This is the full article of the Cantor Express Institute Review published in our Newsletter of October 2007.

“Cantor Express? What’s that all about?” “I’ve been a Cantor for 10, 20, 30 + years, what could I possibly have to learn?” “As a pastor, why should I budget money to send one or more of my music ministers to a Cantor Express Institute?” “My free time is limited, why should I go on a Cantor Express Weekend?” These are the type of questions I have fielded since I registered an NPM Cantor Express Institute Weekend at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh.

I have been a Cantor for at least a decade and intently so. I attend to local workshops, NPM Conventions, continue to read up on my craft and ministry, and consider myself one who strives for Excellence in Liturgy. Some may consider me a Liturgical Geek, although, I prefer the term “Career Cantor.” I have been formed and groomed by well-educated Liturgist/ Music Directors and a pastor who not only valued educated ministers, but expected them. Having gone through the process of earning my Basic Cantor Certificate (BCC), I wondered what I might learn from this experience. I finally decided to go realizing that if I truly believe in giving my communities the best I have to offer and motivating others to do the same; I owe it to my ministry to find out what Cantor Express is all about. And, the results are in. No matter what your education, experience, or time in ministry, Cantor Express has something for everyone.

So, for you considering that leap of faith and for you “Doubting Thomas” types, here’s the breakdown. I will base my feedback on this particular experience as facilitators and facilitators vary by location. First things first: who goes to Cantor Express? Most of the participants were local to the Pittsburgh area. Kudos to some parishes that sent (and paid for) six or more of their music ministers to attend. There were the sparse few of us who came from farther out and were the sole representatives of our communities. Going around the room, people introduced themselves as new Cantors looking for a solid foundation, Cantors returning to the Institute for another great experience, more experienced Cantors of a decade or two (or three), and music directors looking for how they can better support the musicians of their parish.

Most locations offer on-site or nearby accommodations. Although they may not be considered 5 star (or 3 star in cases), I feel I got the most out of my time by staying with the other participants in close proximity. The weekend was action packed and I was better able to utilize my time by sleeping instead of traveling as some of the locals did by choice or circumstance. After an early dinner on Friday night and a sharing of what we hoped to gain, we dove right into the thick of it.

Each day had a vocal lesson. There was a lot of good information to be attained by those who hadn’t studied voice, but for those who had, it was a great opportunity to add some new exercises to our warm-up and posturing regimens and reconnect with how important those extra 10 or 15 minutes before an early Mass can be.

As a group we attended lectures on the historical origins of the Cantor ministry, basic psalm study and preparation, what church documents say about the role of Cantor in Liturgy, and how to best use our role as Leaders of Prayer to affect an assembly at a challenging level.

In smaller groups, each of us had 20 minutes to receive personal feedback regarding our presentation, with focus on either vocal or psalm interpretation. Times may vary depending on the overall size of the group, 10-15 minutes is the norm. Those who were beginners received well-worded constructive feedback on being comfortable in front of an assembly, vocal production, diction and gestures. More experienced Cantors were able to receive objective feedback on bad habits we may have picked up over time and new insights to current thinking and technique. We were coached on how to break down walls that may be keeping us from truly engaging with an assembly and connecting more deeply with our text. We received affirmation that, “No, Virginia, performance is not a dirty word in music ministry. It is the art of honing your natural skills for effective ministry.” Other hands-on learning opportunities came in the form of music reading/ sight singing basics or a chance to learn/ practice a language foreign to Post-Vatican II babies: Chant.

During the day, breaks and meal times encouraged questions and story sharing and night prayer wrapped things up each evening (in nice weather, under the stars). After hours is when staying on campus came in handy for some extroverted types. Smaller groups took in local sites and cuisine as newbies dove deeper into conversation with the more experienced. Conversations evolved around topics like “Has This Ever Happened to You?”, “Keeping a Prayerful Presence amid the Unexpected”, and the burning question, “What is the BCC and Why Should I Care?”

So, in case I didn’t answer your question clearly,” What did I get out of my Cantor Express Institute Weekend?” “Who is it for?” Cantor Express is for everyone. I was motivated by the enthusiasm of our facilitators, Joe Simmons and Joanne Werner, and of the Cantors just starting their ministry. I have returned with a deeper, fuller meaning of my role as Cantor that we do not always have time to learn at the parish level. I have been validated that I am far more than a singer and have an awesome opportunity and responsibility to embrace my role as Catechist, Minister of Hospitality, Minister of the Word, and Leader of Prayer. I am proud to say, “For more information on Cantor Express Institute or the BCC, feel free to contact me, Catherine Benskin, Career Cantor, Liturgical Geek.”

Catherine Benskin is a Cantor at St. Rose of Lima in Gaithersburg, MD and St. Raphael’s in Potomac, MD. She also serves as a Cantor on Call in the DC/MD/VA area. Mentored and inspired by Jeanne Cotter, Catherine has a self-produced CD with other local music ministers and hosts fundraising concerts and coffeehouses for Gabriel Network. For more information on Catherine Benskin, visit www.catherinebenskin.com .