conversation threads from the episode.

So, please open your hymnal to "Many and Great."

"I Send You Out" Jun 01, 2018

There is a lot to unpack in our Season 2 premier: the role and place of contemporary music, style wars, the synthesis of faith-culture-life, how we must do a better job of sending instead of just gathering, and more. Even Hootie & the Blowfish make an appearance! Listen as Zack Stachowski and Matt Reichert speak with composer John Angotti about one of his best-loved songs, "I Send You Out." They'll touch on all of the topics already mentioned, and offer insights into the pastoral, musical, and liturgical realities of being music missionaries, not just music ministers. In doing so, John shares about his creation of the song, his own journey and vocation as a music minister, and the critical work of ministry.

So, please open your hymnal to "I Send You Out."

Special Feature: A Conversation with Fr. James Martin May 26, 2018

In just a few short days, we’ll be launching our second season of new episodes and interviews. Just in time for graduation and commencement season, we’ll start with our conversation with composer John Angotti about his song, “I Send You Out.” We’ll also be welcoming Carol Browning, Fr. Ricky Manalo, our second conversation with David Haas, and many more.

Before we do, we want to share with you this special feature. A few weeks ago, co-host Matt Reichert was able to spend time chatting with Fr. James Martin for the other podcast he hosts, “Ministry Monday.” In that episode, they discussed a host of topics including evangelization, maintaining a healthy balance, and navigating culture wars. They had a great conversation, and not all of it fit into the episode. So, we saved a few nuggets for you.

Today, you’ll hear the excerpts of that conversation that deal with liturgical music. Fr. Jim will share a little about his experience with liturgical music and some of his favorite songs. You can hear the rest of this conversation at ministrymonday.org.

So, we hope you enjoy this excerpt. If you haven’t yet, make sure you are subscribed to Open Your Hymnal so you never miss an episode. Get ready for Season Two!

"The Lord is My Light" May 01, 2018

We end our first season the way it began, with a setting of a Psalm text! Join cohosts Zack Stachowski and Matt Reichert as they speak with composer Christopher Walker about his setting of Psalm 27. They discuss the sometimes not-so-helpful structure of responsorial Psalms, the clash of popular music culture and liturgical music culture regarding composer celebrity status, the importance of humility, and more.

So, please open your hymnal to "The Lord is My Light."