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RICHARD
PUTORTI
Richard is
very active with youth and music throughout the Diocese of Albany.
For more than 14 years he has served in music ministry by
directing parish music programs, bringing spirited music to
liturgy, inspiring youth to participate and directing diocesan
musical celebrations. He founded two contemporary music groups for
young people and currently directs the Contemporary Music Group
for Christ The King Church in Albany.
Richard has not limited his
ministry to the parish level. He is the founder of an annual
scholarship to send youth to the NPM national or regional
conventions. Since 1996 he has coordinated the music program for
the summer and winter Christian Leadership Institute (C.L.I.) . In
1997 he accepted the invitation and challenge of organizing choirs
and directing music for two major diocesan celebrations ,
Gathering O97 and the Albany Diocesan Sesquicentennial Liturgy.
Following the success of those events, Richard began an annual
choral tradition, Tuned For Praise, in 1998. This annual concert
for youth and adults showcases the enthusiasm and wealth of talent
of music ministers throughout the diocese. Richard is now asked to
participate in many other diocesan annual experiences, such as The
Religious Education Office's Spring Enrichment Program as well as
the Pastoral Council's Parish Convening.
In November 1999 he shared his more
recent composition, "Instruments Of Christ" at a
luncheon for bishops and diocesan youth directors attending the
National Catholic Youth Conference in St. Louis. He also used that
song as part of the regional liturgy for about 1500 participants
from around New York State. While attending the convention Richard
was unexpectedly asked to lead music for one of the six prayer
services held throughout the conference, and successfully formed
and rehearsed a 24 voice choir to lead a large hall of
participants in song.
Richard believes the most important
thing we can do as we consider the future of liturgical music in
the Catholic Church is to link adults with youth. Youth need more
than simply a great teacher; they need youth-friendly mentors who
will join them as they devote their time and energy in considering
ministry through music. Richard's workshops for and with youth are
important for parishes who want to involve the unique talents of
youth in liturgical celebrations. Adults and youth are encouraged
to participate together to explore the many possibilities and
challenges involved in developing parish music programs with youth.
Recently released is
Richardıs
first recorded project, Walk With God, a collection of 14
inspirational songs combining pop, rock and jazz influences. His
latest recording is a cassette single of "Instruments of
Christ." In addition, he has written many acclamations for
liturgical use including his Mass For Christ The King.
Richard is promoting his music
through workshops, concerts, and the internet. Most recently he
shared his music at a coffeehouse for the Region II NFCYM Adult
Conference in Binghamton, NY and at his own concert at St. Henry's
Church in Averill Park, New York. Richard recently developed a
summer music camp for diocesan youth interested in studying
liturgical music.
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