January 2003
RSCM Summer Course for Organists 2002	Show Menu

Raymond Russell, Castleknock & Clonsilla

The Royal School of Church Music’s Holiday Course for Organists (30th July to 3rd August 2002) was hosted for the sixth successive year by the St Giles International Organ School under the charismatic direction of Anne Marsden Thomas. Organists of all standards, from beginners to those of diploma standard, are catered for on this course, which is divided into three strands: A — beginners, B — intermediate, and C - diploma standard. All groups had a maximum of twelve and there were three intermediate groups. Masterclass repertoire lists, a provisional programme, service details and much helpful advice had been sent to us in April. This year, as always, there were wonderful opportunities with fourteen pipe organs available for practice and teaching, within the City of London, and seven digital instruments in St Giles — which were fully booked from 6.00 each morning! Everyone had at least one personal lesson with a tutor, at least 11/2 hours a day to practise, and up to eight performance opportunities in master classes, services and concerts.

The course began on Monday afternoon in St Giles Church with a short recital given by the female tutors of the course. Ann Elise Smoot played the Bach F major Toccata. This was followed by a stunning performance of Intermezzo from Widor’s 6th Symphony played by Gerdi Troskie. Anne concluded the recital by giving us a majestic performance of the Coronation March ‘Le Prophete’ by Meyerbeer arranged by W.T. Best. This was followed by organising our practice times on the pipe organs in various churches in close proximity to St Giles. Maps and details of how to get to the churches were supplied. After a short snack everybody had a full choir rehearsal with Simon Wffliams for the evening service after dinner. I was particularly interested in the warm-up exercises and the resulting improvement in our singing.

Our accommodation was in Sundial Court which is the student residence for the Gufidhall School of Music, and is close to St Giles. Each day began at 8.00 with a rehearsal for the organists involved in the afternoon service of the hymns, psalm and voluntaries. Tuesday’s theme for the masterciasses was Tempo and Rhythm and these classes gave opportunities to play on some of the largest organs in the City (City Temple, St Michael’s Cornhffl, Bishopsgate etc.). There were two strands for improvisation given by Gerard Brooks and Henry Fairs. In the class I attended, Gerard gave many useful tips for modulations after a hymn and putting the melody into the tenor and bass line in turn. In the afternoons there were classes on transposition, score- reading, pedal technique, and sight reading. On Thursday night everyone walked to St Paul’s Cathedral to hear a magnificent recital by John Scott.

The weekend came all too soon, and on Saturday morning we had our fmal Service with improvised voluntaries and improvisations at the end of the hymns. Now it was time fothe male tutors to give the closing recital. Henry Fairs gave us a very atmospheric performance of Messaien’s Alleluia Sereins. Simon Williams gave us a very clear and exciting performance of Bach’s prelude and fugue in G major and Kevin Bowyer brought the course to a close with a vigorous account of Fête by Jean Langlais.

There was a very supportive atmosphere and aid our tutors gave us great encouragement. I would highly recommend this course to organists of all standards. I've picked up many new ideas and fun voluntaries to play.

Here is the list of some of those fun pieces:

Hornpipe Humoresque, Noel Rawsthorne;

Leprechaun in London, Nigel Ogden, publ. Stainer & Bell;

Mozart Changes, Zsolt Gardonyi, publ. Moseler;

Entry of the Gladiators (March of Triumph), Joulius Fucik;

Teddy Bears’ Picnic, J W Brattan;

Marigold, Billy Mayerl.

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