WHO ARE WE?

The Nova Schola Cantorum Natchitochensis (the "New Schola Cantorum of Natchitoches," but more affectionately known as the "Mötley Schöla") is an all-volunteer group (with pretty much no formal musical training among us) doing our best to provide traditional Gregorian chant and Latin hymns for the weekly Traditional Latin Mass at the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Natchitoches [LINK], Louisiana, 5pm Sundays. We also sing for Solemn Vespers immediately preceding that Mass (4:30), as well as for daily Mass on the occasional feasts and solemnities throughout the Church year (6:30am weekdays, 8am Saturdays). Finally, we join with the other Basilica choirs for the major feasts of the liturgical year, and as needed elsewhere.

A note on the quotations above. The first is the oft-quoted statement attributed to St. Augustine of Hippo, perhaps originating in his commentary on Psalm 74:1: Qui enim cantat laudem, non solum laudat, sed etiam hilariter laudat, "He who sings praises, not only praises, but praises joyfully." The second should be scanned as, "He who chants, prays thrice" -- by Gregory the Spurious, who is, well, no saint.