Alexis Kutarna earned the degree Master of Arts in Liturgy at The Liturgical Institute at the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary, where she wrote her thesis on “The Sacramental Nature of Sacred Music.” She holds a Master of Music degree in conducting and a Performer’s Certificate from Northern Illinois University. She also holds a Bachelor of Music degree, summa cum laude, with a double major in bassoon and piano performance from Saint Xavier University in Chicago, IL.Alexis has a special interest in chant and the history of music in the liturgy, and was privileged to spend time studying Gregorian chant and semiology with Fr. Columba Kelly, OSB. Alexis has served as a parish music and liturgy director, and has taught chant to singers of all ages.Frequently asked to speak on music and the liturgy, she has presented in a variety of contexts, from parish choirs and retreats to lectures and conferences. Last summer, she was invited to speak at a symposium at The Liturgical Institute called “The Liturgical Movement of the 21 st Century” on the musical preparation of seminarians. This summer, she will be co-presenting three sessions on “The Chants of the Roman Missal” at the National Association of Pastoral Musicians convention in Houston.Alexis teaches courses on the liturgy and liturgical music at the University of St. Thomas. She serves as the Director of Music, where she directs the Schola Cantorum, at St. Mary’s Seminary in Houston, TX.