The songs of angels and the music of scripture will bring vocalists and musicians from all over the archdiocese to St. Michael the Archangel Church for two days of study, singing and worship. On Friday and Saturday, Nov. 9-10, participants in a sacred music workshop will experience the music that continues to hold “pride of place” in the liturgical life of the church. The workshop will focus on Gregorian chant reading and singing, as well as singing polyphonic music with a particular emphasis on phrasing and balance for a beautiful choral sound. This event is open to all.

The workshop begins on Friday at 1 p.m. Attendees will learn to read Gregorian notation and sing the chants with proper expressiveness and legato technique. All of the chant ordinary and the Proper for the 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time will be taught.

Guest conductors Arlene Oost-Zinner and Jeffrey Tucker of St. Cecilia Schola in Auburn, Ala., will lead the sessions. Choral blend and the phrasing of polyphonic music will be the focus of several sessions.

Beginning at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 10, the workshop will continue with sessions devoted to perfecting the chant and polyphony. A question-and-answer session will highlight the lunch break, and the day will end with participants singing at the 5:30 p.m. vigil Mass.

The cost of the workshop is $30 for both days or $20 for Saturday only. Beverages will be available for both days, and lunch will be provided on Saturday.

St. Michael Church is located at 490 Arnold Mill Road in Woodstock, on the corner of Trickum and Arnold Mill Rd.