Mr Michael McConnell was my first choir master. A highly intelligent man, well educated and a natural teacher, he enjoyed having my brothers and me in the choir as we shared some of his knowledge of Latin and religion and would eagerly join his minor digressions.
He lived alone in a beautiful house and taught for many years at the local Catholic highschool. He was always well dressed and we used to watch him bemusedly as he carefully removed his handkerchief, unfolded it a little, wiped his extended nasolabial folds or ‘Singer’s jowl’ as we called them, refolded his kerchief and restored it to its original place.
I have been in many choirs since but never one in which I have learned so much. We sang Gregorian chant, classic polyphony and modern compositions including some of Mr McConnell’s own music and settings. I have had many Christmases since but again never one with music to rival those Christmases at the Cathedral in spite of the let down of the new liturgy.
He received a Benemerenti award by the Pope for his contribution to church music. I suppose, in a way, one of my brothers and I are part of that contribution as we continue to use the gifts he passed to us. However music was only a part of his legacy;he taught many people many things in and out of the classroom, inspiring his listeners with love for his beloved subjects.
Requiescat in pace
Katherine Wansink Writes 