Saint Basil Orthodox Church in Watervliet NY hosted a Diocesan Choir Workshop on Saturday, 12 November 2011.  The guest speaker and facilitator was Mark Bailey, a recognized expert in the field of Orthodox liturgical music.  His Grace, Bishop Michael, was in attendance for part of the program.  The role and purpose of liturgical music was discussed with a main theme that liturgical music is a means to experience and know God through worship.

If done properly, especially with responsorial singing, the worshipper is no longer a spectator but a participant.  Several settings of music for the Divine Liturgy was disseminated and rehearsed.  The purpose of liturgy was discussed, as well as a historical overview of the development of the Divine Liturgy.  Father Peter Olsen (parish rector) said: “Mark Bailey was very engaging and inspiring, and we all walked away more knowledgeable and eager to implement the advice and principles learned.”