Happy New Year!
by Sister Margaret Mary on 01/02/12
Hi Everyone!
Praised be Jesus Chirst! I cannot believe it is 2012. I have been home in Walton since December 17th. It is certainly nice to be back home, but it will be even nicer when I leave for AMU on Wednesday, January 4th. I am making you jealous, becuase y'all will be freezing in KY and I will be warm in sunny Sourthwest FL! LOL
I did very well last semester, especially in my organ jury! I was selected to perform in the Music Department Recital on Friday evening, December 9th. I also performed in a student recital earlier on the same day. My composition was entitled: "Fantasy on Familiar Tunes."
I am looking froward to my classes during the Spring Semester. There has been a slight change in my course schedule. Here is the update:
1. Living in Christ (Moral Theology)
2. AMU Choir
3. Women's Schola Gregoriana
4. Heritage of Sacred Music
5. Applied Organ Lessons
6. Organ Literature
Please click on the link for photo album page. I posted new photos. ENJOY!
God bless you!
Love, Sister Margaret Mary
GREETINGS FROM AVE MARIA
by Sister Margaret Mary on 12/01/11
Hi Everyone!
I cannot believe it is December 1st! Believe it or not, the weather is a little chilly! It sure beats the heat! I am so glad that I brought my sweater! Who knows, I may even need a coat!
All is well with me and things are winding down with projects. I have plenty of activities scheduled for the next couple of days. I have to play an organ jury on December 2nd at 7:00 pm. A jury is a performance that is graded and evaluated. It is like a "final exam" for private lessons. The jury also serves as an audition for the department recital. My organ professor wants me to audition for the department recital. I will do my best and let God to the rest! LOL
The town of Ave Maria is hosting the "Festival of Lights" the evening of December 2nd from 5:00 - 9:00. There will be plenty of fun activities for everyone... even ice skating! Maybe I should play the organ jury before I attempt ice skating... right? I wouldn't want to loose my fingers before the test! LOL
This weekend is jammed packed with rehearsals and a big Christmas Concert at St. Leo's Catholic Church in Bonita Springs, FL. I am also participating in the Lessons and Carols on Thursday, December 8th at 7:00 in the Oratory.
On Friday, December16th, I have been asked to speak at the Ave Maria Founders Club Christmas party. I haven't prepared my talk... I guess I should getting started soon rather than later! LOL
I will be home for Christmas break from December 17th to January 4th. I will be nice to see you all again! I am praying for the Barczak family here in FL.
Love, Sister Margaret Mary
HOT, HOT, HOT
by Sister Margaret Mary on 11/14/11
The weather was perfect last week when Mother and Sister Mary Catherine were visiting! It was hot and humid today! It felt like the middle of summer!
Nun Fun!
by Sister Margaret Mary on 11/11/11
Greetings to All!
It is about time for me to post a message to everyone. As you can see, I deleted all the old post and comments, because I needed more room for this message. The latest scoop is... Can you tell by looking at the pictures in the photo album? LOL Mother Mary Christina and Sister Mary Catherine came for a visit!
Ave Maria University is located in "no man's land" meaning... AMU is the only place in this neck of woods! There is a large population of wild animals, such as, bears, alligators, panthers and bob cats. The Sisters were able to see all these animals up close and personal on campus and just a stones throw away from campus. Wild kingdom for sure!!!!
My studies keep me very busy and the long-awaited break was very exciting, because of the daily adventures. We were able to visit the Miccosukee Indian Village, The Eddison-Ford Museums, the pier on Naples Beach and Naples Zoo. Since I am a "Florida girl," I have visited the Miccosukee Indian Village and the pier on Naples Beach as a child. This was Sister Mary Catherine's first trip to FL and she experienced many things for the first time. Just ask her... She will be happy to share all her experiences!
Getting back to my studies... All is well! I thoroughly enjoy all my classes. I have many resources for Sacred Music! Since the new English translation of the Mass will be implemented on the First Sunday of Advent, what better way than to introduce Sacred Music. I have already introduced Latin and chanting during the All-School Masses and I will be able to include more melodies based on Gregorian Chant for the SJA Choir in order to lead people in prayer.
I especially enjoy my organ lessons. My teacher is a "master organist!" I am studying organ improvisation. Improvisation literally means "instant composition." Besides prayers, time spent in the Perpetual Adoration Chapel, studying and attending classes, I practice the organ 60-90 minutes a day. Playing the Marshall & Ogeltree Organ is a "once in life time" experience! Here is a link to the Marshall & Ogeltree Organ in the Oratory. CLICK HERE Doug Marshalll (the organ builder) is playing the organ in the videos.
If you are wondering... Yes, I am playing the dulcimer. I even started a little club on campus! The "Dulcimettes" played for the talent show during parents weekend. Someone posted our performance on YouTube!
I will be home for Christmas from December 17th - January 4th. I have my schedule of classes for the Spring semester.
1. Living in Christ (Moral Theology)
2. Theology of Canon Law
3. Heritage of Sacred Music
4. AMU Choir
5. Women's Schola Gregoriana
6. Applied Organ Lessons
Now you are up-to-date with all the happenings! By the way... The weather is PERFECT in FL! LOL
See you next month!
Love, Sister Margaret Mary
