Mid-Eastern Federation of Church Musicians to Perform

National Forum of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians to Meet in Nashville

Choirs from all over the United States will be participating in this year's Annual Meeting of the National Forum, which will be held in Nashville TN this year, in conjunction with the Clergy-Laity Congress. The Annual Meeting dates are Sunday, July 16th through Thursday, July 19th, 2006.This year, the Mid-Eastern Federation of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians, MEFGOX, will be singing the liturgical setting of Chris Zervos, of Toledo, OH. Under the direction of Evey Simon, Conductor, and Musical Director of the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, in Troy, MI.

Malista had the opportunity to talk with Ms. Simon a few weeks ago. She advises that the combined choirs have been practicing and will continue to practice under her direction through out the week of the conference. She was especially pleased to advise that the group had selected a liturgical setting by Chris Zervos of Toledo, Ohio's Holy Trinity Church. Ms. Simon informed me that the liturgy took, Mr. Zervos a year to create and complete. As of this writing, Malista is waiting to hear from the musical composer for details on his effort to make this contribution to Orthodox Choirs around the world. The Mid-Eastern region should be extremely proud to be represented by two such talented and dedicated mid-westerners. Our Metropolis will surely be well represented at the upcoming conference. Congratulations to them both for attaining these professional achievements.

The Forum's schedule includes:

• Sunday evening Church Musicians Reception where we host the Archbishop and our Hierarchs and present the 2006 recipients of the St. Romanos Medallion.
• Monday morning, we will sing hymns and responses for the Official Opening of the Congress. Forum meetings begin that afternoon. In the evening, there will be a catered dinner for all Forum delegates to the Meeting (and guests).
• Tuesday, we will continue meeting, and then in the afternoon host a Clergy-Laity Congress workshop on Congregational Singing. That evening, some will want to attend the Congress event of "A Night at the (Nashville) Parthenon- Southern Style!" You will need Congress tickets for that event.
• Wednesday, and in the evening we will join Congress delegates for "A Taste of Nashville" - Dutch treat.
• Thursday, Forum meetings will conclude. Those wishing may purchase tickets to attend the Congress's Grand Banquet.

The Mid-Eastern Federation of Church Musicians (MEFGOX) is holding its 30th Annual Conference on the four days preceding the Congress, July 13-16, 2006. Its members will supply the bulk of the choir for the Sunday Liturgy, as will the chanters from Nashville chant the majority of the Orthros. Contact Barbara Minton if you wish to participate in any of the Federation's events - which include a morning trip to the Parthenon on Friday ($15), a Grand Banquet on Friday, a casual dance on Thursday, and a show at the Grand Ole Opry on Saturday night. You would need to purchase tickets for these --- if you are not already registered for the Mid-Eastern Conference.

HOTEL INFORMATION: Make Your Reservations NOW! $168 per night at the Gaylord Opryland Resort --- Call direct: 615-889-1000. Identify yourself as a Clergy-Laity (Greek Orthodox Archdiocese) attendee. ATTENTION: RESERVE by May 1st to be assured of Congress rates

FORUM REGISTRATION: $140 includes registration and meeting materials, National Forum Reception, Congress Opening Breakfast, Forum Dinner at Opryland, and the Congress Church Music Workshop. ATTENTION: Please REGISTER by Saturday, JULY 1st.Extra tickets are available for a Parthenon Tour on Friday, the Grand Ole Opry on Saturday night, and a Night at the Parthenon on Tuesday.

CHOIR PARTICIPATION: Visiting Forum members are invited to sing in the Divine Liturgy choir with the Mid-Eastern Federation of Church Musicians for Friday rehearsals, July 14th and MANDATORY Saturday afternoon rehearsal, July 15th. Forum members will also sing at the Forum Reception on Sunday evening and at Monday's Congress Opening

WHAT TO EXPECT:

• Help review and set direction for Forum activities --- assistance to choirs and directors, use of English, Orthodox music, youth choirs, and chant programs.
• Discuss church music issues in the 21st century! Hear ideas from our hierarchs and church leadership!
• Participate as one of your Federation's delegates or as an individual Forum Steward.
• Get to know church musicians from across the country --- exchange ideas about their activities, meet church music leaders, become part of a national network!

For more information about the national forum, contact Dr. Vicki Pappas, National Chairman: Dr. Vicki Pappas, National Chairman, 1700 North Walnut Street #302, Bloomington, IN 47404, tel. 812.855.8248, fax 812.855.9630, email pappas@indiana.edu, web http://www.goarch.org/en/archdiocese/affiliates/nfcm.asp.

Malista wishes the group a safe journey and thanks them for their dedication to music and our Orthodox Faith. Editorially: It is the choir that keeps our services alive and full of wonder and beauty. When clergy and laity combine musically, it is the gateway to inspiration and spiritual empowerment. May their voices be raised in joy and heard even in the heavens. Thanks to all choir members for sharing their time and talents so generously.

Malista!