2022 youth rehearsal
Youth Formation
There are lots of reasons why we serve as musicians and ministers in our parishes or school communities: it’s fun, it’s a way to use our musical talents, it’s a way to give back, it’s a way to be involved, etc. No matter the reasons why you serve, one thing is certain; you have been called. You have been called to use your gifts of music and leadership to serve God, the Church, and your community through the ministry of sung prayer.
Participants in the Youth Track experience a curriculum designed to nurture and sustain the skills, knowledge, and leadership that effective music ministry and liturgical leadership requires. By working with master teachers and musicians, participants study liturgy, spirituality, and musicianship. Musicianship is a core part of our community this week, and in this spirit we require all students to participate and will nurture all levels of musical confidence. Following registration all students will be required to submit a musical recording to help us better adapt our curriculum to fit all student abilities.
The core components of the Youth Track curriculum are described below. All participants experience these components. In addition, we are pleased to offer an opportunity for leadership during the week as a Peer Minister.
Liturgical formation
Liturgical formation sessions provide an opportunity for participants of the Advocate, Young Adult and Youth Tracks to learn together. Each session breaks open and explores a key component necessary to our understanding of the liturgical life of the church. The topics offered change each year. Topics offered in the past include “The Foundations of Ritual Music,” “The Three Judgements: Pastoral, Musical, Liturgical,” “Holistic Approaches to Liturgy Planning,” and “Understanding Models of the Church.”
Break-out sessions
Break-out sessions provide participants a chance to focus on an area of music ministry specific to them. The topics offered change each year. Topics offered in the past include include “Cantoring 101,” “Liturgy Planning,” “Composing Liturgical Music,” “Sound Design,” and more. Participants choose their sessions, and sessions are offered in rotation so that participants can attend the topics they find most of interest.
Ensemble/sectional meetings
Ensemble/Sectional Meetings are when some of the most intense formation occurs. Participants are placed in an instrumental ensemble or vocal section based on application information and participant recordings. In these meetings, students learn to sing and play together as a cohesive unit. Studying with a team member who is both master musician and master teacher, these sections and ensembles work on a slate of music that builds and challenges their abilities.
Rehearsals
Rehearsals are the institute “lab sessions.” All participants spend time with our team conductors working through the music chosen for the end-of-week concert. In addition to perfecting the music, participants and conductors break apart the meaning of each song, reflecting on the Scriptural and Liturgical basis in a way that isn’t performing but praying. Participants experience working with multiple conductors, learn effective rehearsal techniques, apply what they have learned in break-outs and sectional/ensemble meetings, and master a wide repertoire of liturgical music.
spiritual formation
Spiritual formation programming offers participants of the Advocate, Young Adult, and Youth Tracks opportunities to examine their own spiritual life. Each session includes a conference, given by a different presenter, that explores an aspect of spirituality. Following the conference, participants continue to discuss and explore in small peer groups.
For more information about serving as a peer minister, visit the “Peer Ministry Program” page.
prayer
Prayer is of central importance to our time together. All participants and team members gather for Morning Prayer and Evening Prayer each day. Our week ends with Mass on Saturday morning. All liturgies are led by participants. In addition to the prayer schedule for the institute, participants have opportunities for additional prayer experiences on campus (i.e. monastic liturgy of the hours, daily Mass, rosary, etc.).
recreation and private Lessons
In addition to learning sessions, participants have an opportunity to enjoy the beautiful campus of Saint John's Abbey and University. Spend time at the beach, pray with the monastic community in the Abbey church, discover The Saint John's Bible, adventure through the 2700-acres of woods and lakes, and more!
During this time, participants are also given an opportunity for private lessons. These lessons give participants the chance to work and grow in an intensive way. Lessons are offered by members of the One Call team and by music department faculty from the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University.
Interest form
Please complete and submit the form below if you are interested in receiving more information about the One Call summer institute. (Note: this form is not an application.)
Dates: June 25-June 29, 2024
Location: Saint John’s University, Collegeville, MN
Cost: $675
Includes housing, meals, programming and a T-shirt
Early Bird Pricing - $75 off if you register by March 1st
Other useful information:
Participants for the youth track are students in high school or the first few years of college. The age range is 14 to 20 as of June 25th, 2024. College age students should also check out our College track and are able to select between the youth and college programs based on interest.
