INTRODUCTION
With the recent release of the comedic movie My Big F~t Greek Wedding there
has been much exposure to the traditions of modem Greek culture. Even before that,
many people, at one time or another, found themselves in the middle of a Greek "circle"
dance, perhaps a Greek wedding or festival. This celebratory music definitely is what
most people recognized as "Greek music." However, there is a music from the people of
Greece that was used much earlier in time and which still remains as part of Greek
culture. This music is the Byzantine chant. While traditional Greek folk music may, for
the classroom music teacher, hold a number of interesting and rhythmic learning tools
that derive from its complex meter in 7/8 time, Byzantine chant provides a number of
potential teaching tools that can be used for pitch and interval training and music theory
objectives in addition to its multicultural learning aspect. Because of this, I find it
important to teach this type of music. I also believe it is a repertory that is not often
heard by the "general public." Imagine, if you will, the journey you and your students
can take as you embark on this music called Byzantine chant.