SOUNDBOARD May 2005

May 2005

Editorial Comment

Organists’ Workshop

Being objective about this, we have to say that it was a great success. Sandra Maxwell gives an account of it in this issue. Most present completed the questionnaire (thank you to those who did) and the ratings (out of a total of 5) of the various sessions were:  

Getting the best from an amateur choir	4.8
Singing session of ‘new’ hymns	3.8
Computer software	3.8
Display of organ music	4.0
The ‘bargain’ sales table	4.0
Organ recital	4.6
Chance to play organ	4.0

All indicated that such a exercise should be repeated, at least annually, and some respondents gave ideas for other useful talks. We were somewhat surprised that not very many availed of the opportunity to play the organ. Sadly there were two who wrote on the questionnaires that having heard experts Barley and Russell play, they were somewhat shy about performing. At an organists’ meeting when a ‘new’ organ is available to try, no one need feel intimidated about playing. It is always interesting to try out a ‘different instrument and there is much to be learned in doing so. Next time we shall expect great participation!

One request was for something on the care and storage of music, to help with extracting any desired item easily and quickly. Any volunteers to write a couple of paragraphs on how one does this?

Courses for organists

There are several courses for organists/choir directors in the near future, and details can be found within. The RSCM Summer Course for Organists at St Giles Church, London is again reported on in this issue; everyone who has attended it (Editor included) has found it to be of great benefit. Another important RSCM event this year is the 2nd International Summer School and Conference in York City in August (see page 10). This looks to be a really useful event. Several Irish church musicians have already booked and there are still places available. Nearer home, the Charles Wood School in Armagh has much to offer; we have attended it on a couple of occasions over the years.

Childrens’ Choirs

We have heard of a number of very successful childrens’ choirs in some of the churches of the diocese. We have also heard of a number of organists who would like advice and suggestions on running a childrens’ choirs. David Wilkinson (Rathfarnham) gave sound advice in one of last year’s Soundboards, but there must be a number of other organists who could do likewise. Can we request that they put ‘pen to paper’ and jot down ideas and strategies for a future article on running childrens’ choirs. All contributions welcome!

Committee Funding

The Church Music Committee is appointed by the Diocesan Councils, who give us an annual grant towards the cost of the Church Music Training Scheme. We applied for €6500 in 2005 and were disappointed to receive only €5000 (a repeat of the previous year’s allocation). Without realistic funding, we cannot do our job properly. The bishops and other leaders in the Church of Ireland are placing more and more emphasis in these times on the value of liturgy, music and worship in the life of our Church. But words are not enough. More resources, both human and financial are needed for these areas, nationally and at local level. Perhaps the parishes should help to strengthen diocesan funds.

1. Editorial Comment
2. How do we Promote Good Hymn-singing?
3. Church Music in St Patrick’s Dalkey
4. Surviving your First Year at the Organ
5. Christ Church Leeson Park
6. A ‘Top Ten’ Funeral Voluntaries
7. Two + One = Three!
8. The Pipeworks Festival
9. Courses for Organists
10. An Organist’s Crossword
11. Notes & News