Open Your Hymnal

Latest Episodes:

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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!

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