SOUNDBOARD A Newsletter for Church Musicians

Number 15 November 2007 LIVING WORSHIP COURSE 2008 This popular course will be held again early in 2008. The dates are WHAT’S IN THIS ISSUE? Saturdays 19 and 26 January, 9 and 16 February from 10 to 1 at the 1. Living Worship Course Theological College, Braemor Park. Dublin 14. The course aims to explore various aspects of music in church in the 2. Peter Barley talks to David context of liturgy, theology and participation. Connolly The opening session on 19 January will be led by John 3. Charles Wesley O'Keeffe, Director of Sacred Music at the National Seminary, Maynooth. 4. Introducing Modern Hymns His principal area of interest concerns the role of music in liturgy today. John’s principal area of interest concerns the role of music in 5. F.C.J.Swanton, FRCO liturgy and he regularly leads workshops and courses. On 26 6. Congregational Singing Without February Colin Mawby will review the role of church musicians and Accompaniment their key place in the ministry of the Church. Colin is widely known as a choral conductor and composer and recently was honoured by the 7. Children’s Choirs award of the Papal Order of Knighthood of St Gregory in recognition of 8. Music in our Sunday Club his services to church music. He has been Master of Music at Westminster Cathedral, London, Choral Director at RTÉ and artistic 9. Notes & News director of the National Chamber Choir. The Psalms and the different ways of using them will be the topic to be The Church Music Committee introduced by Judy Martin (Director of Music, Christ Church supports and resources music and Cathedral, Dublin) and Alison Cadden (Seagoe Church, Craigavon) on 9 February. Judy and Alison are members of the musicians in the local church. The Liturgical Advisory Committee, which shortly will publish music for Committee is appointed by the organists and singers, indicating a broad range of ways to sing Church of Ireland Dioceses of psalms congregationally in worship in parish churches. Finally, on Dublin and Glendalough. Saturday 16 February, Dr Donald Davison (St John’s Malone, Belfast) Chairman: Edgar will talk about hymns, drawing on his extensive experience as organist Swann, Greystones. and organ teacher, musical editor of Irish Church Praise and Church Hymnal (2000) and co-author of Companion to Church Hymnal. Secretary: Mrs Ruth Maybury. As in the past, each session will include a period of singing and opportunity to exchange views with others and by the end of the SOUNDBOARD is published by the course those who participate should have plenty of fresh ideas to Church Music Committee. Views bring back to their local church. The fee for the four sessions is €100 expressed in signed articles and and pre-booking is essential. For further information visit the church letters are not necessarily those of music website or call/text 087 668 3998. the Editor or of the Committee.

Some church music students with Archdeacon Swann outside the Editor: Randal Henly. United Arts Club in September: (l. to r.) Philip Good, Paul Mullen, Margaret Leonard, Valerie Twomey, Heather Taylor, Ronan Whittern Church Music Website: www.churchmusicdublin.org two, and was there a particular PETER BARLEY TALKING TO DAVID CONNOLLY reason that you chose Maths as well Organist and Director of Music at St Michael's, Dún Laoghaire as Music? I can't remember how I did it! There organists who play quite frequently did tend to be times when I was a and those with some new ideas. little bit more Music heavy and did neglect the Maths. I was planning to I presume you're keen to keep a be a secondary school teacher, for choral element in the series? which I would need two subjects. Over the thirteen weeks I'd like to After I finished my degree I did the have at least one choral concert (this HDipEd, and then I did a year there was a popular return of performance Master's degree. the Palestrina Choir), and then to have one or two other types of group. Concurrently with studying at I hope this will appeal to another Maynooth you were organ scholar at part of the audience, who might then St Mary's Pro-Cathedral. This must David, perhaps I could begin by come to another concert in the have been a great experience. How asking you to describe your work at series. Also, particular groups have long were you there for? St Michael's. There are three particular followings, such as both I was there for four years (with a liturgies in the church on Sunday of this year's choirs. year away whilst I was doing the mornings, and the music is led by a H.Dip.Ed). I was there during a different group at each. A small Let's now turn to talk about the other period of huge transition. Orla Barry children's choir sings at the 11 am significant part of your current was Director of Music when I service, while the adult choir of career, which is your work at NUI started, but within three months she about fifteen ladies sings at the 12 Maynooth. What is your role there? left, and there was an interim noon service. They also sing hymns I am a Senior Tutor, and am in Director for six months, and then I and motets; I'd like to try and build charge of overseeing the practical spent the remainder of my time up this choir in time, adding some musicianship aspects of the BMus watching Blánaid Murphy build the men to the ensemble. A third service and BA Arts Music degrees. I whole thing up. It was a very at 1 pm is led by a cantor. organise classes and tutorials, teach informative time. Professor Gillen of a couple of lecture classes in course also gave me an excellent How much rehearsal time do you harmony to first and second years training as an organist. have with each group? and I also have some organ pupils. The members of the children's choir With your experiences of Catholic church music at the Pro Cathedral, come for an hour beforehand at 10 You must presumably be very busy am, and I rehearse with the adults Maynooth and now St Michael's, during term time, then? what is your perspective on the state for an hour on the previous There are eleven weeks of hectic Wednesday evening. The cantor of music in the Catholic Church? It activity, and then it's much quieter tends to get something of a mixed usually just has a brief rehearsal in January when there are exams. with me before the mass. press, but I must say that I perceive Then another eleven week stint and that things are more healthy than Turning now to the recital series, for then the Summer. For the last two some people describe and I am which St Michael's is justly years I have also directed the impressed by how much is going on. renowned, how is that organised? University Chamber Choir, which is There are indeed more positive The recital series runs on a separate made up of about 20 students, who aspects than you would be led to track, although of course it is are chosen by audition. believe by some people, although I wholeheartedly supported by the Looking back now, what was your would say that there needs to be church. We have been fortunate this own path through music education? more a straightening out of what's year not only to receive our I began piano lessons at age eight, acceptable and what is not. This is customary backing from Dún although nobody in my family was particularly the case with weddings. Laoghaire / Rathdown County musical, nor were there any Here you often find poor liturgical Council, but also a grant from the particular musical structures in the and musical practice. There needs Arts Council. area where I grew up. I did not enjoy to be a stricter set of guidelines, and music much at this stage, but when I a clearer delineation between music Presumably the church values the went to secondary school — a that is accessible/congregational fact that this series brings people diocesan college — I had an and music that's just bad. There's into the building who otherwise inspirational music teacher, Ciarán an important distinction to be made probably wouldn't visit. Tackney. He had a very good music here. That's right, and of course the structure in the school. This was How about your own playing? Do Parish Priest Fr Mangan is rare in a rural school in Ireland at absolutely behind the series, and you get much of a chance to play? that time — we had concerts, When I was doing my Master's couldn't be more helpful and instrumental lessons and so forth. I supportive. degree I seemed to have much more took up the organ towards the end of time. In the last year I've probably my time there, studying with Ciarán. Did you have any particular fallen off a little from it, but I'd thoughts when it came to putting It must have been at about this time certainly like to keep doing recitals. together your first series of recitals? that you were thinking of Maynooth, My new position at St Michael's is I must say that it looks a very good with its excellent reputation for certainly a great encouragement in programme. tertiary level music? this regard. I set up this year's series using I don't remember ever seriously Thank you for talking to similar structures to before, so that I considering anywhere else. I had SOUNDBOARD, David, and I wish could get a feel for how things are heard good things about Maynooth, I you well in all your future work in working, and then after a year or two knew a lot of people who had been Maynooth, Dun Laoghaire and I will be in a better position to see if there and I had also visited it and elsewhere. All good wishes for the there are any changes that could be liked it a lot. I actually took a double rest of this year's series at St made to make it more efficient. I honours in Music and Maths. Michael's, and your plans for future tried to create a balance between How did you find balancing those years. Influence within Anglicanism CHARLES WESLEY (1707 –1788) - THE LEGACY By the mid 1750s Charles had Derek Seymour gradually withdrawn from the development of Methodism. He was This year we celebrate services. The first particularly unhappy with John's the tercentenary of the organ to be used in a ordination of preachers to go to birth of Charles Methodist church in America but notwithstanding dis- Wesley, the hymn Ireland did not appear agreements remained on good terms writer and brother of until 1869 when the with his brother. Charles remained John Wesley (1703- Methodists on St unswervingly loyal to the Church of 1791). The movement Stephen's Green ac- England throughout his long and they founded (circa. quired an instrument. eventful life. 1729) was in time to The current Methodist' become the 'Methodist' There was some resistance within Hymns and Psalms the Church of Ireland to John Church. Its members (1983) contains some being named Wesley as a 'field preacher' speaking 156 of Charles Wesley's from pulpits in the Dublin diocese Methodists because of hymns. The Preface to their methodical use of but the of St Patrick's, William the earlier 1933 Hymn Cradock, in 1789, while not allowing their time in study and Book uses the oft- devotion. As an him preach, nevertheless invited quoted reference that him to assist in the administration itinerant preacher, Methodism 'was born in Charles, having taken of Holy Communion in the song'; a banner surely Cathedral. holy orders in 1735, arising from the became a leading seminal influence of Charles Wesley. The Church Hymnal (fifth edition) figure supporting the early His brother John, while appearing to contains 21 hymns by Charles development of Methodism. However have little appreciation of music for Wesley, some of the better known it is his hymn writing and indeed his its own sake, recognised it as a perhaps being: musical progeny that define the vehicle for words; his advice to clearest place for him in literature congregations was: And can it be that I should gain and music as we look back over the Sing all. See that you join with the Christ, whose glory fills the skies three hundred years since his birth. congregation as much as you can. Jesu, lover of my soul Sing lustily, and with good Hark! the herald-angels sing Wesley the hymn writer courage Lo! he comes with clouds The scope of his writing extended to Sing modestly. Do not bawl. descending over 6500 hymns many of which Sing in time. Love divine, all loves excelling remain popular to this day. The Above all sing spiritually. Have an O for a thousand tongues to sing finest of his writings have been eye to God in every word you sing. O thou who camest from above classed as 'among the greatest achievements of English Protestant These principles are as relevant to Rejoice, the Lord is King! Christianity, fit to hold a place with congregational singing today as Soldiers of Christ, arise the Book of Common Prayer, the when first penned. Ye servants of God, your master poems of George Herbert and the proclaim hymns of Isaac Watts'. Charles and Ireland Charles Wesley spent two periods in His musical progeny Charles Wesley's hymns, saturated Ireland, September 1747 to March Charles Wesley's influence on the in biblical language and imagery, 1748 and August 1748 to October development of English church proved an extraordinary means of 1748. A hymn book published by music through his sons Charles the teaching people doctrine. Church him in Dublin in 1749 and entitled younger (1757–1834) and Samuel congregations in his time were often 'Collection of Hymns and Sacred (1766–1837) and in turn his illiterate and would have a hymn Poems', contained for the first time, grandson Samuel Sebastian Wesley 'lined-out' by the preacher who the tune 'Irish' (God moves in a (1810–1876) can not be would read two lines of the hymn, mysterious way) with the music underestimated. which the people then sang, and he editing of this book undertaken by would read two more and continue his friend, composer John F. Lampe Before his third birthday, Charles with this until the full hymn had (1703–1751). A subsequent pub- the younger could play on the been sung. Variety of metres in lication of compositions by Lampe harpsichord, any tune he heard, Wesleyan hymns often resulted in 'Hymns for the Great Festivals' adding a correct bass. Samuel, bright rhythm settings in contrast to proved popular in Dublin. The considered more backward, didn't the common metre which dominated association of G.F.Handel (1685- show exceptional music talent until Church of England congregational 1759) with Methodism resulted in almost age five. By age eight he had music of the day. him composing his series of presented a draft of an oratorio The Wesleyan use of elaborate Methodist Hymn Tunes, 'Gopsal' 'Ruth' to Dr Boyce (1710-1779) who anthem-like tunes is often attributed perhaps being the best known tune kept it in his library, regarding it as to the Moravian and German chorale still in regular use today for the his most precious musical influences which the Methodist Wesleyan hymn 'Rejoice, the Lord is possession. While Charles the movement absorbed in its early King'. John Wesley's journal records younger was a confirmed Handelian, days. Singing in these early how impressed he was at hearing Samuel became a strong advocate of the music of J.S.Bach, which clearly Methodist congregations was usually 'Messiah' in Bristol Cathedral in influenced his developing com- unaccompanied with one hymn 1758. Messiah had of course been often sung to many different tunes. premiered in Dublin in 1742. By positional style. The revival of interest in the music of Bach in In 1780 John Wesley published his 1786 a musical society had been definitive version of hymns formed in Dublin called the 'Sons of England can be attributed in a large recommending particular tunes for Handel' which undertook perform- measure to Samuel Wesley, in each hymn. In time the use of ances of Handel's music to raise collaboration with Felix chamber orchestras/bands became funds for Methodist charitable work Mendelssohn-Bartholdy (1809- 1847). —> common in Methodist worship amongst the poor of the city. In turn, the work of Samuel Sebastian Wesley who held INTRODUCING MODERN HYMNS Cathedral/ parish organists posts in Hereford, Exeter, Leeds, Winchester, James Pasley and Gloucester was hugely influential in reforming cathedral A couple of years ago Hannah has written a music standards. The Musical World a few of us formed a new tune for O the xxiv (1849) 564, said of him 'As a church band called deep, deep love of organist, he is, we believe not second "Wing and a Prayer" Jesus which is a real to any in the kingdom'. As a and we now play each favourite. The tune is composer, his 'Twelve Anthems' month at the family heavily syncopated so published in 1853 were highly service in Lucan. it needs a little regarded and many are in the From the start I was practice as there is a repertoire of parish choirs keen that we play a tendency for people to throughout these islands to this day. mixture of traditional sing it in a church The hymn tune 'Hereford' ( O Thou hymns, children's style – giving it a more who camest from above ) is perhaps hymns and modern regular beat. Lex his most enduring popular hymns, but what Loizides's new tune to achievement. modern hymns should we use? The William Booth's (of Salvation Army congregation were accustomed to fame) Send the fire also works well. The last words very traditional hymns – by that I Two new hymns people like are In So, with the elapse of 300 years mean that we never strayed outside Christ Alone and the Easter hymn since the birth of Charles Wesley it the Church (of Ireland) Hymnal. I See what a morning both by Stuart is clear his legacy has touched us in wanted to ensure that whatever the Townend & Keith Getty. I think the many forms. I'm hard pressed to band did we would bring the fact that these modern tunes are choose a verse or two to conclude congregation with us, so it was still structured in a similar way to this short review of his impact, important that we chose carefully. traditional hymns helped us during particularly on the work of so many Everyone in the band felt strongly this transitional phase. church musicians. In leaving the that we should judge our success in concluding words to Charles I'm terms of congregational singing. Now that we have a number of torn between the encouragement of: modern hymns in our repertoire, I All my previous experience was as hope to become a little more From strength to strength go on, an organist – so I had hoped to find adventurous and plan to introduce Wrestle, and fight, and pray someone who could advise me on some of the following over the course Tread all the powers of darkness what to do with a church band. A of the rest of this year: Light of the down, list of suggested hymns would have world (Here I am to worship) by Tim And win the well fought day: been very useful. That didn't Hughes, King of kings, Majesty by And the visionary elation of: happen, so I had to do my own Jarrod Cooper, Lord reign in me by Changed from glory into glory research. This consisted of some Brenton Brown, Blessed be your Till in heaven we take our place, trial and error, lots of CD purchases name by Beth & Matt Redman, Giver Till we cast our crowns before thee, and faithfully watching Songs of of grace (You are good to me) – Stuart Lost in wonder, love, and praise! Praise for a couple of years. As a Townend and When I was lost (There result, we now have a number of is a new song) – Kate & Miles Derek Seymour is Organist and modern hymns in our repertoire Simmonds. Director of Music at Methodist with which I am very happy. If you Centenary Church, Leeson Park find yourself in a similar situation, I These are just a few hymns which I Dublin. hope this list of hymns will help. think would work well with a

congregation used to singing more From ‘THE BELL’ The new Church Hymnal (are we traditional fare. They are also firm The Bell is the magazine of music still allowed to call it the ‘new favourites of my own and the sheet publishers Stainer & Bell. It often book’?) contains a large number of music for most is available at contains a competition. In the last modern hymns. Our experience has www.kingswaysongs.com. You will but one issue, readers were asked to been that these are a safe bet. also find audio files there so that compose a limerick starting with ‘In Having worked our way though most you can listen to a portion of each London...... ’. In the most recent of the modern hymns in the book, I song before deciding to purchase. issue, some of the winning entries have to say that those who selected were published. We hope you like them for the hymnal obviously I've written this article partly in the following two. understood the typical situation in order to share our experience, but which they would be used. Among also because I would love to hear In London, the traffic’s a curse, our favourites are: 138 Soon and suggestions of hymns from others. But while gridlocked, try scribbling a very soon, 195 Shine, Jesus Shine; We are still feeling our way and I verse, 325 Be still, for the presence of the hope this article will prompt others If it’s limerick-size, Lord; 606 As the deer pants for the to share their experience of You could well win a prize, water; 112 There is a Redeemer; and introducing modern hymns as part From the bottomless S&B purse! 219 From heav'n you came. of Sunday worship. Prof. George Pratt Stepping outside the hymn book, James Pasley is one of the organists In London, a young girl called Alice, we've found a number of hymns that in the Leixlip & Lucan group of Loved singing the music of Tallis, work really well. We started with a and is a member of the A gifted young Sir couple of very old hymns for which Church Music Committee. Sang much better than her, new tunes have been written. Ian But sweet Alice could bear him no malice. David Macauley F. C. J. SWANTON, F.R.C.O. Pat Maybury I first met F. C. J. Swanton. F.R.C.O. or ‘Swanee’ as he but never seen— amazing sight reading. was affectionally known to his friends, when he was Organist of St Philip and St James Church in Booterstown. ‘Swanee’ worked in a bank and was a whiz at mathematics. I was 12 years old and my mother was a leading soprano He could have a serious conversation while totting up in the choir. This was the beginning of a long and happy figures. I don't think he made any mistakes! friendship with him and with other choir members. In those days not many people owned cars and it was quite amusing to see him on a tram or bus taking a very small After Evening Service ‘Swanee’ would give a recital to his purse from his pocket to get out the money for his fare, captive audience, first handing a programme to each especially if it was Standing Room Only! If ever anyone person and a giving verbal introduction to each piece. It gave him a lift he would not say he was driven, it was was here that I came to understand composers such as always motoring. Messiaen, E.J. Moeran, his beloved J.S. Bach and Marcel Dupré, a man who became a friend to him. He was thrilled He lived with his mother and sister on St John's Road, when invited to stay in Dupré's home and to meet Dupré’ Sandymount, with St John’s Church just up the road wife. This friendship also gave him the opportunity to play (another building great for singing in). It was Heaven for the organ in Notre Dame Cathedral. He gave recitals in him when he played there. He loved the form of service and London but few in Ireland (except of course his own every year played Midnight Mass at Christmas with my recitals after Evensong). He would never begin before all sister singing Silent Night. He just loved playing the organ were silent, which would be immediate when you came to the point that he had a pedal board built to fit under his under his glare. piano for practise. It did look odd to see the piano halfway up the drawing-room wall! Coming back to these Sunday evenings each member of the choir took it in turn to have supper in our homes and When he was away he always used a very mediocre deputy what evenings they were! When it was our turn I would not and we used to say he did this on purpose, so that we go to bed until he played God save the King and La would be reminded of his genius when he returned! Marseillaise simultaneously! On one occasion we were to sing The Heavens are Telling When the organist position in Mariners’ Church Dún from Creation for a Harvest Service, but the Irish Times in Laoghaire became vacant in 1951, ‘Swanee’ grabbed it its wisdom gave the title as The Heavens Artillery! eagerly. The acoustics there were superb. When I was older These are some of my memories of ‘Swanee’—a loveable I had the great pleasure of singing solo there in Messiah, gifted eccentric. Creation etc., with the Trostan Singers, and a few recitals with him at the organ. I am reminded of an occasion when, F. Calvert J. Swanton: born Co Cork, 1893, died Dublin while accompanying one of the oratorios, he continued 1974. FRCO 1930. Organist SS Philip & James, reading a book on the organ seat. On another occasion he Booterstown, mid-1920s–1951; Mariners’ Church, Dún came direct from the Mozart Festival in Austria, sat at the Laoghaire, 1951–72; St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, piano and played music which he had bought there but Blackrock, 1972–74–1974. to know the tune and CONGREGATIONAL SINGING those who could read music had a copy of the WITHOUT ACCOMPANIMENT setting. Also, those who 'could sing' were spread The Revd Graham Doyle is of the Athlone group of around the congregation parishes and sometimes finds himself without an organist. to help the 'non-singers'. As the years went by we How can one get the congregation to sing built up quite a repertoire. unaccompanied? Some time ago I was asked to write a I discovered that this few lines to answer this question and promised to do so system not only enhanced using my past experience of leading a small congregation. the feeling that we had a The story begins in Belgrade the capital of Serbia where I 'real service' but it also was chaplain for almost seven years. One of the nice improved relationships things about church life there was being able to attend an within the congregation. When I left that chaplaincy I Orthodox Liturgy where both priest and choir sang, always genuinely missed the unaccompanied singing. unaccompanied. I often pondered why in Anglican churches congregations have a great reluctance to sing Now I am in Athlone and at times our community are without some type of musical accompaniment. Why are we unable to find an organist or musician so, when necessary, so afraid—because there is no doubt that we can sing? It I lead unaccompanied again, using familiar tunes and wasn't long before I had to answer my own thinking, after words. To every one's amazement it works when we have to our church musician moved to another country. do so. The secret is to have a strong leader's voice who will sing the first verse, and to get people to join in thereafter. This was at the time of the developing Balkan war and One needs to have other singers spread around the with a small faithful congregation it was important to congregation. Also, make sure the 'non-singers' feel make sure our worship was happy and sincere. So one comfortable. Have a brief practice beforehand and let them Sunday I said to sudden amazement that we were going to hum if they feel unsure, the leader singing with them. It sing a hymn—and we did. I have a loud voice, I knew the works, try it. If you are facing the crisis of having no hymn and felt sure the people did as well; it was simply a accompanist and see that this is affecting people, just do matter of giving them confidence. I began by singing the it. They will join in when they know it is this or nothing. first verse and suggested they join with me on the second There is something in all of us that wants to sing and if we verse and, even if they felt uneasy, to hum along. It really feel the need to express our happiness to God in worked! Each week we sang. I or the leader had song, it is not the notes that count but the singing. CHILDREN’S CHOIRS MUSIC IN OUR Ann Keary SUNDAY CLUB Jacqueline Mullen I have been an organist and choir attendance than before. The primary director for about eight years but school is next to the church and so St Thomas's Church, Mount Merrion still feel I'm only just learning! The the children can arrive for has a Sunday Club for those aged very few times I feel I've got it right rehearsals before school begins. If three years and upwards; the oldest certainly helps me to overcome the there was not a school affiliated with members are in the early years of many times I'm floundering! I hope our parish church I know it would secondary school. With such an age fellow organists and choir directors be far more difficult to maintain any range, we have four groups, from the can empathise with this. semblance of a junior choir. Even as little ones who have a Bible story it is, the interest in singing with and a craft, to Bible Study for the My experience as a Junior Choir boys or older primary school senior members. Music within that teacher has varied considerably. This children has been replaced by other context would seem to be difficult to is mainly due to fluctuation in interests. This is my reason for choose but is, in fact, a great source numbers. I began with about ten encouraging the smaller children if of enjoyment for all concerned. children ranging from 8 to 12 years, they want to join the choir. most of whom would not have any Musically and technically I am much Each time we meet (about twice a other musical training. We practised less ambitious, but the chance of month during the morning service) one evening a week for an hour and holding onto these children as they we all form a circle for prayer and sang in church at the family service grow is much greater than waiting singing. The normal pattern is to once a month. The rehearsals always for older children of the age of 9, 10, sing a greeting in the form of a begin with loosening and stretching 11 to join. Christian song to any who have exercises. At that time the choir birthdays around the time of our participated in church only once a In the earlier years I always meeting. Then we will sing month and there was time to teach auditioned singers before accepting something that we know well basic note reading skills. There was them to the choir. However, I feel followed by whatever we are also the opportunity to learn the enthusiasm to join a choir and an currently learning. This part of hymns very well and to have a new opportunity in life to sing with Sunday Club is allocated anthem to sing each month. friends, especially to the glory of approximately ten minutes. God, is something which shouldn't After a few years the number be denied to anyone. Yes, I do have Choice of material increased to about 20. To add one or two droners but I have found, With such a wide age range it might further interest, we began to learn a time and time again, that with a appear difficult to find material to wider range of songs and little patience, they will learn to sing suit everyone but that is not the participated in a few competitions in tune with their friends singing point from which we start. We have such as the (now discontinued) Feis around them. I firmly believe in two main goals; to nurture a love of Maitiú, the Wesley College Feis, the spending a few minutes at each worship through singing to God and Feis at Kilcoole and at Newpark practice at pitching and other vocal to teach Scriptural truths through Comprehensive School. We were exercises. These definitely help to song. encouraged by adjudicators’ improve the voice and the general remarks and the results we received, quality of the choir. Games which Worship songs/hymns are plentiful a few times gaining 2nd place. include using the voice can be great so care is needed when making During this period also, we invited fun. Suggestions and aids through choices. In this regard we have sung other choirs to join us for worship. A books from the RSCM are songs with plenty of vigorous particularly memorable weekend was invaluable. actions, clapping etc. and ones that when the young choir from Meath are quiet and reflective. Each Again, because the choir is a very session (September to June) we have Street visited us. For most of these young one, I have not yet used the children, to see trees, green fields a theme, a recent one being “the RSCM Voice for Life scheme; but I fruit of the Spirit”. In order to easily and plenty of space, was quite an would love to give it a try. Each year, experience. The energy and joy they teach the attributes of the Holy however, I choose a leader, who Spirit we found the refrain of a song put into their singing was quite a must be an all round example to the wonderful experience for us to hear. which listed them and used that to other members, in attendance, help the children remember. However, as with all choirs, a dip in respect and responsibility. This Similarly we have taught them the membership was inevitable. External leader wears a special medal which books of the Bible to music, not easy events, such as participation in was donated to our parish by the with all those long names. This took competitions brought a halt for a family of Lionel Freeman who sang an entire session to learn. We nearly while to visiting other choirs. The in my adult choir for many years but came unstuck with the Minor important thing was to keep going, has now sadly passed away. Prophets at the end of the Old even with just six or seven members. My desire is to keep building up this Testament and what a relief it was to What helped maintain the interest young choir in the hope that I will reach the New Testament and be even in this few was an increase of see quite a healthy number of 10 to able to sing confidently “Matthew, participation in church to two 12-year-olds. My dream would be to Mark, Luke and John”! Sundays in the month. be able to hold onto these young The other element with such young singers as they move on into Gradually, over the past few years, non-reading children being involved secondary school. So far, because of membership has increased again to is that we do not use material with my limited number of free evenings eighteen children. However, the excess words. The words must be and because of the busy lives of number of younger children is much simple, meaningful, easily explained these young people, I have not higher than before. I have about and clear. We are conscious that succeeded. Any suggestions?? eight children under the age of 8. these songs will travel home to be Because of this, rather than Ann Keary is organist and director of sung later to demonstrate what practising in the evening we now music at Kilternan Parish Church, Co. happened that morning at Sunday have our rehearsals at 8.30 to 9 a.m. Dublin. She also teaches at the DIT Club —> twice a week. This also ensures a Conservatory of Music & Drama. much more consistently high level of Resources Effects deeply touched the hearts of those We have a keyboard and currently While the above might seem lovely present. Songs written for children have two people who are able play it. for the children involved, they have a can be extremely profound. Those The church bought a Yamaha part to play in the life of our church. pieces which would be too difficult Clavinova a few years ago to replace Each and every item learned is for the assembly to grasp easily are a piano. With the Sunday Club in brought to the body of the church, carefully incorporated into the mind, a sophisticated model was usually during a family service. The worship so that applause is not chosen with percussion and many children sing as a group and then encouraged. The children do not different voices. This gives us the the congregation must join them. In form a choir, nor are they ability to record an accompaniment this way new material suitable for performing, they are exercising their complete with drumbeats, and at the use in family and other services has ministry as fellow worshippers touch of a button the machine found its way into our worship as a within the family of the church. seems to play itself thus freeing the congregation. It is an almost operator to join in the singing with foolproof way to teach the adults Finally, our theme for the coming the children at the front. Apart from because they are extremely session is the mountains of the Old these, and most importantly, we supportive of everything the Sunday Testament and their significance to have our voices. Each new item Club do and will make every effort to the people of God. I suspect that taught is first sung to the children encourage the children. Actions have song is as yet unwritten …………… and then taught bit by bit without to be treated with care as we found Jacqueline Mullen is a music teacher any accompaniment. that some of the older members were and Sunday Club leader at St becoming embarrassed by being Difficult rhythms are said together to Thomas’s Church. She is a member asked to do actions in church. An enable everyone to learn them. Some- of the Church Music Committee and option is to ask a child from the times we clap the rhythm together. is currently pursuing a Worship & middle age group to lead the Above all, it must be fun. We do not Sacred Music certificate course under younger ones in action songs. ask the children to learn the words of the auspices of the RSCM and the anything as it becomes reminiscent We have taught a simple Alleluia, University of Wales, Bangor. of school. The words are assimilated sung a capella, and at times by repetition of the songs. have taught something that has

IRISH ORGANIST WINS INTERNATIONAL PRIZE IN HOLLAND

At the 7th International Schnitger Organ Competition (21–30 June 2007) Irish organist Simon Harden won first prize and additionally the Audience prize.

The competition was held in Alkmaar and took place on the world famous organs of the St Lawrence Church. Forth seven candidates from Europe, Japan, USA, China, Korea and Australia applied for the competition. On the basis of CD recordings, twelve candidates were selected by a preliminary jury and At the Marcussen organ of the invited to play the first live round in church of St Jürgen in Gettorf, Alkmaar. Six candidates were North Germany where he is admitted to the second round and music director three to the final. the Actor's Church Union Award, The jury consisted of five world the highest award for the organ from renowned organists, who, during the that institution. On graduating from festival, played concerts on the two TCD with an honours degree in organs of the St Lawrence church. 1999 he took a part-time teaching The first prize (€5000) was awarded position at the TCD School of Music to Simon Harden (Ireland), second and worked as a freelance organist prize (€2500) to Julia Tamminen in Dublin. Engagements included (Russia) and third (€1000) to Gabor regular performances with the NSO Soos (Hungary) and various recitals including a lunchtime recital at the NCH. Since A native of Arklow, Simon Harden 2001, he has been living and received his secondary school working abroad. On a street corner of this education at the Kings Hospital, He has held several positions in Victorian-era warehouse district where he was first introduced to the of Vancouver, is the world's first organ. For many years he studied Hamburg and deputised in many piano at the RIAM along with violin churches there. Simon is at present steam clock—built in 1977. Four and theory. In 1995 he began organ 'Kantor' at the St Jürgen church in organ pipes stand at the tops of lessons with Professor Gillen. The Gettorf in North Germany. There he the four corners, and every same year he enrolled at Trinity is responsible for most of the fifteen minutes they sound the College Dublin to study Music and musical activities of the town and Westminster Chimes—belching History of Art. During his time at custodian of the historic Marcussen forth steam as they do so. The TCD he was Organ Scholar and later organ. Simon has a busy concert clock is powered by steam from conductor of the chapel choir. As schedule alongside his studies and an underground system of pipes well, he studied the organ with has performed in Germany, France, Italy, Holland, Poland Great Britain that supplies steam to heat Peter Sweeney at the DIT college of many downtown buildings. Music and Drama. In 2000 he won and Switzerland.

ANNE LEAHY, 1961–2007 REMUNERATION It was with deep sorrow that her Revised guidelines for 2008 on the many friends learned of the death on remuneration of church musicians 5 October of Dr Anne Leahy after will be on the website from mid otes struggling with illness for almost November. Musicians should have and twelve months. Dr Leahy was no hesitation in downloading this organist and director of music at St information and handing a copy to Michael's Church, Dún Laoghaire their clergy and church treasurers. from 1984 to 2006 and taught at the ews COMPANION TO CHURCH HYMNAL DIT Conservatory of Music and N Drama and NUI, Maynooth. She was Companion to Church Hymnal, awarded a PhD by the University of Darling & Davison (The Columba PIPEWORKS FESTIVAL Utrecht in 2002 for musicological Press, 2005) would make a very DUBLIN 20—29 June 2008 studies on the theological and acceptable Christmas present for Pipeworks next festival highlights numerological aspects of one of J. S. clergy, singers and other musicians. the wealth of Dublin’s musical and Bach collections of chorale preludes It is full of fascinating information architectural heritage, bringing for organ. abut the words and music of the Dublin’s churches and historic hymn book. buildings to life with wonderful We also record with regret the VACANCIES FOR MUSICIANS music and world-class per- unexpected death in October of Are you aware that vacancies for formances. The international organ Isobel Mulligan, organist, Tullamore. organists, cantors, singers and other playing competition will take place Mrs Mulligan was one of the early musicians may be advertised on our in Christ Church Cathedral Dublin. students on the Archbishop's website? If you wish to advertise, The jury will consist of Thomas Course in Church Music, completing please send the information to Trotter (UK), chairman, Hans Fagius the course in 1999. [email protected]. (Sweden), David Higgs (USA), Margareta Hürholz (Germany) and RSCM SUMMER CONFERENCE 2008 NEW MUSIC RESOURCES FOR THE Daniel Roth (France). The Festival The next RSCM International PSALMS programme will be announced at Summer School and Conference Since the publication of the Book of a Friends’ Reception in the Deanery takes place in the beautiful, historic Common Prayer 2004, the Liturgical of St Patrick's Cathedral on 15 city of Canterbury in August 2008. Advisory Committee has been November. Further information is The RSCM will welcome musicians, working on a number of projects available on the Festival website: singers and clergy from around the which will offer supplementary http://www.pipeworksfestival.com. world to a stimulating week of resources for its use in parish worship. music, worship, practical activity, One such project has been to provide ARCHBISHOP'S CERTIFICATE IN discussion and fellowship which musical settings for the lectionary CHURCH MUSIC (ACCM) will inspire the transformation of psalms. The project is being led by Results of May 2007 examination worship through music. The two LAC members, Alison Cadden The following successfully com- programme is full and varied—from and Judy Martin, and their work is pleted Year 1: Ruth Clinton (Howth), uplifting services in the Cathedral, nearing completion. The Hon. Liam Flynn (Zion), Paul Mullen (St to challenging workshops and Secretary of the LAC, the Revd Thomas, Mount Merrion), Rachel seminars given by inspiring leaders, Gerald Field, tells us that the O'Byrne (Rathfarnham), Kate O'Neill and much more. This is an excellent completed work will provide both (Howth), Helen O'Toole (Kiltiernan), opportunity for church musicians tracks of the Sunday lectionary Heather Taylor (Lucan & Leixlip), and worship leaders to find a fresh psalms across the three year cycle, Valerie Twomey (Lucan & Leixlip). perspective on music in the church with musical settings which will and community. allow for their use responsorially, in Breffni O'Byrne (Taney) successfully You may download a brochure by plainsong, in anglican chant, or in a completed Year 3 (final year). For simple musical setting for situations going to www.rscm.com and searching 2007–08, there are four students in where there is no choir. year 1 and six students in year 2. for 'issc 2008'. There also is a link direct to the brochure on our own ORGANIST NEEDED ORGANISTS ON THE MOVE website The church of Our Lady Help of Christians, Navan Road, Dublin 7 is David Bedlow is now at Dún We will be encouraging students on looking for an organist and a choir Laoghaire Methodist Church. the Archbishop's Certificate Course director (two people). Details can be Maedhbh Daltún has succeeded to attend this conference. Three of got from the parish priest Fr Raymond Russell at Castleknock. our students went to the 2005 Cassidy at 838 0265. David Grealy has succeeded David conference in York and you may Connolly as organ scholar at the Pro- read what they said about it on BUXTEHUDE RECITALS Cathedral. www.churchmusicdublin.org/yorkcourse. This series of organ concerts in the chapel of TCD, organised by Malcolm Wisener has been INTERESTING WEB SITE Pipeworks Festival to celebrate the appointed organist and master of the 300th anniversary of Buxtehude's choristers at St Fin Barre's http://www.rwgiangiulio.com/ birth finishes on 22 November. 7 Cathedral, Cork, in succession to Here's a web site that is worth a p.m. on Thursdays 8, 15 & 22 Colin Nichols. look. Raphi Giangiulio describes how he designed and built a five- November. Admission €15. Fraser Wilson, ARCO, has been stop, five-rank, all wood pipe organ appointed to St Bartholomew's for his house. It took about five CONGRATULATIONS Church, Ballsbridge. He was organ years to complete. There are lots of We congratulate Gerard Gillen on scholar at Christ Church Cathedral pictures and recordings of the organ being conferred with the degree of during 2007-08 and currently is on the site. Not only that, the story Doctor of Philosophy honoris causa acting organist and director of music has a happy ending—when an organ by the Pontifical University of St at St Matthews, Carver Street, builder saw his web site he was Patrick's College, Maynooth. Dr Sheffield. Pending his taking up the offered a job and now, as he says Gillen retired as Professor and Head new appointment, Peter Parshall is himself, he's "a real organ builder". of Music at NUI-Maynooth on 30 interim director of music. September.