International Summer School and Conference 2013

York, England
Monday 12 - Sunday 18 August 2013

From Generation to Generation:
developing church musicians for the future

 

• Go to video report of the Summer School

The RSCM International Summer School took place in York, 12–18 August 2013. It was a wonderful opportunity to join with fellow church musicians to share experience, get fresh ideas, learn new skills and participate in exciting music-making.

The Summer School was preceded by a one-day conference for the RSCM’s committee and branch volunteers on 11–12 August. Colleagues from around the world met to find out how they carry out the RSCM’s mission where they live.

Robert Sharpe prepares the choir for evensong in York Minster (Photo: H Bamber)

The nave of York Minster (photo: H Bamber)

The Chapter House in York Minster (photo: J Crothers)

A few minutes to relax during a busy day! (photo: A Thomson)

Excellent hospitality in the improvised Dining Room! (photo: J Crothers)

Rosemary Field and Andrew Reid (photo: J Crothers)

Service led by instrumental group in York Minster (photo: I Minnett)

Singing at Rievaulx Abbey (photo: H Bamber)

Singing at Rievaulx Abbey (photo: H Bamber)

Rievaulx Abbey (photo: H Bamber)

Ampleforth Abbey, where delegates attended vespers on the Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary (photo: H Bamber)

Robert Sharpe begins a tour of the organ at York Minster (photo: I Minnett)

Programme

The programme was packed with opportunities to make music and to worship together, with stimulating discussions and presentations, and time for fellowship and relaxation.

Presenters
Malcolm Archer – conductor, composer, and Director of Chapel Music at Winchester College
Heather Bamber – RSCM Marketing Administrator
Bishop Timothy Dudley-Smith – hymn writer
Jane Emmanuel – voice coach
Rosemary Field – Deputy Director of the RSCM (Education and Voluntary Networks)
Nigel Groome – RSCM Regional Music Adviser
Roger Hately – West Gallery musician
Richard Hills - organist
Martin How – former RSCM Commissioner
Andrew Maries – RSCM Devon Area Chairman, and director of Keynote Trust
Canon Peter Moger – Precentor of York Minster
Frances Novillo – RSCM Regional Music Adviser
Jon Payne – RSCM Regional Music Adviser
Andrew Reid – Director of the RSCM
Andrew Robinson – RSCM Regional Music Adviser
Stuart Robinson – RSCM Coordinator for Wales and Media Coordinator
Robert Sharpe – Director of Music at York Minster

Speeches, seminars and conversations to stimulate debate
Andrew Reid: Conference address
Bishop Timothy Dudley-Smith: Towards Tomorrow: a hymn writer's reflections
Canon Peter Moger: The challenge of providing liturgy and music to unite the generations
Discussion led by Martin How: Training young singers
In conversation: Malcolm Archer discusses his life and work in cathedral music
In conversation with Canon Peter Moger: Agnostics Anonymous

Daily opportunities for worship with music in York Minster and elsewhere (with rehearsal time)
Morning worship/matins
Evensong (sung by ISS delegates or by RSCM cathedral course)
Compline/vespers
Methodist evening praise
Mass with acoustic music group at St Wilfrid’s RC Church
Iona-style service
Healing service
Festival service
Eucharist
Monastic vespers at Ampleforth Abbey

Performances, excursions, fellowship and more
Silent film improvisation (to be confirmed)
Minster organ recital (optional extra, not an ISS event)
Music at night: Pilgrimage with cello improvisations (to be confirmed)
Trip to Rievaulx Abbey to sing, and to Ampleforth Abbey for supper and to attend vespers
Opportunities to find out more about RSCM education programmes and publications
Music and book shop, with lots to browse from RSCM Music Direct and other music publishers
Gala dinner (included in price)

A wide range of inspirational workshops for all musicians
Choir trainers: First, find your chorister! / Next, train your chorister / Leading and managing your choir / Choral music for seasons
Cantors: The role of Cantors
Organists: Accompanying worship songs on the organ / Improvisation (hymn-extension etc)
Instrumentalists: 'Elastic Band': flexible instruments in worship
Our faith in song: Non-Conformist insights and gifts for the whole church
Go forth and tell: maximising publicity for your music activities
Snakes and Ladders: Participatory introduction to West Gallery Music by Roger Hately, with display of original instruments
The York Minster tradition
The power of one: potential for leadership by a good musician
Modern repertories and the liturgy
Weddings and funerals with no hymns
Getting congregations involved
Liturgical development across the generations
Ways of singing psalms
Teaching music notation

One to one tutorials
Voice coaching
Organ/keyboard coaching
Guitar coaching
Melody instrument coaching
Conducting
Arranging

Conference for Volunteers

Sunday 11 - Monday 12 August 2013

Akin to the Summer School theme ('From Generation to Generation') the Conference for volunteers addressed sustainability, stewardship and development during a period of recession. These matters are key, and a programme for development was offered at the Conference, relying on volunteer goodwill and effectiveness for its success.

The speech given to the conference by Rosemary Field is available here:

• Download here