Category Archives: News and Views

I hope you are all managing in this strange new world in which we find ourselves and that you are keeping well. I am finding it odd not to be giving any lesson and not to be playing in public. Still, it means that my Music Room is tidier than it has ever been (which means I cannot now find anything!) and I am getting lots of practice in, not least for my all-Bach series at Halifax Minster – whenever that starts (it has now been postponed twice, so let’s hope for third time lucky!).

I have now played for two virtual services ‘at’ St Michael’s, using Zoom. These went well, though, as yet, we have not tried to perform together. We may have a go at some hymns on Easter Sunday but need to experiment first. I have also invested in Zoom for Business and am intending to use it alongside Skype for meetings. I am chairing my first board meeting using Microsoft Teams next week, so wish me luck!

I know that some of my fellow RCO tutors have started to use Skype and Zoom to give lessons, so if any of you would like to give it a go, then just contact Laura and book a time. I am not going out much! And a lesson will be half what you normally pay. I would be quite interested in how it works, as I have only done theory lessons online before (apart from an ‘emergency’ one off with a student about to sit an exam!).

I would love to hear from you anyway as to how you are getting on and what you are up to. And if you want some light reading, I have two novels being serialized on channillo.com. You just access the website and look for ‘A month of murder’ and ‘Broken Eagle’. If you take out a subscription, all proceeds are in aid of Smile Train.

Florence International Singing Programme have planned a number of projects for people to engage with during the Coronavirus pandemic. The first of these projects is on Good Friday – Come and Sing Stainer’s Crucifixion Online. Please click here to view more information and register.

ABRSM have launched their new online platform to support and inspire musicians whilst we are all working in uncertain times due to Covid-19. Click here to visit the online resources and learn more.

The ambition for this new resource is that “it will bring you even closer to the music you love and to other musicians. Through regular features, advice and insight we’ll help you to get the most from your playing or singing.”

The Royal College of Organists is appealing to every building in the UK that houses an organ to open its doors on that day, allowing people to hear and explore the wealth of organs, large and small, to be found throughout the country.  For many members, this may involve negotiations with their own church or other building where they play.  The activity does not have to involve a formal recital, although that is certainly one possibility.  More details and resources are available via https://www.rco.org.uk/NationalOrganDay.php

One of the funds administered by the IAO was set up in memory of organist and composer Dr Stanley Vann, for many years associated with Peterborough Cathedral.  The Fund Committee is currently chaired by Dr James Lancelot and the deadline for this year’s applications is 31^st March.  The object of the fund is to enhance Anglican choral music by making an annual grant, primarily intended for a young musician who shows promise and wishes to improve their skills in the field of Anglican choir training and direction.  If you know of a worthy candidate, please encourage them to apply.  More details and application forms are available via https://iao.org.uk/grants/stanley-vann/

HMP Leeds is a category B Men’s Prison close to Leeds City Centre. The Chaplaincy team caters for men of all faiths.

The weekly Sunday sung Church of England Eucharist (09:15) and the Roman Catholic Mass (10.30) require an organist for the hours of 09:00 -12 noon.

These services currently attract an attendance of between fifty and sixty five prisoners for both services.

There will be occasional additional services to be covered such as the Ash Wednesday, Holy week, Harvest Festival and Carol Service .

This is a paid role, 3hrs a week @ £12.77 per hr and travel expenses at 0.26 per mile. This is to commence at the  beginning of May 2020.  The post will require Prison vetting and a DBS check.

Applications are especially welcome from enthusiastic persons who, in addition, would be keen to form a choir.

Organ made by J W Walker and sons (pipe).