Donna Peña
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Many parishes and schools have jumped into bilingual liturgies
without much agita because they included a bilingual item that has
become popular in the music programs of American parishes. That
composition is, of course, "Digo Si, Señor/I Say Yes,
Lord," the appealing Spanish and English piece with one of
the most singable melodies in the GIA catalog. Its composer, Donna
Peña, exhibits a strong understanding of melodic construction
that is attractive and endurable. "Digo Si, Señor/I Say
Yes, Lord" has been sung by thousands of musicians at national
conventions and by a third grade class at a prayer vigil. No matter
the size of the group, the music and the text provide a contagious
faith acclamation.
Donna Peña resides in Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota. Speaking
strongly to and for the Hispanic community in the Midwestern church,
she provides a leadership founded strongly on her Mexican and Cherokee
heritage. While at the University of Minnesota, she took part in
the Chicano Studies program. As she unites formal education with
high communication skills, she is able to produce music that serves
well the needs for multilingual worship. In addition to "Digo
Si, Señor/I Say Yes, Lord," her recorded collections
Alma Mia and Against the Grain as well as the most recent offerings
A New Heaven, A New Earth, Mass of the Nations and the collaboration
with Marty Haugen We Come Dancing, provide a broad range of music
and texts for inclusive worship. "El Amanecar," which
is the first cut on La Tierra, La Gente, is a masterpiece of Hispanic
rhythms and instrumentation. When one sings it, one dances it. Her
setting of Psalm 25, "Levanto Mi Alma/I Lift Up My Soul,"
has become a staple in the Advent repertory for many parishes. She
stands at the forefront of new composers who are able to express
ethnic richness with such accessible music. With such new music
the Church now possesses a unique and broad power to express its
diversity. Donna Peña's compositions have the ability to unleash
that power.
Workshops
(ALL WORKSHOP OFFERINGS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE IN A BILINGUAL FORMAT.)
Hispanic Music: Covering the Basics
A learning session that will introduce participants to the most
basic popular Hispanic music styles such as ranchera, huapango,
bolero, etc. Participants will also learn to read a music chart.
This workshop can be offered for guitar or as an all day workshop
for piano, guitar, vocals, and percussion.
Hispanic Music: For Those Who Want to Know More
This advanced workshop is for musicians and directors of parishes
who have Hispanic liturgies and want to learn more about playing
the various styles of music. This workshop can highlight one of
two options: folkloric styles of music (guitar, guitarron, violin,
and vocals) or a focus that examines popular styles involving piano,
percussion, vocals, and bass. Again, this is an advanced session
for those who already play their instrument but now need the techniques
for playing these particular styles. This workshop is presented
by Donna and a team of guest musicians (3-4 musicians, depending
on the focus).
Hispanic Music: Music in the Liturgy
This workshop is designed to foster a clear understanding of how
music and liturgy work together. While examining the parts of the
Mass, participants will experience a variety of musical settings
appropriate to the various parts of the liturgy. We will also examine
ritual music for different seasons.
Hispanic Music: Basic Music
Learning how to read music to get through a liturgy. Basic skills
taught such as time signatures and reading through charts (mainly
for guitar and other chord instruments). For vocalists, understanding
a vocal chart and learning the basic skills to read one; techniques
for sight singing.
For a listing of Choral Music, try our Choral Music Search