SOUNDBOARD March 2006

March 2006

Editorial Comment

Deciding what to put into SOUNDBOARD is one of the main challenges of producing each issue. Some items arise by default, so to speak — notices of forthcoming events, reports of courses and so on. And then one hopes for another article in the series ‘Church Music in ....’ which we believe to be of benefit and a source of ideas to others. There are also a small number of regular contributors, to whom we are indebted for items of interest. But there must be many others who have something to say, or perhaps have ideas for what they would like to find in the pages of SOUNDBOARD. So, never hesitate to let us have ideas — or better still, to put pen to paper (to use a now old-fashioned phrase) and let us have something for publication, as Ann Coulter has admirably done for this issue.

Since acquiring Broadband some months ago, we have spent (wasted?) more and more time wandering around the Internet. It is just a superb source of seemingly-limitless information. Open Google and insert something like ‘church organs’, ‘free organ music’, choral music or whatever, and suddenly appears dozens (no indeed, hundreds!) of interesting-looking sites — all with links to lots more interesting sites! Starting with ‘organs’, we soon found ourselves reading about the wonderful new four-manual Klais organ (2001) in Birmingham’s Symphony Hall. The two photographs below came from that site.

Coming back to earth again, we must record that the Committee is grateful to the Diocesan Councils for increasing their financial support this year. However, this will do no more than meet the cost of the Three Year Church Music Training Scheme. We hope that organists will again respond positively to the letter accompanying this issue asking for the usual contribution to the Committee’s funds. Last year we were pleased to be able to meet the cost of a series of guitar lessons for members of the Discovery Gospel Choir, which is based in St Thomas & St George's Church, Cathal Brugha Street.

On page 8, we give information about the Church Music Training Scheme. Please bring this comprehensive course to the attention of everyone in your church. The first step for those interested is to talk to the rector and seek the support of the parish.

1. Editorial Comment
2. Talking to Alison Young,
   well known organist, accompanist and conductor
3. Church Music in Monkstown Parish, Siobhán Kilkelly
   describes music in her church
4. George (’Daddy’) Harrison,
   Ann Coulter recalls her early mentor
5. Where are your Music
   Records? Raymond Refaussé writes about the RCB library
6. House Organs, Visits to three organists who can practise at home!
7. Own your own Pipe Organ James Pasley has the next best thing to a home pipe organ
8. The Archbishop’s Course in Church Music, Frequently asked questions about the course
9. Enjoying Plainchant, David
   McConnell describes how he introduced plainchant in Zion
10. Notes & News
11. An Organist’s Crossword