I read your blog about the tortures suffered by you going to Mass on December 17 at St. Thomas. Since I am the person you named, let me just say a couple of things. I am glad you have been helping rebuild in N.O., that shows you have a life besides being a liturgical critic. I take total umbrage at you saying that people don't sing at St. Thomas, because they do. If you don't like a Sanctus which has a "refrain", know that it is a proper concept within the confines of liturgical practice (see Glastonbury Acclamations by Christopher Walker, and others which are call and response style).
Saying that I was up there at my synthesizer (digital keyboard) for every song is pretty stupid, where would you expect me to be as the choir director? Roaming the aisles? You try being music director in a full-time position sometime. College doesn't count, you have plenty of human power to help out.
And yacking on Soon and Very Soon, what a dumbass thing to say. We are a white assembly. Do you expect us to sing like blacks? We know how to do that too, since we have had a fellowship with a gospel choir for mnay years. It will never be like black people singing, and I know that. But we're not black! They can't sing like white people. either! Does that mean we have no right to sing a neat song like Soon and Very Soon? I don't think so. Get out of your college mind-set and join something like the world of your parents, which will be yours soon enough.
Also try coming to Eucharist without a chip on your shoulder. You'd be amazed at how much more meaning you can find there. You're supposed to bring your baptized glory as a follower of JC, not come to be placated as if you just turned on the TV or your computer. Ot just tell your folks you don't want to be there, at least that's honest.
Marcy Weckler Barr