Music at St. Michael Adopts (old) New Look
Illuminated letters conjure images of ancient monks deep inside medieval scriptoria, hunched over sheets of parchment. These monks devoted endless hours to creating the intricate images of biblical scenes, floral designs, fanciful animal spirits, and occasional grotesques that decorated the Church’s sacred writings and chant notation. The letters were not designed to be mere embellishments, however, but indicators of something of importance to come. Pay attention, they said. When you see either of these two letter designs, you can expect news from or about the Music Ministry at our parish.
The illuminated letter “M,” designed in watercolor by ministry volunteer Donna Lee Kurland as an homage to the parish’s patron, St. Michael the Archangel, employs many of St. Michael’s attributes. The angel’s wing and halo mark St. Michael as one of the Heavenly Host. The sword and spear proclaim him as captain of God’s army. Satan, the dragon (also sometimes portrayed as a serpent or demon), is defeated by Michael’s hand. The scales remind us that Michael will receive and weigh the immortal spirits when they are released from death. The color red is associated with Christ’s Passion, but is also the color of sovereign power, echoed in the dress of the Church’s cardinals. The blue of the “M” symbolizes truth, because blue always appears in the sky after the clouds are dispelled, suggesting the unveiling of truth.
The “M” design was streamlined by graphic designers at Bradley Brown Design Group, Carnegie, PA for use as a logo on letterheads, announcements, and any other printed materials produced by the Music Ministry. While creating a crisp, digital version, they incorporated the crozier and lily found on the parish logo, as well as St. Michael’s flaming sword. We owe a special debt of gratitude to Susie Bradley and Forrest Conroy for sharing their exceptional direction and talent.
The Music Ministry’s updated website expands on the look of a medieval manuscript, and offers a wealth of information about the ministry’s history, people, concert offerings, and opportunities to participate in its many choral and instrumental ensembles. We invite you to explore this site and see for yourself what’s new.