RSCM – A church music organisation with local interests

Before I became Director of Music at St James, I had already heard of the RSCM – an organisation dedicated to developing and preserving the very best in church music in the UK and overseas.

What I didn’t realise was how interested they are in their local members.

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Hope for Sutton Project Launch

I’m some six months (and a bit) late in writing this, but it’s been a busy time.

The Hope for Sutton project, which encompasses a range of activities and initiatives supporting the local community in and around Mere Green launched last October. As part of the celebrations I was delighted to present an original piece of composition recorded and performed by students from three local primary schools. In return for their hard work I decided to keep the recording online for free, so they would have easy access to hear themselves in what is technically a world premiere.

Sinking the Ark

It’s funny, isn’t it, how difficult its can be to express an idea. I had a concept of what I wanted to do, but I was under the impression the work already existed and I would be presenting somebody else’s genius.

Carols and Cheer

Walsall Council run a market in the town every weekday except Thursday. On Thursday 21st December, however, the market is on and I’ve been invited to help spread some Christmas cheer with carolling at lunchtime.

Directing Music in Mere Green

I’m very grateful to the Rector and congregation of St James’ Chuch, Hill for allowing me to come into their church community and cover the vacant post of Director of Music for a while. We had a choir practice last night and I’m playing for my first Sunday service this weekend. There’s a wonderful pipe organ, a baby grand piano, choir and all sorts going on in what is a very busy parish.

New Game, UKGE, catching up and half an idea

Were I even halfway concerned about my audience (rather than this entire blog being largely a vanity exercise) I would open with a meaningful apology for my recent absence. The only issue with such an opening gambit is that I’m really not sorry at all. I’ve been rather busy. However, I have few things to share with you.

Why Hell is no place for a Country singer

Many years ago I caught a snippet of something on Radio 4 which included a sketch about how difficult it is for Hell to hold a Country singer. The gist of it was as follows: Hell is the summation of all the pain and damage one human being can do to another, everything a person can do to hurt themselves and the fears and failings of the human race heaped into a big pile and dealt out in chunks to the unfortunate souls who are consigned there for eternity. An on top of that the inhabitants are physically mocked and tortured for the general amusement of the demons in charge.

The rise and rise of self publishing

OK, I’ll admit to a little self interest here, but bear with me.

I’m involved with publishing. You’re reading it. Blogs have unequivocally levelled the playing field when it comes to getting one’s thoughts out there for others to see at little or no cost. There is something unspeakably cool, however, about seeing your words printed and bound, and self publishing is on the rise.

Playing for a Freeman of Walsall

What a night. Thanks to Deb and the Creative Development team from Walsall Council, Barbara Nice, Bruno the magnificent master of tech and kit, and while I think about it, thanks to all those lovely people who asked us when our next gig is, as though we’re a normal band!

Dischord

Yesterday we had the great pleasure of playing a gig at Walsall’s New Art Gallery. The Silver Thread Tapestry Project was launching its tour, and Walsall Council’s Creative Development Team were celebrating over 25 years of service as their work finally comes to a conclusion.

Noddy Holder was there! We played to Noddy Holder. Well, kind of.

You’re forgiven if you can’t see him. Let’s zoom in a bit…

Ah, yes. There he is.

We had new guest drummer Richard Kirk with us, Nigel, Andrew and Andy. A whole host of familiar faces were in attendance, including Council Leader Sean Coughlan and St Matt’s vicar Jim Trood. Principal celebrity though, was Barbara Nice (talking to Noddy in the picture above) who is a major local celebrity and acted as compere for the evening.

Many thanks to the team for asking us to come and play, and to the venue who…

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2017 in review

It’s only a couple of weeks old, so it’s probably harsh to try reviewing 2017 already, but I know there are a couple of things coming up I wanted to muse on, so here goes.

[tl:dr Reflections on stuff that’s coming up, a couple of name drops and a quick delve through recent events. Normal service continues sometime soonish.]