5 WELCOME

6 IN ACTION
A report from the RSCM’s Bath Course 2023

8 WHAT’S ON
Details of RSCM events from December 2023 to April 2024

12 ‘DECK THE HALL’: THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS CAROL
A colourful and entertaining journey through the history of the Christmas carol with Andrew Gant

16 ADOPTED AND ADAPTED: ANGLICAN CHURCH MUSIC IN THE NETHERLANDS
Hanna Rijken on the enduring popularity of Anglican music in the Netherlands

19 FROM THE DIRECTOR
Hugh Morris on living in an age of ‘telling’

20 ‘AGENTS OF YOUR GRACE’: TEACHING AI TO WRITE HYMNS
Ally Barrett tries to teach an artificial intelligence chatbot to write a hymn.

24 PROMISE, AMBITION AND DISAPPOINTMENT: THOMAS WEELKES AT CHICHESTER, RECORDING AND RECONSIDERING
Charles Harrison reflects upon life and music of Thomas Weelkes.

28 RSCM NEWS
News and reports across the RSCM’s international network

32 CONGRATULATIONS
Members’ successes and RSCM awards

36 CHRISTMAS PUZZLES
Try your hand at our Christmas dingbats and ‘Beats in a Box’ puzzles.

37 CLASSIFIED ADS

38 CHRISTOPHER GIBBONS REAPPRAISED: A FATHER OF MODERN ENGLISH CHURCH MUSIC?
Paul Stubbings takes a fresh look at the legacy of Christopher Gibbons.

42 HYMN MEDITATION
Gordon Giles on Christina Rossetti’s evocative ‘In the bleak mid-winter’

48 WITH HEART AND MIND AND VOICE: TOWARDS FULL PARTICIPATION IN THE DAILY OFFICE
Peter Litman on getting people involved musically a midweek service

49 OBITUARIES

52 REVIEWS
CMQ evaluates the latest CDs and music books.

6 IN ACTION
A report from the RSCM’s 2023 annual conference

8 WHAT’S ON
Details of RSCM events in your Area from September to December 2023

12 MAKING A JOYFUL NOISE: THE CORONATION OF THE KING AND QUEEN
Matthias Range considers the music performed at the Coronation of King Charles III.

18 ANNUAL APPEAL
The RSCM needs your help to enable church music to flourish.

22 FROM THE DIRECTOR
Hugh Morris on making musical choices

24 SHOULD WE SING ‘DAY’, ‘RAY’ OR EVEN ‘CLAY’
Robert Brignall considers the words to Charles Wood’s O Thou the Central orb.

28 RSCM NEWS
News and reports across the RSCM’s international network

33 CONGRATULATIONS
Members’ successes and RSCM awards

36 STRATEGIC PRIORITIES
Hugh Morris expands upon the RSCM’s Strategic Plan.

38 IS MUSIC THEOLOGICAL?
Bennette Zon considers what it means to be an institute at which sacred music is studied.

40 HYMNPACT!
David Scott-Thomas dives into We are the light, one of the many resources available through Hymnpact!

43 PLANTING SEEDS AND BEARING FRUIT
How Music Sunday 2023 was marked around the world.

44 HYMN MEDITATION
Gordon Giles on the spiritual conflicts at the heart of George Herbert’s ‘Teach me, my God and King’.

48 THE PRAYER BOOK SOCIETY: A NEW PARTNERSHIP
Jon Riding on a new collaboration between the RSCM and the PBS.

50 MUSIC TO THE SOUL
Julian Zerfahs on why we must consider the meaning behind the words we sing.

50 CLASSIFIED ADS

52 PROFESSOR GEORGE MCPHEE, A DIAMOND JUBILEE
Peter Nardone on the long and illustrious career of George McPhee.

52 REVIEWS
CMQ evaluates the latest CDs, DVDs and music books.

6 IN ACTION
A report from the RSCM’s 2023 annual conference

8 WHAT’S ON
Details of RSCM events in your Area from June to October 2023

12 A SECRET CHORD: MUSIC AND MISSION
Stephen Hance on the powerful combination of music and mission

18 BEING FAITHFUL TO OUR MISSION: GROWING RSCM AMERICA
New president Michael Smith sets out his vision for the future.

20 FROM THE DIRECTOR
Hugh Morris on diversity in church choirs

22 RSCM NEWS
News and reports across the RSCM’s international network

26 CONGRATULATIONS
Members’ successes and RSCM awards, including those of the 2023 honorands

30 SOLEMN NOTES OF SWEETEST SOUND
Rachel Webber explores music making in the charity institutions of Georgian London.

34 FRIENDSHIP, FUN AND FUDGE: ATTENDING THE RSCM BATH SUMMER COURSE
Bethan Cole on what it’s like to attend the summer residential course in Bath

36 MAKING THE ORGAN ACCESSIBLE TO A WIDER AUDIENCE
John Challenger on making the organ a part of community-focused projects

40 HYMN MEDITATION
Gordon Giles writes about the troubled life of William Cowper and his hymn ‘God moves in a mysterious way’.

44 PUTTING ON A COME AND SING EVENSONG
Simon Lole provides encouragement and inspiration for those wishing to hold Come and Sing evensong events.

47 MUSIC STAND
New music and digital resources from the RSCM

49 OBITUARIES

51 CLASSIFIED ADS

52 REVIEWS
CMQ evaluates the latest CDs, DVDs and music books.

6 IN ACTION
Highlights from the RSCM’s Christmas lecture and concert

8 WHAT’S ON
Details of RSCM events in your Area from March to July 2023

10 WHY DO I USE MY PAPER, INK AND PEN? THE TIMES AND MUSIC OF WILLIAM BYRD
400 years after the composer’s death, Sandy Burnett looks at William Byrd’s enduring legacy.

16 FROM THE DIRECTOR
Hugh Morris on the impact of secular weddings

17 NEW RSCM MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS
Details of the RSCM’s new membership benefits for 2023

18 A GAME OF CHANTS
Alan Tavener on setting up a plainsong choir

22 RSCM NEWS
News and reports across the RSCM’s international network

26 CONGRATULATIONS
Members’ successes and RSCM awards

28 A LETTER FROM CANADA
Daniel Webb on the differences between church music in the UK and Canada

32 COMPOSING A CORONATION ANTHEM: AN INTERVIEW WITH JOANNA FORBES L’ESTRANGE
Learn more about the RSCM’s coronation anthem, The mountains shall bring peace unto the people.

34 CLASSICAL AND CONTEMPORARY: ADVICE FROM A CHURCH MUSICIAN
Simon Dixon offers advice for those struggling to balance contemporary and traditional worship styles.

38 HYMN MEDITATION
Gordon Giles writes about the rousing Easter favourite, Thine be the glory.

42 SUNDAY BY SUNDAYS PLUS: AN INTRODUCTION
Learn more about the RSCM’s new online companion to our print magazine.

44 BRIDGING CULTURAL DIVIDES: A CHORAL MUSIC GROUP IN SOUTH AFRICA
Simon Aiken on running a successful multi-denomination choir in Johannesburg

46 INTRODUCING CHORALLY
Ian Clethero explains the RSCM’s new partnership with the online community platform CHORALLY

49 OBITUARIES

50 CLASSIFIED ADS

51 REVIEWS
CMQ evaluates the latest CDs, DVDs and music books.

6 HER LATE MAJESTY THE QUEEN
John Hall’s thoughts on the death of the RSCM’s Royal Patron, Queen Elizabeth II

8 IN ACTION
News from the RSCM’s Celebration Day

10 RICHES OLD AND NEW
Kate Kennedy on blending and balancing tradition and innovation

14 FROM THE DIRECTOR
Hugh Morris on harnessing the power of music

16 MUSIC AND LITURGICAL EDUCATION
Anne Tomlinson on interfacing theology and church music at the Scottish Episcopal Institute

19 GROWING YOUNGER
Chris Thorpe and Olivia Etheridge on why we should put more trust in the young

22 RSCM NEWS
News and reports across the RSCM’s international network

26 CONGRATULATIONS
Members’ successes and RSCM awards

30 POETRY HEARD AFRESH IN MUSIC: COMPOSING AN ANTHEM
Stuart Beer on setting words by John Donne

33 HYMN MEDITATION
Gordon Giles on the sad life of Christopher Smart and his Christmas hymn, ‘Where is this stupendous stranger’

36 WORSHIP FROM THE HEART: ADVICE FROM THE ORGAN BENCH
Simon Dixon provides tips for those leading music in worship.

42 MUSIC STAND
Seasonal music and digital resources from the RSCM

44 OBITUARIES

46 CLASSIFIED ADS

48 REVIEWS
CMQ evaluates the latest CDs and music books.

6 IN ACTION
An account of Hugh Morris’s trip to the USA

8 WHAT’S ON
Highlights of RSCM events across the UK, September 2022 to January 2023

12 SCIENTIST, MUSICIAN, THEOLOGIAN
Michael Tavinor on the polymath William Holder

16 THEIR FUTURE IS IN YOUR HANDS
What the RSCM is doing to ensure the future flourishing of church music

18 WELCOME TO NEW AFFILIATES
Details of the most recent affiliates to join the RSCM

20 THE MUSIC OF A SKILFUL WRITER
Scotty Gray on the musical nature of Timothy Dudley-Smith’s hymns

24 FROM THE DIRECTOR
Hugh Morris on being an RSCM evangelist

25 RSCM NEWS
News and reports across the RSCM’s international network

28 CONGRATULATIONS
Members’ successes and RSCM awards

30 THE RSCM STRATEGIC PLAN
Andrew Morgan on the blueprint that will take the RSCM’s into its centenary and beyond

32 GROWING MUSIC, GROWING CHURCH
Anna Norman-Walker on revitalizing music in your local church

34 VOICE FOR LIFE DIGITAL
Richard Burdette explains Voice for Life’s new digital facilities.

36 TO HIS NAME BE THE GLORY
Anna Teagarden reports on the highly successful Gulf Coast course for girls.

38 HYMN MEDITATION
Gordon Giles on a hymn that blends the words of G.K. Chesterton with the music of Ralph Vaughan Williams.

42 HYMNPACT! IS HERE
A report of the launch of the RSCM’s new initiative, Hymnpact!

45 ENRICHING THE PERFORMANCE
Stephen Thornton considers how an understanding of the theology behind the Messiah’s libretto can improve performance.

48 LOOKING BACK AND LOOKING FORWARD
Why you should take part in the Music Sunday celebrations

50 THE HAROLD SMART MEMORIAL COMPOSITION COMPETITION
Details of a competition for amateur composers

51 CLASSIFIED ADS

52 OBITUARIES

53 REVIEWS
CMQ evaluates the latest CDs and music books.

6 IN ACTION
A look at the RSCM’s Membership Conference 2022

8 WHAT’S ON
Highlights of RSCM events across the UK, June to October 2022

10 RALPH VAUGHAN WILLIAMS AND THE ENGLISH HYMNAL
Jeremy Summerly on the creation of a seminal publication

15 FROM THE DIRECTOR
Hugh Morris on the RSCM’s Strategic Plan

16 CELEBRATING VOLUNTEERS’ WEEK
People from across the UK explain what it means to volunteer for the RSCM.

20 REVIVING CHURCH AFTER THE PANDEMIC: THE VITAL ROLE OF MUSIC
An inspirational story about how a church became central for local music making

23 RSCM NEWS
News and reports across the RSCM’s international network

26 CONGRATULATIONS
Members’ successes and RSCM awards, including the 2022 honorands awards

30 ‘MASTERY OF THE HEAVENLY ART’: WILLIAM HINE OF GLOUCESTER
Warwick Cole writes about the career and partbooks of the organist William Hine

34 LEADING FROM THE FRONT: THE RSCM EDUCATION PLAN IN ACTION
Jonathan Robinson provides insights into sessions available from the Education Menu

36 THE EMERGENCE OF THE ENGLISH ORGAN SONATA TRADITION
Ian Quinn explores the evolution of the 19th-century organ sonata.

42 HYMN MEDITATION
Gordon Giles on Hubert Parry’s and William Blake’s Jerusalem.

46 DUPRÉ DIGITAL: A FRESH LOOK AT THE FRENCH MUSICIAN
Tobias Frank explains a new digital project about the life and works of Marcel Dupré.

48 OBITUARIES

49 CLASSIFIED ADS

50 MUSIC STAND
A selection of publications to suit the season, plus a look at the RSCM’s online resources

52 REVIEWS
CMQ evaluates the latest CDs and music books.

6 IN ACTION
A look at the first three legs of Hugh Morris’s tour of the 48 RSCM Areas

8 WHAT’S ON
Highlights of RSCM events across the UK, March to July 2022

9 FROM THE DIRECTOR
Hugh Morris contemplates the sower and the seed in chapter 13 of the Gospel of Matthew

10 ‘GOD SAVE THE QUEEN’: SACRED MUSIC AT ROYAL OCCASIONS FROM THE EARLY-MODERN PERIOD TO ELIZABETH II
Matthias Range surveys four centuries of music used to mark royal events.

16 THE RSCM’S PLATINUM PROJECT
Read about the RSCM’s new anthem, In our Service, commissioned to mark Her Majesty the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

18 MESSIAEN FOR HOLY WEEK AND EASTER: PLAYING THE LIVRE DU SAINT SACREMENT
Tom Bell offers advice for playing Messiaen’s vast cycle.

21 SINGING AT THE CORONATION
Adrian Dence recalls singing at the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II

23 THE ANNIVERSARY OF THE QUEEN’S CORONATION
John Hall shares memories of his time at Westminster Abbey during some of the Queen’s previous anniversaries

26 RSCM NEWS
News and reports across the RSCM’s international network

29 CONGRATULATIONS
Members’ successes and RSCM awards

32 HEINRICH SCHÜTZ: ON THE 350TH ANNIVERSARY OF HIS DEATH
Janette Tilley on the life and legacy of the influential German composer Heinrich Schütz

36 COMPOSING FOR PASSIONTIDE: AN INTERVIEW WITH WILL TODD
CMQ talks to conductor and composer Will Todd about music for Holy Week

40 STAFF PROFILE
CMQ talks to staff members Sam Hunt and Fiona Nelder

42 HYMN MEDITATION
Gordon Giles explores the famous and much-loved hymn Amazing Grace

45 ‘I WILL LAY ME DOWN IN PEACE’: SINGING SARUM COMPLINE

William Renwick explores the beauties and uses of Sarum compline

50 OBITUARIES

51 READERS’ LETTERS

52 REVIEWS
CMQ evaluates the latest CDs and books.

54 CLASSIFIED ADS

6 IN ACTION
A look at the RSCM’s International Chorister Day

8 IN YOUR AREA
A report from RSCM Scotland

10 ‘CHRISTMAS PAST’: THE SOUNDS OF CHRISTMAS IN OUR HISTORIC CHURCHES
Andrew Gant summons the Ghost of Christmas Past to lead readers through the sights and sounds of churches at Christmas over the centuries.

17 FROM THE DIRECTOR
Hugh Morris on writing the story of church music

18 EDUCATION PLAN
Sarah King explains how the new education plan will function and impact upon music making in your region.

20 RSCM NEWS
News and reports across the RSCM’s international network

23 CONGRATULATIONS
Members’ successes and RSCM awards

26 HOW DO YOU LIKE TO BE LED?
Paul Hedley shares some thoughts on the importance of good leadership.

27 ECUMENICAL ENCOUNTERS: ANGLICAN HYMNS IN SOUTHERN AFRICA
Andrew-John Bethke on the introduction of hymnody in Southern Africa

34 MUSIC SUNDAY, PLANNING AHEAD
Hugh Morris on why it is important to start planning for Music Sunday 2022

36 GIRL CHORISTERS: HERE TO STAY
CMQ talks to Camilla Harris about her memories of being a girl chorister at Salisbury Cathedral.

39 HYMN MEDITATION
Gordon Giles dives into the seasonally appropriate A great and mighty wonder.

43 GIRL CHORISTERS AND THE ANGLICAN CHORAL TRADITION
Claire Stewart looks at the impact of the introduction of girl choristers over the past 30 years.

47 READERS’ LETTERS

48 BELFAST SINGS
Matthew Owens writes about the buzzing music scene in Belfast.

50 NEWS FROM PUBLISHING
Excerpts from Roy Massey’s An Organist Remembers

53 CLASSIFIED ADS

54 OBITUARIES

51 REVIEWS
CMQ evaluates the latest CDs and music books

6 IN ACTION
A look at the RSCM’s webinar on copyright law when streaming church services

8 WHAT’S ON
Highlights of RSCM events across the UK, September 2021 to January 2022

10 FROM THE DIRECTOR
Hugh Morris on the advantages of live music over recordings

12 ST CECILIA: MORE THAN ALL THE MUSES SKILL’D
Bryan White looks at representations of St Cecilia across the arts and explores how she became the patron saint of music.

19 RSCM HONORARY REWARDS REVIEW
Phil Taylor explains the changes to the RSCM Honorary Awards.

20 WE PRAY, WE READ, WE SING: AN INTERVIEW WITH KEITH AND KRISTYN GETTY
CMQ talks to the well-known hymn writers about the differences between a hymn and a worship song, and about how singing in church is a commandment from God.

24 GIVING AND RECEIVING
How you can help others experience God’s gift of music by giving to the RSCM

26 RSCM NEWS
News and reports across the RSCM’s international network

28 CONGRATULATIONS
Members’ successes and RSCM awards

30 SAYING THE RIGHT THING: WHAT CHOIR DIRECTORS SHOULD KNOW ABOUT YOUNG PEOPLE’S VOCAL HEALTH
Olivia Sparkhall explains some techniques to help young singers get the best out of their voices.

33 THE ART OF THE POSSIBLE
A report on this year’s RSCM Music Sunday event

34 A SONG OF HARVEST
Bob Chilcott on writing a memorable hymn

37 OUR ONLINE PRESENCE
Find out more about the resources and benefits available through the RSCM’s website and web-shop.

38 AN IMPOVERISHED FUTURE?
Hilary Norris considers whether there are downsides to broadcasting church services online.

40 MY LIFE IN THE CHURCH
William Reynolds marks the career of the Most Revd John D.E. Davies, former Archbishop of Wales.

42 HYMN MEDITATION
Gordon Giles ponders the poignant Invalid’s Hymn, ‘Just as I am, without one plea’.

45 OBITUARIES

46 NEWS FROM PUBLISHING
A look at new organ music from the RSCM Press

48 READER’S LETTERS

49 CLASSIFIED ADS

51 REVIEWS
CMQ evaluates the latest music books, CDs and a DVD.

6 IN ACTION
A look at The Way of the Cross, the RSCM’s four online services for Holy Week and Easter

8 WHAT’S ON
Highlights of RSCM events across the UK, June to October 2021

10 SING WITH THE SPIRIT
Information about the RSCM’s new International Chorister Day

12 THE BIRTHPLACE OF MODERN COMPOSITION?
Chloë Allison explores the lasting impact of 12th-century Parisian polyphony.

18 MUSIC IN MY LIFE: AN INTERVIEW WITH LAURA WRIGHT
CMQ talks to former BBC Radio 2 Young Chorister of the Year winner Laura Wright about her career as a recording artist and singer.

22 FROM THE DIRECTOR
Hugh Morris on the reinvigoration of post-lockdown worship

24 RSCM NEWS
News and reports across the RSCM’s international network

27 CONGRATULATIONS
Members’ successes and RSCM awards

28 CONNECTING AREA TEAMS
Jonathan Robinson explains the RSCM’s new online Hub.

30 NEWS FROM PUBLISHING
A look at new RSCM publishing initiatives, including My Choral Coach and new Communion settings

32 HYMN MEDITATION
Gordon Giles offers an exposition of salvation through Henry Williams Baker’s ‘The King of love my shepherd is’.

36 STARTING A RECORD LABEL
Philip Arkwright shares his experiences of creating a new record label.

39 STAFF PROFILE
CMQ talks to Carla Braun and Jenny Chambers about their roles at the RSCM.

40 CLASSIFIED ADS

41 PUZZLES
Brainteasers to test readers’ wits and knowledge

42 READER’S LETTER

43 OBITUARIES

44 REVIEWS
CMQ evaluates the latest music books and CDs.

5 WELCOME

6 IN ACTION
At look at the RSCM’s Big Christmas Carol Service

8 WHAT’S ON
Highlights of RSCM events across the UK, March to July 2021

10 MY SAVIOUR HANGS UPON THE CROSS
David Davies provides a wide range of liturgical organ music for Holy Week.

16 FURNYSSHED WITH WELL SINGING CHILDREN
Andrew Gant explores chorister recruitment in earlier times.

20 PATHWAYS TO GROWTH
Hugh Morris writes about the RSCM’s new education plan.

23 INSPIRING NEW MEMBERS
Andrew Kirk and Tim Williams provide advice on recruiting and retaining choristers.

27 FROM THE DIRECTOR
Hugh Morris on Area Teams restructuring

28 CONGRATULATIONS
Members’ successes and RSCM awards

30 RSCM NEWS
News and reports across the RSCM’s international network, including the 2021 honorands citations

33 REDISCOVERING THE PIANO AT 90
Martin How reflects upon what he has learnt on returning to the piano.

36 HYMN MEDITATION
Gordon Giles considers Mothering Sunday through Frederick Kaan’s ‘God of Eve and God of Mary’.

39 STAFF PROFILE
CMQ talks to Sarah King and Emma Huxley about their work at the RSCM.

40 CLASSIFIED ADS

42 REGIONAL MANAGERS
Meet the RSCM’s eight new Regional Managers.

45 FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS
Helen Bent thinks about RSCM courses under the ‘new normal’ and beyond.

49 LIFT UP YOUR HEARTS, LIFT UP YOUR VOICE
Miles Quick contemplates the future of congregational singing after lockdown.

52 OBITUARIES

52 READER’S LETTER

53 REVIEWS
CMQ evaluates the latest CDs.

IN ACTION
A look at the RSCM’s first Online Summer Course

CANDLEMAS DURING LOCKDOWN
David Stancliffe reflects upon the meaning and the music of Candlemas.

LEAVING A LEGACY
John Hall asks readers to consider leaving the RSCM a legacy.

SEARCHING FOR BLESSINGS
An interview with singer Aled Jones.

RSCM VOLUNTARY AREAS: ‘The NEW COVENANT’
John Halsey explains the new arrangements for the management of RSCM voluntary activity.

RSCM NEWS
News and reports across the RSCM’s international network

CONGRATULATIONS
Members’ successes and RSCM awards

FROM THE DIRECTOR
Hugh Morris on how hardship can lead to innovation

WHAT ARE WE WAITING FOR
M.J. Kramer considers how we may approach Advent through the theology of music.

THE PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE
Sal McDougall on new opportunities for education

A FRESH APPROACH TO CHORISTER AWARDS
Adrian Lucas explains the changes to the Voice for Life awards coming in 2021.


BEGIN THE MUSIC, STRIKE THE TIMBREL
Sue Wallace extols the benefits of using percussion in church.

HYMN MEDITATION
Gordon Giles looks at the annual favourite Three Kings of Orient.

STAFF PROFILE
CMQ talks to Anne Heather and Jonathan Robinson about their roles at the RSCM.

A LEGEND REBORN
Restoring the King’s College, Cambridge organ

OBITUARIES

CLASSIFIED ADS

READER’S LETTER

REVIEWS
CMQ evaluates the latest church music books and CDs.

IN ACTION
A look at the RSCM’s virtual events and webinars during lockdown
WHAT’S ON
Highlights of RSCM events across the UK, September 2020 to January 2021

HYMNS AND NATURAL DISASTERS
Professor Richard Watson reflects on how hymn writers have responded to natural catastrophes over the centuries.

FROM THE DIRECTOR
Hugh Morris on digital innovation

SHOULDER TO THE WHEEL
Sal McDougall, the RSCM’s new Deputy Director of Education and Mission Delivery, introduces herself.

RSCM NEWS
News and reports across the RSCM’s international network

UNRELIABLE FRIENDS
Professor Martin Ashley explores the science behind the ban on choir and congregational singing in church.

SOLITARY KARAOKE
Jonathan Robinson considers the lessons we can learn from singing in virtual choirs.

FRIENDS OF THE RSCM
How your generosity can help support the RSCM

KEEPING YOUR VOICE IN SHAPE DURING LOCKDOWN
Hilary Llystyn Jones offers some useful advice for those singing in cyberspace.

CONGRATULATIONS
Members’ successes and RSCM awards

CLASSIFIED ADS

HYMN MEDITATION
Gordon Giles looks at ‘Sweet Sacrament divine’.

READERS’ LETTERS

SINGING FOR PEACE IN THE HOLY LAND
Geoff Weaver recalls time spent amongst Palestinian Christians.

OBITUARIES

REVIEWS
CMQ evaluates the latest church music books and CDs.

IN ACTION
A report about the first RSCM Membership Conference

WHAT’S ON
Highlights of RSCM events across the UK, June to October 2020

DIPLOMACY IN SONG, 1520
Magnus Williamson looks at the musical dimension of the Field of the Cloth of Gold.

FROM THE DIRECTOR
Hugh Morris on positive narratives

COPYRIGHT, COPYWRONG
Stefan Putigny offers advice about copyright law.

GOTTFRIED HEINRICH STÖLZEL
Warwick Cole draws attention to an often overlooked 18th-century composer.

RSCM NEWS
News and reports across the RSCM’s international network

CONGRATULATIONS
Members’ successes and RSCM awards

SINGING SHENG
Hannah Emmrich writes about the wonderful blend of musical styles found in Nairobian churches.

HYMN MEDITATION
Gordon Giles discusses ‘The head that once was crowned with thorns’.

BRING THE GLAD TIDINGS!
Susan Jane Matthews shares her excitement at discovering the music of Fanny Hensel and Jeanne Demessieux.

BRANCHING OUT
Ginny Arnott-Wood explains the diverse work of RSCM Canada.

OBITUARIES

CLASSIFIED ADS

MY FAVOURITE HYMN
Peter Gould talks us through some of his favourite hymns and organ music.

READERS’ LETTERS

IN ACTION
A report about revitalizing the Canterbury area festival

WEST GALLERY MUSIC TODAY
Francis Roads explains the history and nature of West Gallery music from the 18th century to the present.

REBUILD OR RESTORE?
David Frostick offers advice on organ repairs.

FIRMLY I BELIEVE
The hymns of John Henry Newman

FROM THE DIRECTOR
Hugh Morris on the need to equip musicians with necessary technical skills.

GENERATIONS OF CHURCH MUSIC ON ALDERNEY
A report about church music in the Channel Islands

HYMN MEDITATION
Gordon Giles discusses ‘The God of Abraham praise’ by Thomas Olivers.

PASSING THE EXAM
Adrian Lucas explains the new Voices for Life training materials.

LOUD ORGANS AND SWEET HARPS
Miles Quick encourages readers to make greater use of instruments in worship.

CELEBRATING THE ROLE OF MUSIC IN CHURCH LIFE
Information about Music Sunday 2020

RSCM ORGAN STUDIES
Rosemary Field explains the new role of Head of Organ Studies.

IN ACTION
A look at a the RSCM’s International Summer School 2019

‘MEN AND WOMEN ALL DO SING’
Nicholas Temperley on the origins of the English hymn tune

FROM THE DIRECTOR
Hugh Morris asks whether tradition can become an obstacle to progress.

GIFTS BEYOND CHRISTMAS
Jacinta Jakovcevic suggests music for the threefold celebration of Epiphany.

WORSHIP MUSIC IN ZIMBABWE
An interview with Chipo Madondo on directing choirs in Zimbabwe

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
Callum Alger writes about organ scholarship and opportunities for professional development.

BRANCHING OUT
Robert Tait tells us about RSCM New Zealand and the many RSCMNZ events staged each year.

TELLING THE CHRISTMAS STORY
Helen Bent considers music that connects us to the deeper theology of Christmas.

HYMN MEDITATION
Gordon Giles discusses ‘Past Three A Clock’ and The Cambridge Carol Book.

SOMETHING QUITE EXTRAORDINARY
Ross Cobb tells us about the success of RSCM Australia’s summer school, Sydney inSpires.

IN ACTION
A look at a Music Sunday celebrations across the world

STRIVING FOR A GERMAN HYMN BOOK
Gunter Kennel looks at the long-standing efforts to create a German national hymn book.

HEAD REGISTER AND DESCANTS FOR SOPRANOS AND TREBLES
Adrian Lucas offers advice on teaching higher voices how to discover and use head register.

FROM THE DIRECTOR
Hugh Morris talks about not shying away from innovation.

BRANCHING OUT
Janice Eichner provides an account of the RSCM America National Choir.

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
Hannah Gill writes about church musicians and the gig economy.

HYMN MEDITATION
Gordon Giles discusses For all the saints who from their labours rest.

NEWS FROM PUBLISHING
Information about the forthcoming publication Light on the Way, by Timothy Dudley-Smith.

SOMETHING OLD, SOMETHING NEW
A look at an evangelical and a BCP congregation rubbing shoulders in London.

EVERYTHING HOLDS TOGETHER
A look at a new song commissioned for Creationtide

HELP WHERE AND WHEN IT'S NEEDED
David Duvall talks about local support networks in Wessex.

THE MUSIC AND THE CAMARADERIE
A look behind the scenes at the Three Choirs Festival.

IN ACTION
A look at a recent Strengthen for Service event in Salisbury

THE MUSIC OF HILDEGARD OF BINGEN
Jennifer Bain looks at the music of Hildegard of Bingen and provides a practical guide to using Hildegard’s music across the church year.

FIVE HUNDRED YEARS OF NEGLECT
Olivia Sparkhall considers the prominence of women composers from the 15th century to the present day.

FROM THE DIRECTOR
Hugh Morris talks about the RSCM’s new Strategic Plan.

MY FAVOURITE HYMN
Brian Kay talks to CMQ about his favourite hymns and about conducting The Really Big Chorus.

BRANCHING OUT
Jenny Yates, RSCM South Africa, describes bringing sacred music to some of the poorest schools on the Eastern Cape.

SIMPLE WORSHIP SONGS ON THE ORGAN
Miles Quick and Tom Bell provide tips for playing worship songs on the organ.

HYMN MEDITATION
Gordon Giles meditates upon Walford Davies’s God be in my head.

NEWS FROM PUBLISHING
A look at the upcoming RSCM publication In Every Corner Sing, Book Two

YOU RECEIVE BACK WHAT YOU GIVE
The RSCM’s volunteer structure is changing. Hugh Morris, Director, explains why.

SERVING GOD IN THE WORLD
Tom Clammer considers how the liturgy and music of Lent and Easter helps to shape us into better Christians.

SING UP! AN INSPIRATION CASE STUDY
David Price and Adrian Green write about the development of the Sing Up and Cathedral Sing programmes in Portsmouth and how they are taking sacred music into local schools.

VOLUNTEERING CHALLENGES AND REWARDS
What does service mean to you? RSCM volunteers explain why they give up their time and industry to charity.

AN ANTHEM FOR MUSIC SUNDAY
An interview with Joanna Forbes L’Estrange, composer of this year’s Music Sunday anthem

WHERE SHALL WISDOM BE FOUND? FESTIVAL SERVICE BOOKS IN THE 21ST CENTURY
Tim Ruffer, the RSCM’s Head of Publishing, provides insights into the 2019 festival book Where shall wisdom be found?

HYMN MEDITATION
Gordon Giles looks into the origins of the melody Kingsfold.

KINDLE A FLAME
Martin Draper asks whether weekly printed service booklets are cutting us off from the great body of church hymnody.

DIGITAL MAGAZINES
A guide to help RSCM Members access our digital magazines

I WILL SING WITH THE SPIRIT
The Revd John Hall, the new Head of Council, introduces himself.

A VOICE FOR LIFE AND NOT JUST FOR CHRISTMAS
Hugh Morris on educating the next generation of choristers.

SINGING ABOUT SCIENCE
Chris Thorpe on the unhelpful notion of 'faith versus science'.

FROM THE MYC TO VOCES8
An interview with Chris Wardle.

FAITH THAT'S NOURISHED BY MELODIES
Chris McElroy on music making being a gift from God.

SEEDING THROUGH MUSICAL
Kelly Fort discusses putting on a nativity play in a church.

HYMN MEDITATION
Gordon Giles looks at Vaughan Williams's 'Herefordshire Carol'.

PSALMS FOR THE COMMON ERA
Adam Carlill looks for scientific truths in the Hebrew Psalter.

THE DOWNFALL OF A GREAT NATION
Professor Jeremy Dibble writes about Sir Hubert Parry’s responses to the Great War

THE TEUTONIC SHADOW
The impact of anti-German sentiment upon British church music, 1914–1918

TOP TEN TIPS
The staff of the RSCM offer advice on how to recruit and retain musicians for your choir or worship band

SERVING THE RSCM
Ian Church, Vice-Chair of Council, thanks the retiring Chair, Lord Gill, for his years of service

A PRICELESS HERITAGE
On the fifteenth anniversary of the Archive of Recorded Church Music

HYMN MEDITATION
Gordon Giles talks us through the surprising origins of Sir Hubert Parry’s Dear Lord and Father of Mankind

RETHINKING ADVENT
Sam and Sara Hargreaves offer readers some alternatives to the nine lessons

INHARMONY OR IN DECLINE
A survey of the state of music making in the diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich

AN EXCITING ADVENTURE
Hugh Morris, the RSCM’s new Director, introduces himself.

WORD AND MUSIC
CMQ talks to one of Britain’s leading songwriters of worship music, Stuart Townend.

BATTER MY HEART
The Revd Canon Mark Oakley writes about how John Donne’s words are still influencing peoples’ faith almost 400 years after the poet’s death.

ONE SONG TO THE TUNE OF ANOTHER
The Reverend Ally Barrett talks about some of the challenges facing contemporary hymn writers.

GETTING THE MESSAGE OUT THERE
Some advice on how to use social media to widen the RSCM’s reach and to promote events

TEACHING RHYTHM TO BEGINNERS
Miles Quick offers advice to those trying to teach rhythm to beginners.

29 THE LAST ELIZABETHAN
Edward Tambling takes a fresh look at some of the organ and vocal works of composer Thomas Tomkins.

Bach and Architecture – David Stancliffe thinks about the mainspring behind Bach’s compulsion to write as he did.

Vocal Health for Young Singers – Anita Morrison on the vocal mechanism and good practice for singers who wish to keep their voice healthy.

That Experience you take with you – Adrian Giles reflects upon his own musical education and explains the RSCM’s Millennium Youth Choir.

Vocal Health and the Ageing Voice – Cathy Lamb offers advice on how the voice changes over time and best practice for keeping your voice in good shape.

Walter Hussey, Doyen of Arts– The Very Reverend Nicholas Frayling looks back on the life of Walter Hussey.

Hymn Meditation – Gordon Giles on ‘Angel-Voices Ever Singing’.

Coda – by Rosemary Field.

Balancing Act – Rosemary Field on striking a balance between thought-provoking material and music to entertain.

Change and Continuity, Fifty years of Cathedral Music, by James Lancelot

Carolling Through Christmas – Gordon Giles takes us through a history of carolling. From the Chair of Council – The Rt Hon. Lord Gill looks back on the Directorship of Andrew Reid

Developing a Voice – Tim Williams contemplates the role and needs of teenagers in church music.

Church Music and Student Life – Students from St Peter’s Church, Nottingham discuss how church music has enriched their university experiences.

The Advent of Handel’s Messiah – Michael O’Connor contemplates The Messiah in relation to Advent.

Inspiring Music in Worship – The Reverend Helen Bent discusses her latest publication Inspiring Music in Worship.

Coda – by Jonathan Robsinson.

Singing with one voice – Victoria Johnson considers how a choir can help us understand a theology of ‘church’.

Barry Williams, the RSCM’s Special Adviser, explains the new legal guidance on church musicians

The making of a concentor – Music is enhancing the worshipping life of a new community at St Mary’s Priory, Abergavenny.

God gives the increase – A farewell message to the RSCM from Director Andrew Reid

The Fludde is over! – Emma Gibbins reports on a community singing project in South Wales.

Francis Jackson’s centenary – Philip Moore celebrates the life and music of Francis Jackson as his 100th birthday approaches.

Singing other people’s songs – John Bell considers the significance of global music for the British church and offers advice on how to sing songs from other cultures.

Hymn meditation – ‘Morning glory, starlit sky’: a meditation by Gordon Giles

Coda – by Julian Elloway

Finding a voice of our own: music in an African cathedral – Andrew-John Bethke describes the variety of music sung in Grahamstown Cathedral, South Africa.

A choir school with a difference – Arreon Harley, Director of Music at the Choir School of Delaware, USA, talks to CMQ after the after-school music programme.

Cor Videns: singing is more than just music for this children’s choir – Adrian Lucas shares his experiences working with a children’s choir in Colombia.

Church music around the world – CMQ takes a global look at some church music traditions.

In every corner sing – Why do we sing? Andrew Reid considers the benefits of singing and surveys biblical reasons to sing.

Hymn meditation – ‘Guide me, O thou great Redeemer’: a meditation by Gordon Giles

Coda – by Mgr Robert Tyrała