WAYNE, NJ – The Commission on Liturgical Music (CoLM) presented “MAKING MELODISTS,” a workshop for Orthodox Musicians, on October 3rd and 4th at Holy Resurrection Church, Wayne, NJ. Sixty church musicians from our diocese and also other Orthodox jurisdictions attended, demonstrating a sincere longing and excitement to gather -- this is the first CoLM in-person workshop since 2019 and the COVID pandemic!

Matushka Juliana Woodill led the Workshop. She is the Conductor and Artistic Director for the Archdiocesan Choir of Washington, D.C., as well as the choir director at All Saints of America Orthodox Church, Alexandria , VA. She has taught as a guest lecturer and conductor at both St. Tikhon’s and St. Vladimir’s Seminaries and is regularly in demand to conduct workshops on conducting and musicianship skills. She is the choral director at Fairfax High School in Virginia and has taught music across all ages in Fairfax County Public Schools. She is a very busy musician!

Fourteen choir directors gathered on Friday for the directors’ round table, during which Matushka Juliana offered ways to develop conducting skills and techniques, as well as how to run more efficient rehearsals.

The second day of the workshop began with a Litya for the departed servant of God, +Archpriest Daniel Skvir, longtime Co-Chair of the Commission on Liturgical Music, to whom the workshop was dedicated. Matushka Tamara Skvir was in attendance for the Litya and shared a recording of liturgical music sung under the direction of her husband, +Fr. Daniel. MEMORY ETERNAL!

Mat. Juliana then described, demonstrated, and led participants in performing numerous techniques for choral warmups, improving physical and vocal skills, learning new music, assessing and improving choral tone and overall sound, and correcting vocal intonation.

His Eminence, Archbishop Michael came to the workshop specifically to thank participants for their dedication and for giving their musical talents back to Our Lord. He noted that whenever they sing for the divine services, church musicians provide a “slice of heaven” to worshippers.

We extend our deepest gratitude to His Eminence, Archbishop Michael and the Diocesan Council for encouraging and supporting this event, as well as to the faithful of Holy Resurrection Church for hosting it!