Newman, Dennis
Dennis J. Newman has served the Church of Chicago since 1972, and holds a B.A. cum laude in philosophy from Quincy University and an M.M. from DePaul. From 1999 to Jan. 2012, he was Director of Music at St. Fabian Catholic Church in Bridgeview IL, directing several choirs, composing new liturgical pieces, arranging instrumental parts, creating English settings for traditional Polish, Spanish, and Filipino hymns. He has taught dozens of local and diocese-wide workshops, been published in Pastoral Music magazine, sung for hundreds of liturgies throughout the city, and edited a hymnal. His compositions are sung by parishes around the country; GIA publishes his “Jesse Tree: Advent Song for Children,” which for years has been part of the Advent liturgies at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Winona, Minnesota. The annual March “Irish Mass” he co-founded, featuring several of his new compositions each year, raised thousands for charity. Now retired, Dennis continues composing and subbing for funerals, weddings, and weekend liturgies. He and his wife Kathleen are the proud parents of four adult children, Brian, Kelly, Tim, and Bridget. Workshops
The Use of Synthesizers in the Liturgy - Sacred Music
For any church musician who's been considering using a synthesizer for worship, this workshop offers helpful insights and practical advice from someone who uses one or two synths every weekend. Learn sequencing tips, dos and don'ts; see firsthand how one of these marvelous machines can enhance the musical experience for your parish.
The Use of Auxiliary Instruments in Worship - Sacred Music
An organ or piano are the primary instruments usually used for accompanying a congregation's sung prayer. But adding an obbligato instrument or two can open up a whole new dimension of sound. Learn a step-by-step approach to incorporating woodwinds, brass, percussion, and strings into your weekly liturgies, suggestions on locating instrumental parts, an overview of the craft involved in creating your own.