Mount Marty University to Host Sacred Music Symposium

Mount Marty University will host a Sacred Music Symposium on the topic of "Reigniting a Desire for Sacred Music as Part of Church Liturgies" on Wednesday, June 4, at 5:30 p.m. in the South Dining Room in the Roncalli Center on the Yankton campus. 

The event will begin with a social and refreshments, followed by a keynote speech from Jared Ostermann, DMA. Ostermann is the director of liturgical music at St. Joseph Cathedral in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and an adjunct organ instructor in the department of music at the University of South Dakota. Ostermann plans to speak about the differences between sacred and secular music and liturgical compared to devotional music. He also hopes to discuss how people experience music in church life and some ways to improve it in the parishes. "Sacred music affects all Catholics, whether they are musicians or not, because it is an integral part of the liturgy that they participate in," said Ostermann. "It can be one of the best parts of being Catholic or one of the most controversial — and unfortunately, it often divides us. Knowing more about sacred music can enhance our appreciation for and participation in the liturgy and help us dialogue better with our fellow Catholics. I hope people take away a clearer understanding of what makes music 'sacred' and what purpose sacred music serves within the liturgy and the wider life of the church." 

At 6:30 p.m., the music department will provide an update on Mount Marty's new sacred music concentration and sacred music programming. This will be followed by a roundtable discussion and a sung Compline in the Bishop Marty Memorial Chapel. 

Tyler Thress, Ph.D., assistant professor of music and director of choral activities, looks forward to the education on sacred music and its importance. "My hope is that the roundtable will give everyone present a chance to share concerns and ask questions and that participants will walk away inspired, knowing that there is a community that shares their passion and supports their work in the parishes," said Thress. "This event is about starting the conversation and sharing perspectives, ideas and resources." 

All are welcome to attend the event. A $10 fee payable to Mount Marty University is required. Register here.

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About Mount Marty University

Founded in 1936 by the Sisters of Sacred Heart Monastery, Mount Marty University is South Dakota's only Catholic, Benedictine institution of higher education. Located along the bluffs of the Missouri River in Yankton, with additional locations in Watertown and Sioux Falls, Mount Marty offers undergraduate and graduate degrees focusing on student and alumni success in high-demand fields such as health sciences, education, criminal justice, business, accounting, recreation management, and more. A community of learners in the Benedictine tradition, Mount Marty emphasizes academic excellence and develops well-rounded students with intellectual competence, professional and personal skills and moral, spiritual and social values. To learn more, visit mountmarty.edu.