Organ Scholarship Board Award Service
Church music was celebrated at the Down, Dromore and Connor Organ Scholarship Award Service held in St Columba’s Parish Church, Knock, on Sunday 23 October 2022.
Following a Bach Prelude, played with confidence by Tanya Zachara, a 3rd year Scholar from St Mark’s Dundela, the Rector and Chairman of the Board, Canon John Auchmuty, welcomed the Scholars and all those who had come to support them.
Sean Turner, from the Parish of Ballymoney was then presented with his award from Secretary of the Board, Canon Humphries, following his three years tuition under the direction of Dr Joe McKee.
The scholars, past and present led the Service of Choral Evensong directed by Dr Joe McKee and accompanied on the organ by Mr Alfred Casement. Past recipients of the award, Brian Clements, Ronnie Drury and Rebekah Wilson, sang with the present scholars. Canon Walter Laverty intoned the Service.
Lessons were read by the Rector and Gerald Hill, Organist Emeritus of St Columba’s. Canon Humphries, led the prayers.
In his sermon Canon Auchmuty reminded us to give thanks for the gifts Almighty God has given to us, especially through the Ministry of Music in our churches and cathedrals which inspires, encourages and lifts our spirits. He reminded us how music can provide much needed strength to support us through the challenges we are living through and facing daily – the cost of living crisis, unsettled government both in Northern Ireland and at Westminster, and difficult times at home or in employment.
Canon Auchmuty referred to the quote that “Music is the bicycle on which the liturgy rides” but emphasised that the bicycle must be kept well–oiled! Music does not just happen. There is always the need for constant rehearsals. Organist posts are increasingly difficult to fill, and this is where the Organ Scholarship scheme comes into play.
Organ Scholarships
The Board of Management of the Dioceses of Down, Dromore and Connor Organ Scholarship scheme invites applications for Scholarships which are awarded annually. This scheme is in its 32nd year and helps provide and equip organists for public worship. It was established in 1990 when an anonymous benefactor, recognising the importance of the ministry of music in parish life and worship provided a very generous endowment to train organists in these Dioceses. A trust was set up and administered by Church of Ireland Trustees Board of Management.
The aims of any Organ Scholarship scheme are to provide firstly, training in organ playing, choir accompaniment, choral direction and vocal techniques and secondly, the experience of a wide variety of liturgical music.
The benefits of music study are well known, fostering concentration, discipline and confidence. Music making promotes good mental health, feelings of self–esteem and the knowledge that we are contributing something of beauty and value to society.
The UK’s church music tradition is arguably the finest in the world with choirs and organists providing music of an exceptionally high standard to enhance the liturgy, but there is always the need to train more young organists who can ensure its future.
Every organ in every church or cathedral is a different instrument and opens up a new world, and whilst an organ scholar’s life is a busy one, if the idea of playing one of these on a regular basis sounds exciting and your keyboard skills are pretty good, why not consider training towards an Organ Scholarship?
With thanks to Angela Kerr
Current Organ Scholars
Lucy Steele (1st) Glenavy
Clare Kelly (2nd) Jordanstown
Larissa Fleck (2nd) Armoy
Dr Mark McKinty (2nd) Larne and Inver
Grace Steed (2nd) Dundela
Tanya Zachara (3rd) Dundela
David Dunlop (3rd) All Saints & St. Nicholas