Imagine a world where music reflects the celestial beauty of creation, rather than the chaotic noise often heard in today's culture. The Church Music Association of America (CMAA), founded in 1964, is a beacon for those who believe music should inspire and illuminate rather than distract and degrade. With headquarters nestled in the heartland of America, CMAA is on a mission to enhance the liturgical life of the Church through music that aligns with sacred traditions. It’s not just an association; it’s a movement dedicated to preserving the timeless beauty and spiritual essence of the Catholic liturgical music tradition.
There’s something special about the CMAA’s commitment to beauty in worship. First on the list is the promotion of Gregorian Chant. Yes, you heard it right—the timeless and majestic Gregorian Chant. Chant, the original music of the Church, not banal pop tunes, serves as the bedrock of the CMAA's vision. They see it not merely as a relic of the past but as an ever-relevant mode of transcendent communication between man and God.
Education takes a prestigious seat at the table in CMAA's world. The association hosts meticulous workshops and seminars aimed at not just seasoned musicians but eager learners as well. Ever heard of the Sacred Music Colloquium? It’s the premier event for serious church musicians to hone their craft, share insights, and immerse themselves in the sacred music tradition. Quite simply, it’s a feast for the soul, and a sound thrashing to any notion that today’s music is just fine the way it is.
Amidst a culture exuberantly flaunting 'progressive' values, CMAA stands firm, adopting a counter-cultural stance. The Choirbook for the Liturgical Year is not filled with the latest flashy choruses or emotionally overwrought ballads. It offers, instead, music written to honor the sacred traditions and elevate the liturgical experience, staying true to its roots. The unapologetic commitment to preserving authentic liturgical music stands as a bulwark against the tide of mediocrity flooding our churches.
Similarly, teachers and directors in the association are perpetually engaged in nurturing talent that appreciates the richness of our musical heritage. Think the young college graduate with a background in classical music, bewildered by the shallow worship music offerings, finally discovering a community where his skills and aspirations are not just welcomed but needed.
And the icing on the cake? The CMAA publications like the journal Sacred Music, which inspire and educate members with articles from musicology to theology. This is not your light Sunday afternoon reading. It's a deep dive into topics that matter—for the discerning, the devoted, and the unapologetically traditional.
Don’t be mistaken—CMAA isn’t about exclusivity but about excellence. It's about lifting our hearts to something more profound. A church service shouldn’t resemble a rock concert where performers preside over a congregation drowning in sound waves. Sacred music demands a different posture; one of contemplation, awe, and quiet admiration of the divine.
Volunteerism is alive and thriving within the association, dispelling the myth that participation in sacred music is for professionals only. Anyone with the heart and spirit can contribute to this noble cause. When was the last time you saw a volunteer choir radiating joy while singing complex polyphonic pieces at mass? With CMAA, this is not just possible but common.
In rejecting the ephemeral and celebrating the eternal, CMAA poses a direct challenge to modern churches often swayed by cultural trends. This isn’t just about music – it’s about preserving a worldview grounded in beauty and truth. And the best part? It invites anyone willing to explore classic sacred music's gravitas and splendor.
With the Church Music Association of America, it's not just a matter of hearing or singing but deeply listening and connecting—harmonizing with a legacy and a promise that transcends current fad or fancy. Join in if you dare, and experience music that uplifts rather than drags down, music that echoes the heavenly rather than the mundane.