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We're thrilled to have AnnaMaria Cardinalli, author of Music and Meaning in the Mass, join us on the podcast today. AnnaMaria shares with us about her fascinating musical background, how the inspiration to write this book came about, and why music choices matter so much in the Mass. We had a blast chatting with her, and we hope you learn a lot from this episode!

What we're listening to:
Cecilia: The Lighting of the Beacons, from The Lord of the Rings soundtrack by Howard Shore; and We Dance, by Steffany Gretzinger
Tara: How Dazzling Fair, by Charles Wood
AnnaMaria: The Rosary in Gregorian chant

Get AnnaMaria's book, Music and Meaning in the Mass from Sophia Institute Press here. 

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We're absolutely thrilled to have Veronica Olson, a licensed physical therapist from Wisconsin, on the podcast today to chat about physical therapy. Veronica shares about how she became a physical therapist, the role of physical therapy in injury recovery, and how her faith plays into her work as a therapist. We learned so much from her, and we're so happy to share this episode with you all!

What we're listening to:
Cecilia: a cello cover of JVKE's Golden Hour
Tara: Prettiest Little Girl in the County, We Banjo 3
Veronica: Saint Ferdinand, Lauren Daigle

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Today's episode is the second in a three part miniseries exploring musician injuries. Last week, we heard from Cecilia and her journey with carpal tunnel and tendonitis, and now this week we get to hear from Tara.

Tara's journey with health as related to her singing has been twofold: one with her mental health, and one with her physical health. She shares about her battle with anxiety, particularly early on in her singing journey; and she shares about her struggles with various physical injuries, including TMJ.

Disclaimer: We are not medical practitioners. Any medical information in this episode should not be used in place of actual medical advice from a doctor. If you suspect you are suffering from a music-related injury, please seek out a physician.

What we're listening to:
Cecilia: the Catechism in a Year Podcast with Fr. Mike Schmitz
Tara: What Was I Made For by Billie Eilish 

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Over the next three weeks, we're walking through a short miniseries on musicians' injuries. In today's episode, Cecilia shares her story of receiving carpal tunnel and tendonitis diagnoses in college, searching for help through various physical therapists and an Alexander Technique teacher, and what components helped her to find some level of healing. She also shares a few tips that could be helpful for injury prevention.

What we're listening to:
Tara: There is no Rose of Such Virtue, anonymous
Cecilia: "She Walks in Beauty" playlist on Spotify

Disclaimer: We are not medical practitioners. Any medical information in this episode should not be used in place of actual medical advice from a doctor. If you suspect you are suffering from a music-related injury, please seek out a physician. 

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We're kicking off our third season of the Little Sparks podcast with an episode on Ephesians 5 – and no, it's not the part of Ephesians 5 that you're probably thinking about. We're looking at verses 15-20, in which St. Paul essentially says, "Don't get drunk, sing songs instead!" Join us for a chat/ramble on how these verses fit into the larger context of Ephesians 5, the impact of music on the spiritual life, music as an expression of Christian joy, and more.

Ephesians 5: 15-20 (Revised Standard Version – Catholic Edition)
15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, 16 making the most of the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but be filled with the Spirit, 19 addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with all your heart, 20 always and for everything giving thanks in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God the Father.

Resources:
What the Catechism says on music

What we're listening to:
Cecilia: her "Cleaning Playlist" on Spotify
Tara: Hildegard chants

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Today we're sharing our season 3 preview! Tune in to hear what this season is themed around, and some things we're looking forward to. Stick around until the end to find out the launch date!

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For our season finale, we're so excited to have composer and singer/songwriter Tony Manfredonia on the podcast! We chatted about his journey into composition and singing/songwriting, the importance of his faith, and how a difficult time in his marriage inspired his upcoming album. This is an episode you do not want to miss!

What we're listening to:
Tara: Mary Speaks, by Daniel E. Gawthrop
Cecilia: Constellations, by the Oh Hellos
Tony: Underground, by Cody Fry

Check out Tony's Kickstarter for his upcoming album here.

You can find Tony on Instagram at @tony_manfredonia and visit his website at www.manfredoniamusic.com

Bio: Tony Manfredonia is a Michigan-based composer and singer-songwriter, best known for his symphonic, cinematic, and dynamic sound. Providing a deep, passionate experience, his music is filled with powerful orchestration, heartfelt lyrics, and sweeping melodic lines.  

His work has been performed worldwide by renowned ensembles such as the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, the Traverse Symphony Orchestra, the Washington Metropolitan Gamer Symphony Orchestra (WMGSO), and more.

Ranging from video game soundtracks to instrumental suites, romantic pop-piano ballads to soaring symphonic rock albums, Tony’s genre-bending, orchestral expertise is infused into everything he creates.

Through his music, Tony is transparent about the ups and downs of his own life journey. He discusses suffering, loss, and grief with his concept album ROSE WATER, his EP, LOST AT SEA and his single, WITHIN MY BONE.

After receiving funding on Kickstarter in just 48 hours, his latest album, ANCHORED, delves into the true story of a miraculous redemption in his marriage after he and his wife experienced a near-fallout.

Tony’s sheer variety provides him the opportunity to compose and perform in a wide range of musical contexts. Symphonic, yet intimate, his mission is to connect listeners to their deepest emotions.

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Today we're excited to bring to you this season's saint feature! We go through the story of St. Cecilia and how her body was found incorrupt, why St. Cecilia is the patron saint of musicians even though she likely never played an instrument, and what we can learn from the example of St. Cecilia, her husband Valerian, and his brother Tibertius.

What we're listening to:
Tara: Farewell, You Native Hills and  Fields, from The Maid of Orleans by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Cecilia: Philippe Gaubert's Madrigal 

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This week, Tara and Cecilia are chatting about Aristotle's levels of friendship, taking unconventional career paths, and the beauty of surrendering plans to God.

What we're listening to this week:
Cecilia: Gregor Aichinger's Regina Coeli
Tara: the soundtrack to the documentary Blackfish

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Is organ really the best choice of instrument for the Mass? Should guitars be totally banned from the liturgy? What do we do for Mass when we have very limited resources in the way of instruments? If these questions have ever crossed your mind, you'll want to listen to this episode!

Today we're discussing one of our favorite books: Music and Meaning in the Mass, by Annamaria Cardinalli. More specifically, we're discussing a specific chapter within the book on the role of instruments at Mass. The author brings up some very interesting points on timbre, the ability of an instrument to sustain, and why congregations might be more inclined to sing in some circumstances but not others. We're diving into these points and discussing them further, drawing on our own personal experiences with liturgical music.

Music and Meaning in the Mass, by Annamaria Cardinalli

What we're listening to:
Tara: Happiness, by We Banjo 3
Cecilia: It's a Wonderful Life, by John Lucas