The Royal School of Church Music

Eastern Ontario Branch

Newsletter

September 2001

Welcome back from your "relaxing" summer activities! Not so relaxing, though, for some of us who have been diligently preparing for a rather large lineup of Fall Hymn Festivals .

Also a big welcome to our new church members, St. Matthias Anglican Church, Ottawa and St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Gananoque. We have 10 Personal and 14 Church, for a total of 24 Memberships in all.

Our Spring events went very well. The participants enjoyed the workshops and went happily homeward, with their heads and hands loaded with lots of information.

April 28 - Reluctant Org/Choir D Workshop- Winchester Springs United 9 Participants

May 5 - Reluctant Org/Choir D Workshop - Harrowsmith United Church 11 Participants Leaders - R/O-John Uttley ; C/D-Peter Shepherd

May 12 - Learn to Read Music - Knox-St. Paul's United, Cornwall 18 Participants

Tomorrow morning, the Royal School of Church Music is holding one of its infamous Reluctant Organist courses at Winchester Springs United Church, Ontario. Distinguished Reluctant Organists from many countries are expected to attend this auspicious event, and CBC will have live coverage throughout the day. All other CBC programmes have been cancelled.

Clergy activist groups from various parts of the world will be converging on Winchester Springs to stage what are billed as "peaceful demonstrations" against the high rates of pay which are commanded by these musicians. The local Chief of Police has had a 10ft. high perimeter fence erected around the church and large numbers of riot police have been imported, with additional security forces on standby.

In an attempt to calm the situation, Ontario Premier, Mike Harris, has promised to bring in legislation for standardized testing for Reluctant Organists, and to limit future annual pay increases to 20%. It is hoped that other Provinces and Countries might follow that example in order to even out professional remuneration.

The population of Winchester Springs has been advised to stay indoors for the day and to barricade their windows. Some area roads have been closed and cars are being searched for offensive weapons. Stay tuned for further news!

Had you going, didn't we!!! Imagine, having a Branch Chairman who writes things like that!

We have greatly added to our supply of equipment. We now possess, one 30 cup coffee maker, a punch bowl with ladle, a sandwich board with " The Royal School of Church Music", painted on both sides, a lovely 30"x 40" board ( with the works on it, motto and all), which Peter unearthed from his "Loft", a big sheet of peg board on which to hang badges and pamphlets, etc. and finally, two easels on which to place these wonderful boards. We have assembled four Traveling Music boxes-one containing Easy Anthems, two boxes of Moderate and one box of Cantatas. If this keeps up we may have to rent a U-Haul!

The sandwich board, the two easels and dividers for the music boxes were made by a carpenter friend. I think we should dub him, our "Carpenter in Residence".

Oct. 14^th - St. Thomas Anglican, Belleville, ON; Calvin United, Pembroke, ON

Plans are well under way for our Eastern Ontario RSCM Summer School 2002. Everything is swirling by at the speed of light, with trying to arrange locations, lodging, workshops and clinicians, organ recitalist, entertainment, trips, catered lunches, dinners and reception, not to say anything of all the publicity, making of flyers, pamphlets, maps, etc.

Should you have suggestions for events, or would like to host an event at your Church, please contact our Branch Chairman, Peter Shepherd, 67 Church St., Brockville, ON K6V 3X7 Phone (613) 342-3124; Fax (613) 342-1974

We still have, for your perusal, a library of sample copies of choral anthems that has been constantly updated and is now freshly sorted into Easy and Moderate divisions. We have a very good selection of easy anthems for small choirs with a good proportion of Canadian items and also, many works from elsewhere. There is also a box of Moderately Easy Cantatas.

All the best for a great season of Church Music Making. Hope to see you at one of our Branch's Fall Events.