SOUNDBOARD March 2007

March 2007

Editorial Comment

This is the time of year when information begins to arrive about Summer courses for organists and other church musicians. Anyone thinking of attending such would do well to at least explore what is available.

The RSCM has available two brochures — Short Choral Courses 2007 and Organ Courses 2007, both of which list many courses of interest. Details can be obtained from the website: www.rscm.com/courses.

While the full details of the Charles Wood Summer School are not yet available, the dates are 19 to 26 August. A huge variety of events, concerts and workshops take place during this annual festival. With something to whet everyone's appetite, why not take some time to visit the beautiful city of Armagh during this year's festival?

The Website

Do you know what is on the Church Music website www.churchmusicdublin.org, (or have you ever even looked at it)? James Pasley has done great work on it over the last year or so and he is keeping it really up to date. Click on ‘what’s new’ to see what has recently been added; click on ‘recent events’ or ‘future events’ for the latest news. You can also get full details of the Archbishop’s Course and of other training opportunities, and if you want to see who is at present on the Committee, it’s all there — with their photographs! The church musician remuneration guidelines for 2007 are also online and are referred to widely throughout Ireland. There’s lots more too. And do publicise any relevant events on the site — send brief details to events@churchmusicdublin.org.

Archbishop of Dublin's Certificate in Church Music

The closing date for applications for the 2007 – 08 academic year is 31 May 2007. This popular course provides training in the skills needed by the musician working in the local church: organ playing, choir training and a basic understanding of the place and role of music in the liturgy. Students must be sponsored by a parish and the cost is shared between the student, the parish and the diocese. Subject to the availability of places, it may be possible to accept those from traditions other than the Church of Ireland. For further information, visit the website or contact the Hon. Secretary, Mrs Ruth Maybury.

Finally, in lighter vein, to fill the space still remaining.......

From the October 2006 Church Review

“Sunday 3rd September saw the church full to capacity for the baptism of........ The music was chosen especially by the family and Karen sang a very beautiful and moving duet”

1. Editorial Comment
2. An Introduction to Hymnody Adrian Somerfield describes an event in his parish of St Thomas Mount Merrion.
3. House Organs (Part 3) This time it is Gerard Gillen’s instrument that features.
4. Music in the Unitarian Church Dublin Josh Johnston (organist) writes about his new position.
5. Celebrating St Brigid in Dublin and Kildare A joint festival in two St Brigid churches is described.
6. Peter Barley talks to Harry Grindle
7. Notes & News — containing a miscellany of bits and pieces of information.