SOUNDBOARD January 2004

January 2004

Editorial Comment

In the last issue of SOUNDBOARD, we requested information about various matters pertaining to that, and to previous issues. Thank you to those who responded. The findings, in brief, are as follows.

• You enjoyed reading about those organists who have been profiled so far, and want more of them, but only of interesting people. (We hope then that you will enjoy reading about Peter Barley, who has now been organist of St Patrick’s Cathedral for two years.) Suggestions for “profiles” are always welcome. 
• Most of you want the technical articles to continue; if you are one of those for whom it is too technical, you don’t have to read it! 
• In general you are happy with the size of the typeface. 
• We’ll continue with the crossword; apart from those who complete and submit it, there are others who don’t quite get that far, but still have enjoyment from it.

A few requests were received for details of forthcoming organ recitals and church-music concerts. Of course we should include this information, and have done so to some extent in the past. The problem is in finding out relevant information well in advance. While some of these events are “regulars”, like the St Michael’s Dun Laoghaire series of summer organ recitals, others just publicise dates and recitalists, with no information about programme. Can we ask, if you know of any events approaching the publication deadline, you let us know. It is better to have the same information half a dozen times rather than not at all!

The new edition of the Book of Common Prayer will be an important event this year for the Church of Ireland. The BCP has been revised several times over the past 500 years and the new edition must be viewed in this context. The BCP is a reverence point to our faith as Anglicans, and is evidence of the high value given by the Church of Ireland to how we worship. Musicians play a key role in leading worship and we should welcome and support BCP 2004, recognising the opportunities it provides.

In future issues of SOUNDBOARD we plan to give some specific suggestions, showing how the BCP is an essential tool for parish musicians in the 21st century.

The Church Music Committee is spending an increasing amount of time discussing the training of church musicians. The Church Music Training Scheme addresses a need at one level. But those with many years of experience also need to review and update their skills regularly and the article on page 8 explores this issue in some detail.

In response to the query about the organ in St Georges’, Temple Street, we have heard that the instrument is still there, but has not been used since the church was sold.

Ideas for two possible series of articles came to mind since the last SOUNDBOARD was published. You can investigate the first of each of these series within this issue. We look forward to hearing from others with further instalments for these series!

1. Editorial Comment
2. Talking to Peter Barley Organist of St Patrick’s Cathedral
3. Church Music in Howth Randal Henly describes the work of the organist in his parish
4. Sheet Music from the Web James Pasley writes about free music from the Internet
5. Science and Music Adrian Somerfield on why many scientists are also musicians
6. Organs — Good, Bad and Indifferent Stephen Adams discusses electronic versus pipe organs
7. An Organist’s Crossword
8. Continuous Professional Development David McConnell writes about in-service training for church musicians