SOUNDBOARD A Newsletter for Church Musicians Number 21 !!!!!!!! July 2010
PRIZE FOR SOUNDBOARD SOUNDBOARD was awarded first place in the 'other WHAT’S IN THIS ISSUE? printed publications’ category of this year's competition for best printed publications, run annually by the Lay Ministry Ricky Rountree discusses the Church of Ireland Central Communications Board. The role of the church musician judges said that SOUNDBOARD 'reflects well on a self- Peter Barley talks to Donald Davison about starting group of people, passionate about their role in the his lifetime involvement with church music church and reflecting it to themselves and others. It displays the initiative to communicate and share ideas, and Music at Sandford & Milltown David to promote co-operation and esprit de corps. The Newsletter Bremner writes about music in his two is packed with 15+ articles and includes good use of colour churches and a variety of 'people pictures'. New Beginnings in City Churches News from St Ann’s Dawson St and All Saints’ The Church Music Committee warmly congratulates and Grangegorman thanks Randal Henly, who has edited the magazine since it first appeared in 2001. Harvest Festivals Peter Moger gives food for thought The Editor in acknowledging this tribute would point out Everybody Can Sing Róisín & Ciarán Judge that SOUNDBOARD is a team effort and other members of the Committee contribute enormously towards its content. In write about music in St Thomas’ Church in the particular the work of the Assistant Editor (and her city centre husband!) is acknowledged. ! Thomas Arne Derek Seymour writes about the Dublin connection Wandering Pipes Another interesting snippet from Judy Cameron Liturgy Lore More from the Revd Michael Johnston about the role of liturgy The Church Music Website Our visitors and where they come from Music Technology Philip Good writes about how this could aid church musicians Courses & Events Quite a number of items are on the list this time Christ Church Cathedral The impact of the recession on the Cathedral’s music Notes & News A miscellany of ‘Bits & Pieces’ relevant to church music, and a message from the Archbishop
email: [email protected] website: www.churchmusicdublin.org
Photo: Garrett Casey
The Most Reverend Alan Harper, Archbishop of Armagh, presents the prize at the General Synod, which, this year, was held in Christ Church Cathedral. approach to lay ministry discernment LAY MINISTRY and formation. The journey has certainly been a worthwhile one - we Church Musician — Technician or Minister? have all been stretched in terms of Archdeacon Ricky Rountree meeting the academic requirements of the programme, engaging in the process of honest self-reflection and The Church of Ireland has recently In 2005 the United Dioceses of taking on new or additional roles celebrated 100 years of Reader Dublin & Glendalough decided to within our own parishes and ministry. Until a few years ago there change its approach to the formation elsewhere in the Diocese. was very little opportunity for lay of lay ministry and a new There are currently twelve partici- ministry to be fully recognised and programme was devised in pants training for commissioned lay commissioned except in this form. conjunction with the Theological ministry in the united dioceses. The result was that for those who Institute and St John's College felt a call to a deeper involvement in Nottingham to explore various What of music and the direction of ministry than just opportunities for the church choirs? The Diocesan Music being a very active ‘What of music and the exercise of lay Committee has been very successful and involved lay direction of church choirs? ministry. Rather in producing a large number of person and who did The Diocesan Music than people being church musicians who act as not feel called to the Committee has been very selected for a specific organists and choir directors in the diocese and beyond. Without this ordained ministry successful ...... ‘ ministry and then the only course receiving training, a provision and effort many churches open to them was to become a core programme for all ministries would find it very difficult to have commissioned Lay Reader in the was arranged which allowed the services of a church musician. Church of Ireland. This limited the participants to explore and discover How do such musicians see their official exercise of their ministry to their particular call to ministry and role? Do they view themselves as a the leading of worship and in the course of that study to skilled technician who provides preaching. recognise and shape the particular musical accompaniment for singing and other music requirements for It is true that many readers over the ministry gifts they had and find ways they could be exercised. This church worship, and in many cases years became involved in other areas train and lead singers for church of ministry, helping in pastoral has allowed a wide variety of ministries to be commissioned, services? Or do they view themselves capacities, hospital visiting etc., but as lay ministers who exercise a this was rarely recognised in any ministries which both fit the individual and the setting in which ministry of music for the church and official manner. Many readers also help to lead the people of God to “ a moved on to be selected for the non- that ministry will be exercised. Each ministry is commissioned for three fresh experience of the beauty of stipendiary and full-time ordained holiness” [Preface to BCP2004] ministry in order to broaden the years and can then be reviewed, scope of their ministries. renewed or changed. Here we have an approach which The first lay ministry group in begins not with a journey of It is recognised that every Christian, exploration to discover a ministry, by virtue of their baptism, is called training in the diocese numbered 13 and their eventual commissioning at but a training for a particular task to ministry. But it is also true that which often manifests itself more many are called to particular areas Easter 2009 included areas of ministry involving not only liturgy deeply as an integral part of the of ministry which can be exercised overall ministry of the church where in other ways than being and preaching but also pastoral work, prayer and healing ministry, the church musician becomes a full commissioned as a Reader or being member of the parish ministry team. ordained. Indeed scripture lists adult education and communi- cation. The newly commissioned lay Can there be a way in which credit many gifts of ministry which do not is given for the training already fit neatly into either of these boxes. ministers had this to say about their experience: For each of us, as undertaken and where further 1 Corinthians 12 27-31 Now you individuals and as a group, this has theological and liturgical formation are the body of Christ and been an important developmental is undertaken leading to individually members of it. And God experience. Many of us experienced commissioning as a lay minister has appointed in the church first doubts at times about the nature of with a specific role in the ministry of apostles, second prophets, third the reality of their calling to ministry. music? ! teachers; then deeds of power, then People shared these struggles gifts of healing, forms of assistance, honestly and sought support. The Ricky Rountree is forms of leadership, various kinds of care and concern of friends within chairman of the tongues. Are all apostles? Are all the group played a crucial part in Church Music prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work helping us as we faced those Committee, rector miracles? Do all possess gifts of heal- challenges. We all felt a sense of of Powerscourt ing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all being 'the guinea pigs', given that we and Archdeacon interpret? But strive for the greater gifts. were the first participants in this new of Glendalough. [email protected]
Dublin and Glendalough Church Music Committee The Archbishop of Dublin’s Certificate in Church Music This part-time course in organ playing, choir training and liturgy aims to ensure a continued supply of musicians for parish churches.
Informationon on www.churchmusicdublin.org or from Mrs Jacqueline Mullen, 23 Ludford Park, Ballinteer, Dublin 16, Tel. (01) 298 8923 or [email protected] Tell me a little about your experience Peter Barley talking to Donald Davison as a teacher. In university teaching, much has have been fortunate changed. Queen's used to be PB. Can I start by to work with some smaller, with admirable collegiality, asking you about remarkable rectors but now, like most institutions, it is the Down, Dromore — Alan Harper, more impersonal and hierarchical, and Connor organ Edward Darling and with line managers and the like. scholarship? I be- John Mann, and I Although I enjoyed both teaching and lieve this is run think I'm probably a research, I found teaching along similar lines rarity in that I've assessments particularly frustrating, to our Archbishop's never had a cross as I felt that data was being Certificate of word with any of accumulated and lengthy reports Church Music in them! In many ways, written just for the sake of it. Dublin, and so this the most dangerous will be of interest to cleric is someone I have greatly enjoyed teaching many many readers of who knows only a organ pupils over the years (several Soundboard. little about music have gone on to occupy important but thinks that he or positions). I have always encouraged DD. Yes, as with she knows more. them to work hard to get things the Dublin scheme, suitable 100% correct - a danger of being a candidates are put forward by their In-service training of organists and good sight reader is that one doesn't parishes, and the syllabus is also mutual encouragement are also always read the notes carefully similar to Dublin's, being spread important. In Belfast, for example, enough. over three years with specified demographic changes have left many minimum levels of attainment. We parishes struggling, and there are have around fifteen students at any really too many churches with small, One of your key contributions to the one time, across the three years, unbalanced choirs, which can be encouragement of music in churches, taught by Philip Stopford, Michael very dispiriting for the organists. I and drawing on your wide McCracken and myself. The scheme wanted to try to do something to help, experience, is clearly your editorship was made possible by a generous so in the 1980s I set up the Ulster of the music in the 2000 Church anonymous donation, which Church Music Centre, which Hymnal. This will also be of interest provided the initial capital funding provided training and resources for to our readers. (now supplemented by the two about ten years. Access to easy, new This was a big task, and took three dioceses), and it is administered by choral music is vital, so that fresh years, more time than I had a board of clergy and musicians. additions can be made regularly to a anticipated. The 1990 supplement choir's repertoire (the RSCM is very Irish Church Praise was produced Are there any particular differences helpful here). from the Dublin scheme? quite quickly and proved popular, but this was of a completely different Well, whilst the course also includes What was your path through church magnitude in terms of the editorial choir-training elements (as the music? work required. What increased the Dublin one does), the organ lessons I was not a choirboy (I wish I had burden significantly was that, as well are on average every fortnight. The been) but began in my teens as as editing the music, I got deeply lessons are completely free, however, Assistant Organist at St Thomas', involved in discussion of textual and indeed some students continue Belfast, where we had a big choir questions. For example, if one tries to take lessons after they have and I was given a free hand. After to modernise a hymn text by finished the course. I do detect one taking my RCO diplomas, I spent removing words such as 'thee' and increasingly prevalent disadvantage three postgraduate years at Caius 'thou', preservation of the rhyming in that, more and more, we seem to College, Cambridge, where I got to scheme may lead to a revised text be taking on students who are know Patrick Hadley (composer of with a different or weaker meaning. already in post. Thus they are really 'My beloved spake') and was able to In the end we adopted a middle of having to run before they can walk. observe at first hand the choir- the road approach, recognising the But at least they are getting practical training skills of David Willcocks new generation whilst trying to retain experience, and when organists are and George Guest — what an clarity of meaning. Inevitably some scarce perhaps choirs have to be inspiration! On returning to Belfast mistakes were probably made, and tolerant of rough diamonds! On the in 1963, I took up the post at St some other hymn books took a more other hand, I sometimes wonder if Jude's, where I introduced choirboys radical approach, but you will never really promising students can realise to an already big choir, before the please everybody. their full potential within the move to Malone Road. parameters of the scheme. All in all we were looking for balance, so whilst we included more You have also had a significant 'modern' hymns (e.g. Kendrick) we Broadening out to parish music in career beyond the organ stool? general, what do you see as the also expanded in the other direction current rewards and challenges? Yes, I spent 21 years as Belfast City (to the 'Catholic' side, e.g. 'Soul of my Organist at the Ulster Hall, and was saviour'). Such diversity adds I think that clerical training in this also University Organist at Queen's, considerably to the workload (such area is vitally important — they need as well as lecturing in one of the as having to make new organ to develop a widely-based Maths departments (which I also arrangements of the 'modern' hymns) appreciation of the value of music in headed for many years). This often and inevitably there was differing worship. Within a parish, it is so led to a hectic timetable — a typical advice about what to include. important that the rector Friday might include giving a lecture On the music side, one of the many understands and supports the work at 12 noon followed by rushing down of the church's musicians. I have editorial challenges was deciding on to the Ulster Hall to give a lunchtime keys for certain hymns — there are always had a strong personal recital. It also meant that I sometimes commitment to parish music (though no easy answers here! When a tune had to think hard as to where a occurred more than once in the I do love the cathedral side too). In particular score was located! my 33 years at St John's, Malone I book, I often set it in different keys, with careful cross-referencing. I have Overall, I am conscious that unrealistic. There is a need for great admiration for Hewson's 1960 traditional church music is less in appropriate music but also for Hymnal — it is traditional and use nowadays. Whilst more vision. homogenous, but of course it is ephemeral worship songs clearly famous for many tunes being set have their place, I hope we won't lose Donald, an inspiring note on which rather high, so maybe he was sight of chanted psalms and simple to end — thank you for talking to sometimes thinking more of a bright anthems. A lot now depends on the Soundboard. ! treble sound than of the enthusiasm of the Director of Music [email protected] congregation. to carry the day, but not to be
Music at Sandford and Milltown Parish Churches David Bremner at: http://soundcloud.com/ david- bremner/gloria. Also I've written I'm the Organist and Director of arrangements and compositions Music at Sandford Parish Church specifically for our choir. and St Philip's Milltown. We have a service at each church on Sunday Our Rector the Revd Sonia Gyles is mornings. The style of worship at the very supportive of music in the churches is a blend of the traditional parishes, and is keen to make music and the informal: hymns are an an integral part of both our worship interesting balancing act; we've and our outreach to the community. found that often the older hymns are Also non-stipendary minister the more quickly picked up by those Revd Anne-Marie O'Farrell is a unfamiliar to them (perhaps because professional harpist which adds to of their more uniform rhythm). On the musical possibilities. We've had the other hand the younger people of recent recitals by myself and recital- the parish will be familiar with more partner soprano Elizabeth Hilliard, a modern hymns so they can also be concert in aid of Dublin Simon included. Community featuring choirs from neighbouring schools of all We're lucky in that we have two good denominations, and a gig by singer organs that are quite different in Eleanor Shanley. Some years ago we character. Both are Conachers; put on a series of weekly concerts Sandford has a decent three-manual which were mainly organ recitals but instrument, and St Philip's has an which culminated in the Irish early electric action organ from the On festival services during the year premiere of a St John Passion by a 1920s. To look at the wiring on the the choir (augmented with a few extra composition teacher of mine, Karl inside of the organ is like stepping singers) sing a number of choir-only Stirner. Every Holy Week I give a into a science-fiction movie! How- pieces, which we'll have been reflective organ recital in place of ever, soundwise it's a remarkable rehearsing for a month or two. This one of the services. Sandford in instrument with some lovely textures allows the choir to be heard particular is becoming one of the and sonorities. performing in their own right, and main venues in the Ranelagh area (St We have a choir in each parish also gives the more musically- Philip's is harder to use for concerts which leads the congregation in the experienced members of the choir as it's tucked away in the suburbs) singing of hymns and psalms; we something to get their teeth into. and is used a good deal for the practise the music each week so that We'll also perform choir-only pieces Ranelagh Arts Festival. the choir can give a confident lead. on other Sundays; we don't have a As well as playing at Sandford and St The choir rehearses on Mondays tenor line at present but find SAB Philip's I am involved in quite a (this day of the week works best for with the harmony filled in on the variety of musical activities as us; we used to have it on Fridays but organ or piano works satisfactorily. organist, pianist and composer. A attendance is better now). Musically My interest in composition has recent event was the recital on 20 our focus is on congregational June as part of the series at St singing and organ music; in proved useful for the job; I've written chants and am currently working on Michael's in Dún Laoghaire (in which additional to the hymns we sing the I played works by myself and other psalms and canticles to the a Mass setting of the version in the BCP; this will be available for use in young Irish composers, juxtaposed traditional Anglican chant. To me with early Baroque pieces). ! this seems easier for congregations other churches that are interested. to master than is often made out — Contact me to find out more. A [email protected] ours certainly join in sample (the Gloria) sung by our enthusiastically- but having a strong congregation can be heard online lead from the choir is essential.
WEDDING MUSIC NOISY BLOWER! Maedhbh Abayawickrema Randal Henly It can sometimes be difficult!and/or I was at a funeral recently in a south-city expensive!to source music for church. The amplification system wasn’t great Organists’ weddings.!!The next time a couple asks for and one had to listen carefully to the Hints something obscure, try www.musicroom.com speakers. But what really militated against and!type the title of the piece, film or easy hearing was the sound of the organ & Tips composer!into the search field.! The blower, which was quite obtrusive and which company delivers sheet music within a few was left running for the entire service. Might days.! A large selection of their music can this be the case in your church? Try it out also be downloaded instantly for about sometime and if the sound is unduly !2.50 per copy. dominant, switch off when not needed. (The church treasurer would also approve!) David Pierpoint. It was intended that New Beginnings in City Churches the choir would sing plainsong and Gregorian chant for the evening News from St Ann's, Dawson Street and All Saints', Grangegorman. service on the last Sunday of every month. Peter Parshall, assistant Charles talks appreciatively of organist, St Bartholomew's Church, the support and encouragement very kindly gave of his time to train he receives from the vicar, David the choir for the first service on All Gillespie, select vestry, and choir Saints Day 2009, the church's members. He sees the next Patronal Festival. period as an opportunity to consolidate what has been The choir, drawn from the parish achieved so far. There are plans and currently numbering sixteen to expand the choir's repertoire, children and adults, rehearses every including the addition of some Thursday for an hour. Usually, the non-liturgical music. The choir evening service is Evensong and the would like to undertake choir sings the Office Responses and occasional trips and visits away Psalms to plainsong and the Office from St Ann's. There are also Hymn in English to Gregorian chant. City-centre St Ann's Church, preparations to start a children's The choir also sings occasionally at Dawson Street has a long tradition of choir from September 2010. the Sunday evening Eucharist and good choral music. William J. already has mastered Missa de Watson was organist and choirmaster Charles Marshall may be contacted at Angelis and Missa Cunctipotens as from 1935 to 1987. He is still [email protected]. well as Merbeck's setting of the remembered with affection, not least Office of Holy Communion. As the by the many who sang in the choir as liturgical year unfolded, the boys and men. St Ann's has a All Saints’ Church, Grangegorman appointed sequences were sung: mission not only to its regular L a e t a b u n d u s congregation but also to weekday (Christmas) and workers and the many visitors to the Victimae Paschali city. In recent years, the church has (Easter), as published explored various models of choral in the New English support for the worship. A new era Hymnal. In addition to opened with the appointment of the monthly service, Charles Marshall as director of the choir sings at music and organist in 2009. Solemn Feasts during the year. On the Through auditions, a core choir of recent Feast of the eight singers and four choral Visitation (31 May) the scholars has been formed. They sing choir, joined by at the Sunday morning liturgy. Each friends, sang in St singer receives a stipend or Michan's Church at scholarship. The current pattern of the ordination to services is Eucharist and Mattins, on priesthood of David alternate Sundays, with Mattins McDonnell. Hearing according to the 16th century rite on Veni, Creator Spiritus fifth Sundays. At Mattins, the choir This parish reflects a rather different sung so beautifully, one was mindful sings a setting of one of the canticles tradition. The parish was formed and of the words of St Ambrose, who and an anthem; at the Eucharist, the church completed around 1829. described chant as 'sober there is often a choral setting of part At a very early stage, and amazingly inebriation'. of the liturgy as well as the motet. for Ireland, the church came under The choir enjoys being challenged the influence of the early Tractarian “One might be tempted to view the with five, six, and eight-part works. Movement, through the ministry of revival of a chant choir as an act of Psalms are sung to anglican chant. the Revd Wiliam Maturin, vicar from pious antiquarianism but the 1843 to 1887. An emphasis on the enthusiasm of all the singers is a While the organ is situated in the holiness of the Church and telling manifestation of the desire for west gallery, the choir and console sacramental worship has character- the authentic liturgical musical currently are at the liturgical east ised the liturgy and preaching in All tradition that lies at the heart of end, close to the altar. However, the Saints ever since. The plainsong western church music. Parents of choir occasionally sings introits from tradition, which had been nurtured children in the choir have the gallery and, if the organ is re- by Victor Leeson, who was appointed commented that they regularly hear built — a possible medium-term aim organist in 1943, lapsed following their children singing Gregorian — it would make musical sense to his death in 1987 but was revived melodies on the way to school, in the have a console both in the gallery last year. Ruth Reed is now organist. garden and around the home. and at the east end of the church. Eoghan Ward, who directs the As to the future, we continue as we Charles Marshall received his early Sunday evening choir, has sent us began, namely as servants of the music training in the Schola the following report. Eoghan is also liturgy. It is hoped that gradually the Cantorum at St Finian's College, organist at Harrington Street Church, congregation will join in singing of Mullingar studying with Shane which is the Dublin centre for the the chant and the choir will learn Brennan. He was organ scholar at Roman Catholic Extraordinary new Office hymns, sequences and Emmanuel College, Cambridge from (Tridentine) rite. antiphons. New members are always 1991 to 1994, and studied with “The Sunday evening choir of All welcome and we look forward to Peter Hurford. He subsequently Saints was formed in October 2009 Michaelmas Term. Tibi, Christe, worked for fourteen years in Japan at the request of the curate-assistant, splendor Patris. ! focusing exclusively on traditional the Revd David McDonnell and with Eoghan Ward may be contacted at Japanese music and not playing the the support of the vicar, Archdeacon organ whatsoever for 12 years. [email protected] labour near the beginning of a new Harvest Festivals and other Services for the Agricultural Year calendar year. It is also a good Peter Moger opportunity to reflect on issues of work and unemployment within a The Harvest Festival is such an The ASB offered sets of readings and Christian context. established part of the Christian collects for Harvest Thanksgiving, Year, one might be forgiven for but no other liturgical resources, a Rogationtide thinking it has been with us since pattern mirrored by the Book of The Rogation Days are the three time immemorial. In fact, it dates Common Order (Church of Scotland, weekdays before Ascension Day, only from 1843, and was the 1994) and The Methodist Worship with ‘Rogation Sunday’ being the brainchild of the Reverend Robert Book (1999). More recently, though, Sixth Sunday of Easter (Fifth after Stephen Hawker, for 41 years Vicar Gathering for Worship (the ‘service Easter in the 1662 BCP). There is an of Morwenstow on the Cornish coast. book’ of the Baptist Union, 2005) ancient tradition of petition, in Hawker was concerned that his provides a range of liturgical material procession, for God’s protection of parishioners should give thanks to for harvest use, and 2006 saw the crops, of the including the saying or God the creator for all his generosity. Church of England publish a singing of the Litany and, in some He instigated a festival of significant range of resources for places, the custom of the ‘beating of thanksgiving, in sharp contrast to Festivals of the Agricultural Year, as the bounds’ of the parish. In more the prevailing custom of celebrating part of Common Worship: Times and recent times, Rogationtide has been the gathering-in of crops ‘in pagan Seasons (Church House Publishing, an occasion for offering prayer for fashion with beer and tumult’ (Piers September 2006). RSCM Sunday by the world of work, for responsible stewardship, and for local Brendon, Hawker of Morwenstow, Sunday: Harvest 1 www.rscm.com p.73). The idea was quick to catch communities. on, with Harvest Thanksgiving(*) Lammastide being first recognised in the Church Lammas Day is an ancient English of England in 1862, and soon feast held on 1 August as a becoming one of the most popular thanksgiving for the first-fruits of the festivals of the Christian Year, with wheat harvest. It focused on the church attendances in some places offering of the Lammas Loaf. The exceeding those at Christmas and material here is for the Gathering rite Easter. of the Eucharist. The intention is that In a society that relied heavily on the Lammas Loaf (baked by members agriculture, a good harvest was of the congregation) may be used as essential for the well-being of local the eucharistic bread on this communities. This has continued to occasion. One of the patterns of be recognised and, despite readings makes the link with the increasing industrialisation, the theme of Christ the Bread of Life. Harvest Festival has remained a Harvest Thanksgiving. A bank of significant occasion in rural and resource material is provided for use urban churches alike. Over time, the at Holy Communion or a Service of emphasis has sometimes undergone the Word. Included within this is an a shift: from pure thanksgiving for Act of Thanksgiving, which may be crops harvested, to a wider concern used to accompany the tradition of for the interdependence of all God’s bringing to church gifts of fresh people, and issues of justice and of produce and other foodstuffs the integrity of creation. Times of Agricultural Crisis. In creating a new Calendar for the The events of recent years have Church of England, the compilers of shown that days of crisis for the Alternative Service Book 1980 agricultural communities are far from (ASB) began the liturgical year nine The collection is an immensely over. Prayers are provided, both for Sundays before Christmas, giving valuable addition to existing corporate response to a time of crisis the first Sunday of the ‘new year’ a resources and includes material for: and for seasonable weather, thus creation focus through its collect and a general ‘creation’ theme to renewing an ancient tradition readings. supplement that already found in familiar to many from the Book of Whilst this had a certain logic, the New Patterns for Worship. These are Common Prayer. ! date fell later than that of established sentences, prayers and thanksgiving harvest festivals, and it proved that can be used to give a thematic rather difficult to celebrate a new flavour to a Eucharist or Service of Reprinted from A Sunday by Sunday year in October/November! the Word. online resource published by the Royal School of Church Music Plough Sunday In the Common Worship Calendar, (www.rscm.com/sbys) and reprinted by This is traditionally the first Sunday the collects and readings of the permission of the author and the of the Epiphany, though in some Second Sunday before Lent have a RSCM creation theme. Unfortunately, this is communities Plough Monday is kept. one of those places in the year where Historically it has been a celebration The Revd Peter Moger is currently the Church of England chose to of the first work after the twelve days National Worship Development Officr depart from the Revised Common of Christmas and, in times when for the Church of England. He shortly Lectionary, and so it is impossible to winter provided little work, an takes up the positioin of canon use this day as a universal occasion to look forward to the precentor of York Minister. celebration of creation for the whole availability of work later in the year. church. It looks as though the Some Christian communities have re- traditional celebration of Harvest in introduced Plough Sunday as a focus late September / early October is set for asking God’s blessing on human to stay! Everybody can (and most actually like to) sing! Róisín and Ciarán Judge. Music Director and Organist, St George and St Thomas's, Dublin 1, describe their experience in encouraging congregational singing.
For years we struggled to recruit The advantages of turning your people for the church choir. The congregation into a choir are many small congregation in St George and and touch on different aspects of Thomas's (G & T) makes a great church life. Communal singing has sound when we sing hymns and been strongly promoted by hymn- people enjoy singing, but only in that writer and inspirational speaker anonymous non-committal way. To John Bell, and many other actually join a choir would be a huge musicians, educators and step — putting yourself out there as sociologists. There is abundant a singer (no, I would never call evidence to suggest that singing myself a singer!), having to come to together creates greater bonding and early Sunday morning rehearsals (I unity amongst people otherwise really don't want to get up any divided by age, race or class: when So you don't need a dedicated choir earlier on Sunday mornings!), people make music together there is to sing the liturgy, anthems, psalms having to actually stand up in front no 'them and us', but rather, and chants — use what you have! of people and sing (I get nervous everyone is equal. Holding pre- Your congregation will feel more enough when I have to read in service rehearsals also provides a involved in the worship and some church, let alone sing!). focus for when people arrive into the may even rediscover a voice they church, and gives newcomers to the never knew they had! So we decided to make a choir out of church an opportunity to get involved the congregation! Now most Sundays, in something. Another advantage is at Suggested resources for ten minutes before the service an individual level: singing increases congregational choir singing: begins, we do vocal warm-ups with musicality and deep breathing, • The Singing Thing (Books 1 & 2), the congregation and teach them a which in turn increase health and a simple song or chant for the by John Bell (Wild Goose sense of well-being. Communal Publications) morning. The songs we teach might singing also puts back into singing a be in two-part harmony or a simple normality that we have lost in Ireland • In Every Corner Sing, by Geoff clapping rhythm — something that (apart from at sporting events!). Weaver (Royal School of Church makes it different to a standard Finally, congregational singing allows Music) hymn. For chants, one of us (Róisín) for greater spread of repertoire and • Worship Feast Taizé / Songbook: conducts the rhythms using different musical styles in your church music. hand levels to signal what note to Songs from the Taizé Community, sing, a technique developed over There are, of course, limitations to by Jennifer Youngman (Abingdon years of choir training and your congregational choir. First of all, Press) community singing workshops. as most people only arrive five or ten • Anglican chants for liturgy and Usually pieces are accompanied by minutes before the service begins, Psalms keyboard or organ, but we have also rehearsal time is short. It is however, • www.youtube.com — it is amazing got people singing a cappella with amazing what you can do in about 8 what new ideas you can find. good success! minutes, and we can see that after Encourage yourself to learn music one year of doing this in G and T, by ear, and then you'll find it All the music is taught by ear: we people expect it now and arrive on ! sing each line and encourage the time for the rehearsal! easier when you go to teach it! congregation to repeat it. When the melody has been learnt, we teach the A second limitation is voice parts. You may contact Róisín, who also rhythm or harmony to go with it. You cannot divide people into voice directs the Discovery Gospel Choir, When teaching a song with more parts based on their vocal ranges as at [email protected]; than one part it is certainly useful to you would in a normal choir — you and Ciarán at [email protected] have two leaders, one to lead each can only divide people based on part, but it is also very ‘doable with where they are sitting. Obviously, in Enigma Variations? one leader who can sing while a church aisles, are the most natural From a collection of howlers in playing the other part on the dividers. In St G & T we usually have school essays on classical music keyboard or organ. a centre aisle which is perfect for come the following: teaching songs in two parts. Music settings of the liturgy, psalms • Refrain means don’t do it. In music, and other biblical verses are so Finally, all songs and chants must be it’s the part you’d better not sing. important, as they shed new light on taught by ear (actually a huge • Handel was half-German, half- familiar words. Actually singing the advantage!). Many people are Italian and half-English. He was words is a different experience from intimidated by the black dots and rather large. passively listening to them, and both sticks, and some are even put off • Beethoven wrote music even can be very rewarding for different singing altogether if they are faced though he was deaf. He was so deaf people at different times. In our with this foreign language they feel he wrote loud music. Church of Ireland churches we tend they ought to decipher. Without sheet • Henry Purcell is a well-known to be very good at achieving a good music or books, on the other hand, composer few people have heard balance of communal and individual singers are free to watch, listen and of. speech, but that balance is often not interact more with what is going on. • Music sung by two people at the met when it comes to music. In fact, Learning by ear is the only innate, same time is called a duel. often, when there is no dedicated universal way of learning music and • Caruso was at first an Italian. Then group of singers (a choir) to perform it is surprisingly effective and someone heard his voice and said or lead, musical settings can suffer a rewarding for both the singers and he would go a long way. So he went great deal, or else they are just the teacher. to America. omitted completely. Thomas Arne (1710-1778); the Dublin Connection Wandering Pipes Derek Seymour Judy Cameron
Dr Thomas Arne was ‘Organ Solos from the active in Dublin Concertos’ by Arne. musical circles short- The Allegro (Fugue) ly after Handel first from the Concerto premiered Messiah in No.1 in C major is the city. Arne arrived included in this in Dublin in 1742 volume which and stayed until coincidentally is very 1744.! He returned to helpfully analysed in Dublin for the 1755- the February 2010 56 concert seasons edition of Organists’ after which he Review. These pieces returned to England can be played on Visiting Germany some years ago, estranged from his organ, harpsichord or we crossed the Elbe by river ferry to first wife Cecilia (née pianoforte according explore Pirna, which is just south of Young) who stayed in to the original Dresden. Undamaged in WW2, it is Dublin to mind her publisher’s note. The an attractive little town built around niece until they both full six orchestral con- a square lined with imposing 17th returned to England in 1762. Cecilia certos were published post- century mansions. In one corner was a sister of Mrs Isabella Lampe humously. An enjoyable recording is stands a grand church, its starry whose husband John (Johann) available by the parley of interior competing with heavy Frederick Lampe was director of instruments baroque orchestra with scaffolding. A portrait of Luther music at Dublin’s Smock Alley Paul Nicholson on Helios adorns the head of one painted Theatre with Niccolo Pasquali CHD55251.! apostle, proclaiming its protestant between 1748 and 1750. Stainer & Bell’s !publication of the credentials in no uncertain terms. Arne’s output of oratorio and secular Eight Keyboard Sonatas is a The Catholic church is a smaller operatic theatre music performed or facsimile of the original 1756 edition affair, with its own green square published in Dublin was believed to have been prepared beside the river. There the town was considerable. His works demonstrate under the composer’s own celebrating a fest day. We joined the collaboration with contemporary and supervision. Sonatas VII and VIII are crowds, quaffed wine from barrels, popular librettists and other musical probably the best known. The listened to strange ancient figures. His comic operas frequently sonatas were championed in Dublin instruments (and even stranger rely on sentimental or romantic by Michael Arne (1740-1786) son of songs), admired the museum, subjects. There are accounts of per- Thomas, in the Rotunda! concerts mourning over the tombstone formances of !The Pin Cushion (Gay), where he was organist! 1775-1776. (1650s) of Hans Georg, geliebt The Fatal Marriage (Garrick), The (Dr Mosse’s lying-in hospital “kleine Sohnlein”, aged 5 months Judgement of Paris (Congreve), The subsequently became the Rotunda and 3 days (poor little baby son; Death of Abel (Metastasio), The Mock Hospital in 1767 and fund-raising poor parents), and became aware Doctor and Rosamond (Addison), The charitable concerts were a feature that something strange was afoot in Tempest (Shake-speare/Purcell), The up until 1792). the church building. People were Force of Love (Lampe), Tom Thumb In England, Arne is resurrected staggering out of the door carrying the Great (Fielding/Lampe) etc. regularly for the Proms final night organ pipes. Seriously big ones! One These choral and incidental musical with his Rule Britannia from [King] of them took several laughing men works are substantially forgotten Alfred. He also features in an to lift and steer it through the nowadays but Arne’s songs based on arrangement of the English National crowds and round the corners of the Shakespeare verses still have Anthem ‘God save our gracious streets. A Pipe on Legs! currency. Queen/King’ This church was inundated by the His keyboard works remain The upcoming tercentenary of Arne’s relatively popular with excerpts floods of 2002 when the River Elbe birth provides an occasion to freshly rose in mighty tumult and caused sprinkled through collections such appreciate his contribution to the as Dorothy Bradley’s ‘Hours with the dramatic damage all along its development of music. His length. The water was some four Masters’ piano series; Rollin Smith’s considerable influence on Dublin Dover edition of ‘A treasury of organ metres deep here and the entire musical life in the mid to late church had to be stripped and music for manuals only’; OUP’s ‘A eighteenth century gives added second book of! wedding pieces’ etc. cleaned. The organ was destroyed. reason for us to familiarise ourselves Now the pipes were laid out on the Arne was regarded as the most with, or perhaps revisit his music. floor and were all for sale to raise Italianate of the! English composers For the recessionary times we have money for a new instrument. They of his time. For me his keyboard come through, he provides a very were selling like hot cakes. We music has a sunshine mood about pleasant antidote to the heaviness bought a little fellow about 10 it. It’s generally not excessively and turgidity of modern life which inches long which gives a polite B difficult to play and could be can so easily weigh us down. flat toot when you blow into it. It described as ‘easy listening’ music. Perhaps life was simpler in those fitted very well into my bag. We Two collections I find particularly days when men wore wigs and wondered what was to be the final enjoyable are Organ Solos from the entertainment was synonymous with destination for the 32 footer we had Concertos (Hinrichsen/Peters) edited live musical performance.!! ! seen passing by outside! ! by Gwilym Beechey and Eight Key- [email protected] board Sonatas! with introduction by [email protected] Gwilym Beechey and Thurston Dart. Derek Seymour is organist and choir I recommend Hinrichsen’s (Peeters) director in the Methodist Centenary Judy Cameron is organist of St publication of a collection of !four! Church, Dublin. Patrick’s Church, Enniskerry. LITURGY LORE The second of a series of articles by the Revd Michael Johnston
Liturgy often is commonly perceived simply as the words Kneeling: Kneeling as a posture gradually developed as a we say. However, this is to take a much too narrow view sign of penitence - to kneel before God during moments of liturgy and worship in general, for it confines our of the liturgy in humble awareness of our sinfulness. worship to what we do with our mouths, and perhaps However, the early Church specifically forbad kneeling (but not always!) our minds. However, true worship of on Sundays and the Easter season, again out of God, who created us in all our complexity, must recognition that Christians are a resurrection people. necessarily involve worship with our whole being — and Eventually, kneeling also emerged as a sign of adoration our whole being includes our bodies. Not something during moments of the Eucharist. many of us are particularly good at, or indeed comfortable with. But bodily worship need not imply Sitting: Sitting is a late development in Christian liturgy, charismatic praise — which not all are called to. What it really emerging only after the Reformation when the does imply is a simple awareness of our body in lengthy sermon became the focal point in many worship, an understanding that what we do with our churches. bodies can, and indeed should, heighten are liturgical experience and thus our relationship with God. In its For many years Anglicans, rightly or wrongly, followed simplest form this is merely an awareness of posture. the dictum 'stand to sing, kneel to pray, and sit to listen'. However, with the emergence of new liturgies (often with Posture in Christian worship gradually developed into a lack of direction for posture), the reluctance of many three main forms: now to kneel and the encouragement by some to stand for Standing: Standing is the most ancient Christian posture prayer, can result in a certain confusion. Many now for worship. In fact, for centuries it was virtually the only simply sit for virtually the entire liturgy. Perhaps it's time posture since churches were not equipped with pews or to look again at how we use posture, and how it can be any other form of seating. Standing was seen as showing used to aid us in the worship of God with all our being. ! and aiding attentiveness to God (we're still familiar with the phrase 'stand to attention'), as visualising that we are Michael Johnston is rector of the Shinrone group of a resurrection people, and also conveyed the transient parishes, Dioceses of Limerick and Killaloe. nature of the Christian Way — that we are (should be) a [email protected] people constantly on the move, ever striving toward the Kingdom of God.
CHURCHMUSICDUBLIN WEBSITE ‘HITS’
6927 visits = 46 visits per day
Where our visitors came from: Music Technology More Notes & News In the first of a series of articles on the subject. Philip Good takes us on an introductory tour of Music Technology for church musicians COMPANION TO CHURCH HYMNAL The publishers of Companion to As I write this article, I am the liturgy (a relatively Church Hymnal, Darling & Davison listening to Mike Oldfield's common occurrence in (The Columba Press, 2005) tell us Tubular Bells through rural parishes) to using a that there is only a very small headphones plugged into music notation or music amount of stock left of this excellent my computer. And playing editor program to reference book. The publication is music digitally saved on develop further a church full of fascinating information about your computer's hard choir's repertoire. the words and music of the hymn drive is just one listening book. Buy it now or you will regret option in our digital age. Over the next couple of it later. Digital music is also issues of SOUNDBOARD, highly portable with the advent of the we're going to look at some of the iPod and other mp3 players, and main areas of interest to church THE PIANO SOCIETY now recently smartphones are also musicians in music technology. This http://pianosociety.com/ able to store more and more music. will include covering some of the basics in relation to digital music, as This is a web site that provides free You can download music from recordings of classic music. Here are iTunes or listen to music streaming well as explaining the technical terms that readers may not be some paragraphs from the website from the internet. New digital itself that explain how it operates: formats, such as wma, are becoming familiar with. We will also look at available all the time. The downside some of the music notation and The Piano Society project was started to all this technology is that it has music editor programs (such as in August 2004 by Robert opened up the possibility of Sibelius and Finale) that church Ståhlbrand, Erik Helling and Joffrey “sharing” music, either legally or musicians can employ to further Wallaart as a non-profit organisation. otherwise. Copyright infringement is enrich the music in their church. It offers unique possibilities for illegal and Soundboard does not Finally we will look at websites of professional and amateur pianists to condone it. interest to musicians, including promote themselves by sharing their music technology sites. own recordings of classical piano However, if used responsibly, music music on the Internet. technology can greatly enhance the If there are specific issues you would music in a parish. The onset of new like to see featured in this series of Pianists interested in participating technologies has opened up many articles please contact Soundboard should register with the Piano more ways, that we as church through the editor. ! Society Forum and post at least three recordings in the Audition Room musicians can further promote music [email protected] in the liturgy. Utilising music forum. The recordings will be technology could mean anything from evaluated by the Music Board. When Philip Good is organ scholar in the recordings are accepted, the using CDs to providing music in a Castleknock Parish. church tht currently has no music in pianist must submit a short biography and a picture, to be seen on their personal page in the The Pipeworks Organ Marathon "ARTISTS "category of the main site. The recent Pipeworks Marathon was a most Composers can also submit their enjoyable day and a great success, with !3165 recordings and be evaluated in the raised by those taking part. For the first time the same manner as pianists. Today you organs of both Christ Church and St Patrick's find 197 pianists at Piano Society, Cathedrals were used, playing continuously who have uploaded more than 4500 from 10 a.m. through to 4 p.m. Many of the recordings by 214 different participants took the opportunity to play both organs during the day. composers. For you, as a Piano The participating organists were Brian McIvor, John O'Brien, Wolfgang Society visitor and listener, this Marx, Séamus McCague, Éanna McKenna, Carole O'Connor, David Oxley, means endless hours of listening for Róisín Burbridge, Gerard Downey, Charles Marshall, David Bedlow, Eoin free, which we hope will bring you a Tierney, Kevin O'Sullivan, Sayjin Park, Paul Mullen, Barry Courtney. The lot of pleasure and joy. ! Pipeworks team is very grateful to these sixteen organists and all their supporters. The dates of the next Pipeworks Festival are: 17 — 26 June DO YOU CIRCULATE SOUNDBOARD 2011. Full details will be announced very soon! ! TO YOUR CHOIR AND CLERGY? Additional copies are available for a Dún Laoghaire Methodist Church, Northumberland Avenue, is small charge. seeking an Organist/Musical Director for Sunday morning services, which are at 11 a.m. Choir rehearsals are normally at NEXT SOUNDBOARD 10 a.m. on Sunday mornings, as required — e.g. Harvest, Advent, Christmas etc. The Organist/Musical Director will work closely with the Minister and Choir, in planning and providing music for the church services. Remuneration (Dublin Diocesan Scale) will be !4,323 for 48 weeks. If interested, please contact the Revd Carson Nicholson on 01 280 4345 To be published in October, the final date for receipt of material for it is 30 September. Christ Church Cathedral is seeking expressions of interest from organists who may be interested in a contract arrangement to play for three services per week, commencing in mid October 2010. Please email your details to Bernie Murphy, Managing Director at [email protected] COURSES & EVENTS CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL LOOKS TO THE FUTURE
THE CHURCH MUSICIAN AT CHARLES WOOD SUMMER SCHOOL WORK: choir trainer, cantor, co- The seventeenth Summer School will ordinator. Dublin, 25 September, be held during the week Sunday 22 2, 9 and 16 October. Fee !100 August to Sunday 29 August. In This course will take place on addition to talks, classes and Saturday mornings (venue yet to be lectures on all aspects of church arranged) and will be directed by music, there are three lunchtime Hilary Guter (St Brigid's Stillorgan) concerts and the Friday night Gala and Peter Parshall (St Concert in the C of I cathedral, with Bartholomew's, Ballsbridge). The the Charles Wood Singers, the course will concentrate on the Charles Wood Boys’ Choir, soloists, practical skills needed by the orchestra and the cathedral organ. Spiralling costs and a 33% decrease musician working in the local For full details, visit: in visitor numbers so far this year church. A wide range of topics will http://www.charleswoodsummerschool.or have forced Christ Church Cathedral be dealt with, including choir g / C h a r l e s - W o o d - S u m m e r - S c h o o l - to carry out an in-depth review of training, basic conducting, 2010/timetable-of-events/ how it operates. Dean Dermot Dunne, techniques for encouraging congre- now almost two years in office, is gational song, hymn accompani- emphasising the traditional role of a MAGNIFICAT — A CELEBRATION OF cathedral — prayer, education and ment and choir administration. MUSIC WITH JOHN RUTTER There will be a particular focus on hospitality. Everything that the 25 September 2010, Waterfront the role of the cantor in worship. cathedral does needs to support Hall, Belfast, 7.30 p.m. Tickets £25, Twelve places on this course are these high-level activities. Concessions £20 reserved for students working for The fall in the number of visitors as the Archbishop's Certificate in Down Cathedral, presents the prodigious musician and composer a result of the current economic Church Music and a limited recession has reduced annual number of additional places is John Rutter, who directs a musical extravaganza with combined choirs revenue from !1.1m to !900,000. All available. Early application is internal budgets have been strongly advised. and orchestra, including the award winning BBC Songs of Praise Choirs reviewed, including the cost of Waringstown & Ballyholme Primary supporting the extremely high LIVING WORSHIP Schools. Many of John Rutter`s most standard of music for which Christ Saturday mornings, 15, 22, 29 popular works will be performed Church Cathedral is renowned. The January; 5 February 2011. Fee including the Magnificat. Proceeds Music Department had been costing !100 will go towards Down Cathedral !300,000 a year. This has been The sixth year of this popular Restoration Fund. reduced, going forward, to !200,000. course explores various aspects of However, contrary to rumours, the the role of the church musician and PIPEWORKS FESTIVAL 2011 cathedral has assured Soundboard aims to show how church music The triennial Pipeworks Festival is that the future of the core choir of interfaces with liturgy. Speakers happening again next year— from 17 twelve singers plus six choral already confirmed for 2011 include to 26 June 2011. As in previous scholars is not in danger. Current Bishop Michael Burrows and a joint years, the festival promises a feast of vacancies have been advertised and rector-musician team — The Revd organ and choral music, with a will be filled in the autumn. The Ian Gallagher and Hilary Guter. stellar line-up of performers from girls' choir will be maintained. around the globe. Details of the Regrettably, the number of choral For further information and festival programme will be services each week has had to booking visit announced very soon. Keep an eye reduced from five to four. www.churchmusicdublin.org/courses on www.pipeworksfestival.com for this, To avoid an unacceptable reduction or email [email protected] if in the current year music provision, you'd like to be added to the an overspend of !30,000 was MIDLANDS ORGAN CLASSES Pipeworks mailing list. approved. Happily, donations have A series of six organ classes will be already reduced this by !11,000 and held in St Brendan's Church, further gifts will be very welcome. Oxmantown Mall, Birr, in two CHARLES VILLIERS STANFORD modules, during June and August,. A weekend of music to celebrate the In 2009, management consultants The second module takes place on Dublin-born composer, Charles reported on all aspects of the 25, 26 and 27 August. The classes Villiers Stanford (1852-1924) will be cathedral's administration. A three- will be given by Colin Nicholls, held from 15 to 17 October in person management team is now in formerly organist and choirmaster of Dublin, under the auspices of the place, reporting to Bernie Murphy as St Fin Barre's Cathedral, Cork and C.V.Stanford Society (USA). The managing director. While some might lecturer in the Cork School of Music. weekend will start with an organ ask whether this kind of structure is They are designed to help young and recital on Friday 15 October, appropriate to a cathedral, the Dean, not so young keyboard players in the followed by a Stanford evening with Chapter and Board are confident that Midlands region who are interested the Hibernian Orchestra in Christ it is what is needed for the cathedral in learning to play the organ. The Church Cathedral on Saturday to fulfil its core objectives effectively, cost is subsidised by the Julia evening. In St Patrick's Cathedral, on within available resources. It also Trench Trust. Information from Sunday, Stanford's music will feature will underpin the development of an Michael Hanna, The Old Rectory, prominently at the Eucharist outreach programme that will enable Blacklion, Blueball, Tullamore, Co and Choral Evensong. Further Christ Church Cathedral to engage Offaly. information from Michael Webb, Tel: more than ever with the wider [email protected] (01) 285 6849. ! community. ! mobile: 087 832 6113 [email protected] PETER BARLEY Peter Barley was organist and master From the Archbishop of the choristers at St Patrick’s otes Cathedral from 2002 until the end of For a while, I have 2009. He also made a valued been concerned and contribution to music in the wider about an aspect of Dublin community and has been a public worship very involved and active member of that I want to ews the Church Music Committee, share with you. particularly in the development of the However across N the last few Archbishop’s course. His regular column in Soundboard — “Peter weeks, several ARCHBISHOP'S CERTIFICATE: Barley talking to ...... ” - has been a parishioners and EXAM RESULTS, JUNE 2010 model of its kind. He and his wife some clergy have actually Catherine leave Ireland shortly to approached me concerning the Year 3 (Final) continue their careers in Canada. same issue – it is the issue of noise Valerie Twomey (Lucan & Leixlip), Thank you, Peter, for all you have in church. Distinction; Philip Good (Castle- done in forwarding our work and we It may seem very old-fashioned to knock). Honours; Zoe Hodgins (St look forward to seeing you from time say that we should prepare Ann & St Stephen) Pass. ! to time back in Dublin. ourselves for worship quietly, and be Year 2 in our seats in time for this very Tristan Clarke (St Columba's DO WE HAVE YOUR (CURRENT) purpose, but it remains of great College) Distinction; Ciaran Judge EMAIL ADDRESS? value to follow this custom. (St George & St Thomas) Honours; Our email alert service gives June Lee MacCurtain (Chapelizod) information about concerts, courses Sadly, the noise level of chatter in Honours; Damian Bourke (Taney) and other events of interest to church some churches is such that nobody Pass; Margaret Leonard (Chapelizod) musicians. We already have a large could relax, let alone pray. During Pass. number of addresses on our the administration of Holy circulation list. But recently we Communion, I have been shocked not Year 1 notice an increasing number of only to hear chatter, but even Róisín Rowley-Brooke (Nenagh), returned 'undeliverable' messages or laughter. On one occasion recently, I Distinction; Helen Dawson (Christ 'bounces'. Many people change their had to ask three times for silence for Church Cathedral group), Honours; email supplier from time to time. To the prayers following Holy Gerard Flynn (Clonmel), Honours; be sure that you are still on our list Communion. Róisín Burbridge (Zion, Rathgar), or if you wish to sign-up to it, please Pass. In some churches, the choir wish to send a quick message from your practise before the liturgy begins, 2010-2011 current email address to and this is understandable, but here Five applications have been [email protected]. again this should never continue in received for Year 1 of the course the last ten minutes beforehand. starting in September 2010. ON THE MOVE Sometimes the organ is played softly Tristan Russcher, Assistant Director before worship and this has a positive effect in setting the mood for YOU CAN HELP US! of Music and Director of the Cathedral Girls' Choir at Christ worship, and indeed covering up the With the February 2010 Church Cathedral, will leave his inevitable noise as people take their Soundboard, we enclosed a letter to position at the end of October. He places. However I have even noticed many on the mailing list suggesting intends to stay in Dublin to pursue a that in some places when the organ that they might be willing to send an freelance career. is played during the administration annual subscription — in view of of Holy Communion, and even when rising costs. !15 or £13 is what we the choir sing, the chatter is simply ask for. We are grateful for the VACANCIES FOR MUSICIANS Are you aware that vacancies for raised in volume. On the whole, very excellent response. Perhaps there quiet singing or playing is probably are others who are willing to organists, cantors, singers and other musicians may be advertised on our more effective in keeping the noise subscribe. Cheques, please, to level down. Church Music Committee, 18 Villiers website? If you wish to advertise, Road, Dublin 6. Or call 087 668 send the information to This is a matter that we should all 3998 to pay by credit card or laser. [email protected]. think about, not only so that we can ! benefit from being still before God ourselves, but also so that we can encourage others to do likewise. In The Church Music Committee supports and resources music and musicians recent years, there has been a in the local church. The Committee is appointed by the Church of Ireland growth in many parishes of informal Dioceses of Dublin & Glendalough. Website: www.churchmusicdublin.org worship on occasions. Such a trend need not play down either the Chairman: Archdeacon Ricky Rountree, Powerscourt Rectory, Enniskerry, solemnity of worship, or the Bray, Co Wicklow. importance of a sacred place, but a Secretary: Mrs Jacqueline Mullen, 23 Ludford Park, Ballinteer, Dublin 16, conscious effort may be required to Tel. (01) 298 8923., Email: [email protected] prevent this occurring. ! SOUNDBOARD is published by the Church Music Committee. Views in it are ! John Dublin & Glendalough not necessarily those of the Editor or of the Committee. Annual Subscription: !15/£13 Editor: Randal Henly, 81 Offington Avenue, Sutton, Dublin 13. (Reprinted with the Archbishop’s permission, from the June issue of Tel (01) 832 3647; Email: [email protected] Church Review) Assistant Editor: Maedhbh Abayawickrema, Tel (01) 822 6298, Email: [email protected]