summerschoolsensation

RSCM Eastern Ontario Branch

CHURCH MUSIC SENSATION

For a few days during the sweltering heat of last August, a group of about 30 musicians gathered in the air-conditioned comfort of Highway Pentecostal Church in Brockville to attend the RSCM summer school - Church Music Sensation. Registrants came from Ontario, Quebec, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and B.C., and from New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. From the feedback we have received, all were favourably impressed and are looking forward to returning for the sequel!

The session began with registration and dinner at MERC Hall in Maitland, followed by a rehearsal with guitar clinician, Jeffrey Hanlon, who helped us prepare for the next morning's chapel service. The evening concluded with a fine recital by baritone Matthew Zadow and pianist Frances Harkness.

The daily sessions began with a brief worship service prepared and conducted by one of our clinicians, followed by workshops in Choir Directing, Piano/Keyboard skills, Organ Playing and Guitar Accompaniment skills. The excellent clinicians were Frances Harkness (piano/keyboard), Jeffrey Hanlon (guitar), and Jeffrey Reusing (choir and organ).

Afternoon sessions included discussions and suggestions for Congregational music, choir and solo repertoire, and Anthem readings. All the clinicians were very helpful in guiding us through various situations and answering our questions.

Throughout the three days participants could browse through the impressive displays from the RCCO , RSCM, and Hysen Music of London, Ontario. Hysen's Bert Vander Hoek shared his expertise with those of us who chose to do some one-stop music shopping.

Each day included a sight- seeing treat for those not familiar with the Brockville area: the Fulford Mansion, the Brockville Museum, and a boat cruise around the 1000 Islands. Each evening concluded with an excellent concert: a sing-along Faure Requiem with Jeff Reusing and the choir of St. Peter's, Brockville and friends; a guitar concert by Jeff Hanlon; and, to end the summer school, a wonderful organ recital given by Ottawa organist Wesley Warren at the beautiful chapel of Grenville Christian College.

Our thanks and appreciation go to the many people who contributed to the success of this venture: Fawcett Organs, Hysen Music (Trudy and Bert Vander Hoek), GIA Publishing for free supply of the course music, Highway Pentecostal Church, MERC Hall, the clinicians, the participating clergy, the caterers (Oh, those scrumptious desserts!!) the numerous behind-the-scenes helpers and the Eastern Ontario Branch Committee members, especially Ann Carr and Peter Shepherd whose HERCULEAN efforts made the whole thing possible!!!

Respectfully submitted by Rosemary and Bill Brown, Cornwall, Ontario

Piano Workshop

Choir Directing

Guitar Workshop

organi~2.gif

Organizers

Ann Carr, Peter Shepherd

Highway Pentecostal Church

Rockport Boat Cruise

Hysen Music Display

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