October 2005
Something for Everyone at York Summer School	Show Menu

Fifteen countries were represented at the RSCM International Summer School in York last August. There were 130 participants, five from Ireland, which included the three final year students from the Archbishop of Dublin’s Church Music Course. Regardless of musical background or expertise, there was something to be gained by everyone. Participants left York feeling stimulated and re-energised and with plenty of fresh ideas to bring to their work in leading worship in their local churches.

The six-day event included workshops, seminars, concerts and worship, communal meals and plenty of social engagement. Everybody stayed at St John’s College and each morning walked to the medieval York Minister, a few minutes away, to sing a brief prayer service in the Minster Choir: an opening hymn — different words each day but the same plainsong melody — a psalm, prayers with a simple Taizé-style response, and a closing hymn. This brief act of worship, preceded by five minutes of silence, exuded a magic that seemed to intensify as the week went by.

Each morning there was a choice of workshops and after lunch, everybody assembled for a larger event. Highlights included a singing session directed by John Rutter, and hearing John Bell of the Iona Community speak convincingly and provocatively about songs of the world church. At another session it was fascinating to watch the RSCM Millennium Youth Choir in rehearsal, with both a conductor and voice coach working in tandem. There was much emphasis throughout the week on the value of psalms in worship and how to sing them. While Anglican chant continues to be popular, many musicians now feel that other methods are preferable for the local church.

Writing about the Summer School, Jenny Huston (Athlone) comments: For me personally, the biggest gain in attending such an event was meeting with other church musicians from varying musical and church backgrounds. I enjoyed comparing and contrasting the music situation in their churches with my own. With those in similar positions to myself I had the chance to learn and swap some top tips. Music directors from larger church communities provided me with a picture of what to expect should I find myself in a similar situation. involved This networking is of immense value. In smaller rural churches it is often the case that the entire music element of the parish is left to one individual, who most likely has a separate full time occupation. Without the support of colleagues it can become quite a chore. The course for me revitalised many elements of church music, and I came away with a renewed enthusiasm for music-making as part of worship. Although I do not run a choir, I now feel I have the competence and confidence to do so should the opportunity arise. I am keen to attend similar courses abroad in the future.

The highlight of the week for me was singing with John Rutter. Having previously sung so much of his music in a two-part school choir, it was a privilege to sing with the other delegates under the direction of the composer himself.

Joan Alcorn (Maynooth) felt similarly: For me, a special time was our brief prayer service in York Minster each morning, before the hustle and bustle of the day. As organist of a small parish church with no choir, I found the session with Geoff Weaver entitled One Voice to Lead Many had many useful hints. Also useful was Esther Jones’ session ‘Teach your singers to sight sing’.

The syllabus was varied and there was something of interest for me each day (too many on some days — I couldn’t attend all I would have wished). Singing in York Minster under the directorship of David Hill and John Harper were also memorable occasions. Chatting to people at meals and meeting people with similar interests from many countries also was an exciting and rewarding part of the Summer School. I found the week so encouraging and rewarding that I hope the Church Music Committee will encourage others to attend similar events in the future.

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