News Archives - John Rokosz

World Premiere of New Polyphony for Ancient Marian Hymn

December 27, 2025

This December, the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Parish schola proudly performed the world premiere of Sub Tuum Praesidium, a Marian motet composed this year by Evan O’Dorney. Details and an audio sample in the full article…

Youth Chant Camp Draws Record-Breaking Numbers

September 29, 2025

Most Precious Blood of Jesus Parish hosted an incredibly successful Chant Camp this summer, with an attendance of 60 kids! The 4-day program ended with all choristers singing for Mass on the feast of the Assumption. Photos and recordings in the article!

Film Festival Circuit Closes with One Last Win

July 12, 2025

Grandpa and Shorty closes its year in the film festival circuit with another win from the El Paso Media Fest. This is the film’s 9th award, which provides a spectacular ending to its festival season!

Winter Recordings Showcase Ancient Chants and New Polyphony

March 24, 2025

This past December, the Schola Cantorum completed a successful recording session of ancient, seldom-heard chants and newly-composed polyphony by their German friend and colleague Christoph Dalitz. Please see the article for samples and YouTube links…

“Grandpa and Shorty” Wins Best Narrative Feature in LA

December 9, 2024

Veterans Film Festival Best Narrative Feature

Over Veterans Day weekend this November, “Grandpa and Shorty” was honored as the Best Narrative Feature in the 2024 Veterans Film Festival in Los Angeles!

World Premiere of “Grandpa and Shorty”

August 13, 2024

On July 20th, White Ball Productions hosted an incredible audience of 250 at the Oaks Theater for the long-awaited premiere of “Grandpa and Shorty”! See the full article for details of the evening and red-carpet photos!

“Grandpa and Shorty” Honored as Finalist in Latest Film Festival

May 20, 2024

Grandpa and Shorty was selected as a finalist in the 2024 Austin Lift-Off Film Festival. This marks the third festival recognition for this film in the past three months, and offers new networking opportunities as the team continues to market the film for distribution.

University and Parish Scholas Unite for Ash Wednesday

February 25, 2024

This Ash Wednesday was celebrated with a long-anticipated collaboration between Most Precious Blood of Jesus Parish and the Schola Cantorum Franciscana from Franciscan University of Steubenville. Over 30 students joined the parish schola to sing the chants and polyphony for this solemn Mass–a beautiful start to the Lenten season! See the full article for audio samples…

Grandpa and Shorty: Original Film Score

November 11, 2023

After much anticipation, John conducted and recorded his original score for “Grandpa and Shorty” with the generous help of Duquesne University’s Mary Pappert School of Music and seven talented local musicians, including three members of Pittsburgh’s Academy String Quartet. Photos and audio clips in the full article!

Corpus Christi: An Honored Visit and Glorious Season Close

June 26, 2023

Msgr Gilles Vach, the Prior General and Founder of The Institute of Christ the King, visited Most Precious Blood of Jesus Parish for the feast of Corpus Christi. The Solemn High Mass was graced with a string quartet, Eucharistic procession and benediction, and was a beautiful close to this year’s choir season. Please see the article for audio samples and photos!

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