 Royal School of Church MusicInternational Summer School - CanterburyA week after the Lambeth Conference, over a hundred members of the RSCM from all over the world gathered at Canterbury Cathedral for their tri annual International Summer School and Church Music Conference. There was a wide choice of lectures and workshops on all aspects of church music from the administrative and technical to the spiritual sides of the work. Two very interesting aspects of work of the RSCM were paid special attention. Firstly the educational courses: Voice for Life, a framework for choral singers to develop their vocal skills and musical understanding, and two tertiary courses through the University of Bangor in Wales for people who wish to upgrade their skills as church musicians. All these courses can be done through correspondence and for the optional exams that form part of the Voice for Life scheme, two examiners are now available in South Africa. The RSCM is also pioneering the publishing of wonderful music resources from which churches and choirs may photocopy legally on condition that they have a Christian Copyright License International and a Music Copyright License. The delegates also had plenty of opportunities to sing.They sang early morning prayer in the crypt or in the Chapter House of the Cathedral, formed a large choir and sang a festal service in the Cathedral under the baton of the composer Bob Chilcott, and after the evening activities sang Compline in the12th Century St Paul's Church just outside the ancient city walls, a church that dates from the 12th century. They had many opportunities to talk to the new director of the RSCM, Lindsay Gray and to likeminded people and friends from all over the world, and were enriched and inspired by many centuries of worship that infuses every part of Canterbury Cathedral. For more information about the RSCM, view its latest publications and for information about local activities, please contact Marianne de Jager at 033 346 1393 or via the Cathedral of the Holy Nativity in Pietermaritzburg.
Other Stories in this edition:
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The Diakonia Council of Churches and its member churches have expressed deep concern over the increasing levels of intolerance displayed by supporters of various political parties and by the leadership of some political organisations. The Zimbabwe Political Deal
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Bishop Rubin has urged parishes to begin preparing immediately for their next Annual Vestry Meeting which according to the Canons of the Diocese must be held not later in the year than the 15th March. They have been asked to take note of Canon 27 (of Vestries) and Act 23 of the Acts of the Diocese of Natal, and the functions of Parish Councils etc which are laid out in Canons 28, 29 and 30 and Act 24. 1 Big Favour - 34 Very Happy Ladies
East Coast Radio is celebrating the Christmas Season by granting 12 Big Favours. The radio station has always taken their social responsibility seriously and this year Emma Barter Home, situated in Pietermaritzburg, was one of their very lucky recipients. Diocesan Environment Committee
Looking back over the year: As 2008 draws to a close I mention some of the activities that the Diocesan Environment Committee has been engaged in. |
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