The latest volume in the Basics Series addresses, with clarity and insight, the most common issues confronting today's liturgical ensembles. With chapters devoted to strings, woodwinds, brass, keyboards, guitars, percussion, conducting, amplification, and more, Liturgical Ensemble Basics leaves no stone unturned. It's an indispensable guide for musicians, directors, and pastors-everyone involved in music ministry, both experienced and novice, professional and volunteer.

Contributors include well-known and highly respected experts in the field: Rev. Ronald E. Brassard; Carol Browning; Ken Canedo; Gerard Chiusano; Bobby Fisher; Dr. Dennis Fleisher; Dr. James W. Kosnik; Dr. John Pennington; Steve Petrunak; Rick Reed; M.D. Ridge; Rev. Robert J. Sandoz, OFM; and Christopher Walker. Includes essays on the "theology of ensemble" and the ministerial/liturgical role of ensembles, a wealth of musical examples, and a foreword by Jesuit Father John Foley.

ISBN 1-56929-071-7 [192 pp, 8 x 10, softbound]

Surname	Name
Ridge	M.D. Ridge
Chiusano	Gerard Chiusano

"Be this an introduction to working with instruments, or a review, the reader will come away with a better understanding of assembling music for leading the church's song, and will have a reference book that maintains a healthy respect for the liturgical work of the ensemble."
--Cynthia Holden, The American Organist

"Liturgical Ensemble Basics gives theology and spirituality specifically relevant to director, the singers, the players, the congregation, and also, especially, the pastor and presider(s)."
--John Foley, SJ

"Filled with practical directives, Liturgical Ensemble Basics is an invaluable resource for woodwind players, string players, percussionists, brass players, keyboardists, guitarists and especially, for those who 'ensemble' them."
--Rev. Virgil C. Funk, President Emeritus, National Association of Pastoral Musicians (NPM)

"Liturgical Ensemble Basics provides useful information on recruiting, management skills, the terminology or the usage of each instrument, the characteristics that make each instrument unique, and how to utilize the instruments in an ensemble. The authors, each with their own specialized musical skills, have combined their varied talents and experiences to provide a resource that challenges and encourages parish musicians to broaden their knowledge of musical instruments through more in-depth studying. The writers treat music as an art, as ministerial, not just a subject, offering a deeper perception of musical quality. This book is a valuable resource for music directors and musicians."
--Mary Frances Reza, Former Director of the Office of Worship, Archdiocese of Santa Fe, New Mexico

"Liturgical Ensemble Basics is quite aptly named, as it is truly a basic resource covering the fundamentals of the liturgical ensemble. Ambitious in its approach, it is a comprehensive treatment of every facet of the topic. Ranging from the spirituality of the community of musicians to the physical nature of each instrument in the ensemble, Chiusano and Ridge have provided a road map for success. Their depth of experience in parish ministry is clearly evident as they present likely problems and pitfalls ... The text sparkles with spirit and enthusiasm ... . It's a book that belongs on the shelf of anyone considering forming a liturgical ensemble, but it also belongs in the hands of the leadership of any parish served by an ensemble.."
--Donna M. Cole, Editor, Ministry & Liturgy