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The Pipe Line

 

The monthly newsletter of

York & District Organists’ Association www.iao.org.uk/york/                                    york@iao.org.uk 

June 2009 Next Event: Saturday 27th June – 11:00amVisit to Barnard Castle & Howden-le-Weir.

Patron Dr Francis Jackson CBE FRCO DMus President Andrew Roberts Secretary Philip Paul york@iao.org.uk 01904 638423 Treasurer & Membership Alfred Boddison alfred.boddison@boddison.co.uk 01347 821668 Committee Members Adrian Crawford, Phillip Sangwine, David Simpson, Dr Raymond Sturdy, John Jones, Cynthia Wood  

 

Affiliated to the Incorporated Association of Organists (IAO) 

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Future YDOA Events starting at 2.30pm unless stated otherwise.

2009 – Programme

Saturday 27th June – 11:00amVisit to Barnard Castle, Bishop Auckland & Howden-le-Weir

Saturday 4th July - 10:00am Open Day at Harrison & Harrison Organ Builders, Durham

Saturday 18th July – Visit to the carillon in York Minster & chapel of York St John University

Saturday 22nd August – French organ music, York

Saturday 26th September – Visit to organs at St Mary’s & St Martin’s churches in Scarborough

Saturday 10th October – Pipe Burst – Central Methodist Church, York Saturday 24th October – Recital by Nicholas Page and AGM in York

Saturday 21st November – Exploring the neo-classical organ, York

Next Event:

Visit to Barnard Castle & Howden-le-Weir on Saturday 27th June.

We are grateful to our Vice President, Adrian Crawford for organising this event. If you require a lift or have a car seat to spare, please contact Arian designerman@btinternet.com Adrian writes:

We are visiting three excellent but very different organs.

We will start off at 11.00am at St. Mary’s Church in the centre of Barnard Castle. A large 56 stop Copeman Hart Digital organ was installed last year. This is one of the best electronic organs you will every play! The new organ built by Copeman Hart & Co Ltd is a three manual and pedal digital instrument with an English/French voicing facility. This Northamptonshire firm have a reputation in the organ world for building excellent instruments.

It is a versatile instrument providing an opportunity for the organist to explore a wide range of repertoire using authentic registration according to the style, period and country of origin in which the music was composed. There is a choice of Trumpet stops, one sounding like the modern instrument and the other a straight one reminiscent of the type used in the 17th and 18th centuries. The Tuba a rather grand stop to be reserved for those pieces which specify a solo tuba and the other ‘noisy boys’ like the Ophicleide to be used sparingly! (except when YDOA visit) Of the quieter reeds there is an oboe, orchestral oboe and a clarinet.

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The tone of the other stops are common to most organs, and which people will recognise include those of the diapason, principal, fifteenth and mixture, the flute family and the strings. An additional feature of the instrument is the harpsichord stop provides an opportunity to accompany both vocal and instrumental music of the Baroque Period.

The second instrument we will visit at 1.00pm, is the organ in the chapel of Barnard Castle School. This is has recently been rebuilt by Principal Pipe organs of York. Details of this instrument can be found in OR May 2009.

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The third instrument is something quite different, but worthy of a play. At 4.00pm we will drive to The Mighty Wurlitzer at the New Victoria Centre in Howden Le Wear. (30 minutes drive from BC)

The organ was rescued in 1968 from the Victoria Cinema Bradford. After several years in storage it was installed in a converted chapel by a small group of enthusiasts. The North Eastern Theatre Organ Association own both the venue and the organ. Recent Lottery funding has allowed the organ to be updated and enlarged. The organ is quite capable of handling the classical repertoire and our very own Francis Jackson was witnessed, rising from the pit, playing the Bairstow Prelude in C, a couple of years ago. This is a fantastic instrument and very different from what we are used to, and yes, it does rise from a pit! It also has a full size grand piano attached.

Have a look at the website

http://www.netoa.org.uk/Howden-le-Wear.htm

We need to meet at Barnard Castle Church at 11.00am (There is a good sized car park). Barnard Castle School is only 5minutess walk up the road. There is also ample parking at Howden Le Wear.

It will be a busy schedule and I suggest that we all bring packed lunches. We could stop for a meal on the way back. There are plenty of places for teas etc.

There are evening recitals on the day both at Barnard Castle church and at the school!

Visit to Harrison & Harrison Organbuilders on Saturday 4th July

Harrison & Harrison are hosting an open day at their works in Meadowfield, Durham from 10am to 2:30pm.

I suggest that we aim to arrive at 11am. If you intend joining us and either require a lift or have a seat to spare, let me know either via york@iao.org.uk or text message 07989 841505. Katherine Venning writes:

It is quite straightforward to get to the workshop by public transport: the bus station is close to the railway station (walk down the hill and it is the other side of the roundabout). A 46 or 49 bus will pass the end of our road (which is opposite the sports centre in Meadowfield, with St John's church on the corner). It is a 10-15 minute ride. An alternative would be to take a minibus cab from the station, which you could order in advance. Paddys 0191 386 6662 Pratts 0191 386 0700 or DMG 0191 384 0807

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Ruckpositive (looking back) Yorkshire Organ Day, Saturday 9th May 2009 - Cynthia Wood What a successful and interesting day this turned out to be. Very many grateful thanks to John Jones and Philip Paul for all their hard work for this event.

Being able to go to Everingham Chapel was a unique experience, as it has such a stunning interior. About 50 people were there to hear Dr Alan Spedding put the organ through its paces and he demonstrated the different stops admirably. Dr John Rowntree then gave an informative short talk on the organ and how well it has been restored by Mander. Our thanks are also due to Mr and Mrs Philip Guest for kindly allowing us to visit the chapel; if any members would like to play the organ, then they should contact Philip Paul in the first instance, who will put them in touch with Mrs Guest.

Back in York, the ladies of St George’s church kindly provided us with tea before the concert and those who wished could have their lunch in the vestry. The afternoon’s delight was a wonderful concert by Compagnia d’Istrumenti, using the chamber organ owned by the National Centre for Early Music. The enthusiasm of the players was infectious and equalled by their expertise and musicality, which were of the highest standard. Peter Seymour also played two solo organ works on St George’s pipe organ. Nearly 100 people were present at this event and Peter Chatfield, the General Secretary of the IAO warmly praised the YDOA for such an eventful day.

Those of us who stayed on afterwards to hear Dr John Rowntree talk about the restoration of the organ were unaware how eventful the day would prove to be; Dr Rowntree questioned why the historic organ in the church had not been used for the Handel organ concertos and this led to a lively discussion between himself and two of the musicians, who defended the use of the chamber organ on the grounds of pitch (the big organ being A=446 and the recorders A=415). Time was running on and some people were hoping to go to Evensong at the Minster and John Jones diplomatically brought the proceedings to a close by saying that YDOA had invited Compagnia d’Istrumenti and that they had performed magnificently, at which there was loud applause. A talking point for some time to come, no doubt.

Encore Those of you who enjoyed Compagnia d’Istrumenti at the Yorkshire Organ Day, can catch up with them again in a concert of music by Marini, Fontana & Vivaldi at the Lyons Concert Hall, University of York, on Wednesday 17th June at 7:30pm.

Dr Alan Spedding is giving a lecture/recital entitles ‘Haydn – Music’s Faithful Servant’ in Beverley Minster on Friday 19th June at 7:30pm. He will be using the Minster’s new Steinway piano and Aileen Birch will provide some vocal illustrations. Tickets £20 including a buffet supper from Beverley Tourist Information Centre 01482 391672 and money raised will go towards the piano appeal.

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Seated at the console We were delighted to read the The York Press of 13th May that YDOA member Bob Batchelor, organist of St Chad’s Church, Knavesmire had just marked 50 years of playing the instrument, since his first post at Forest Gate on May 10th 1959.

Peter Stott kindly drew my attention to an item in the Sand Hutton and Whitwell Benifice Circular. The article is about the remarkable Celia Todd who has been organist at Foston Church since Easter Day 1939!

BBC Radio 3 Choral Evensong BBC Radio 3 Choral Evensong at 4pm on Wednesday 10th June will be broadcast live from York Minster and will feature music by our Patron, Dr Francis Jackson. In addition to the responses, Dr Jackson’s music will include the Canticles in G minor, the anthem ‘O all ye works of the Lord’ and the organ voluntary ‘Diversion for Mixtures’.

St Helen’s, Stonegate, York – 50th Anniversary Recital Our patron, Dr Francis Jackson will give a recital to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the re-building of pioneering organ in St Helen’s church by J.W.Walker at 7:30pm on Friday 12th June. The recital will include works by Sweelinck, Bach, Guilmant and Jackson. Refreshments will be served after the concert. Do tell your friends about this special occasion. All Saints Church, Londesborough The 1901 Hall & Broadfield one manual and pedals organ in All Saints Church Londesborough, is about to undergo restoration. It is hoped that the work will be completed by the end of August. The church is open on Wednesdays from June to the end of September and YDOA members are invited to play the organ on Wednesdays in September. If you wish to take advantage please contact Mrs Penelope Rowlands (01430 873814).

A Recipe for Success We were recently invited by the IAO General Secretary Peter Chatfield, to submit an article on the success of YDOA for the next issue of OR.

York & District Organists’ Association

In his vote of thanks at the end of the afternoon session of the Yorkshire Organ Day, Peter Chatfield referred to the York Association as a 'star in the IAO'.

During the past few years membership of YDOA has increased gradually and we have seen a rise of over 20% in the last twelve months. How have we achieved this growth in numbers? Last year the committee made a bold decision to allocate specific responsibilities. Previously all the administrative tasks landed on the shoulders of a few key people. For example some of the Secretary’s jobs were handed over

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to a Publicity Officer. This has provided the freedom to plan a varied programme of events and a monthly newsletter that runs to a minimum of six sides of A4. The newsletter is gradually becoming a group newspaper, with members providing an increasing number of the articles, thus taking the pressure off the Editor. In addition our Membership Secretary has focused on following up subscription renewals and as a result, we have lost very few members. Through some of our higher profile activities such as the educational 'Pipe Burst' and the Yorkshire Organ Day, we have generated an increased awareness of our existence amongst the general public. We also hope that we engender a friendly atmosphere at our events, particularly by making new members feel welcome and our more experienced members, valued. We must of course do all that we can to ensure that this is not just a blip, by constantly re-evaluating what we do and how we do it. It is a great pleasure to be part of a thriving, successful and forward-looking association.

A Selection of Organ Recitals in our area - June 2009 Date /Day Time Artist(s) Venue

4th Thu 12:30pm Christopher Newton (St Bartholomew's, Armley, Leeds)

York Central Methodist Church

10th Wed 7:30pm Simon Lindley, Ian Tracey, David Houlder, Daniel Bishop. The 5th Annual Battle of the Organs with the pipe organ and three Makin electronic instruments.

Leeds Parish Church

12th Fri 7:30pm Francis Jackson (YDOA Patron). A recital to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the reconstruction of this pioneering instrument.

St Helen's, Stonegate, York

13th Sat 6:00pm D'Arcy Trinkwon (Concert Organist). Works to include: Schroeder's Prelude & Fugue on "Christ lag in Todensbaden" Franck's Fantaisie in A & Stanley Voluntary, Op.6 No.6

Beverley Minster

26th Sat 7:30pm Ian Pattinson St Mary’s Church, Barnard Castle

2nd July Thu 12:30pm Philip Moore (York) York Central Methodist Church

Information supplied by www.organrecitals.com

Articles for future editions of Pipe Line are always welcome. If you have anything that you would like to share with other members, or just to get something off your chest, email it to Philip Paul, york@iao.org.uk and we will try to include it in the next issue. You can also post contributions to Philip J. Paul, Hon. Secretary YDOA, c/o Central Methodist Church, St Saviourgate, York YO1 8NQ

This month’s Pipe Line was prepared & edited by John Jones, with additional material supplied by Adrian Crawford, Philip Paul, Katherine Venning & Cynthia Wood. Material in articles represents the opinions of the contributors and not necessarily the views of YDOA.

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The Royal School of Church Music North East Yorkshire Area Registered Charity 312828 

and

The Worship and Music Group

of the Diocese of York

invite you to apply to the

  

BURSARY SCHEME FOR ASPIRING ORGANISTS 2009/10 

 

There is a constant shortage of organists available to play in our churches and yet there are many people who attend church who can play the piano or keyboard.  The Organ Bursary Scheme is designed to assist some of these people to learn to play the organ to help address this shortage. 

 

So, if you live in the York Diocesan area and are: 

 

• looking for an opportunity to start learning to play the organ  • daunted by the apparent difficulty and mystique of the organ? • put off by the idea of playing in front of people? • worried by playing certain forms of church music, such as psalm chants? • struggling to teach yourself and needing the guidance of an experienced tutor? • deterred by the cost of lessons? 

 

the Organ Bursary Scheme is designed to help you.  

 

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Costs 

We will pay a minimum of 50% of the Scheme’s costs that will provide participants with a 12‐hour course of tuition with an experienced church organist and teacher.   

 

The remaining costs, totalling £185 will be shared between the candidate and their sponsoring church or school (£92.50 each).  Most of the money raised will go directly to pay the tutor; the rest will help pay the expenses of running the bursary scheme.  The timing of your lessons will be arranged to suit you, and the tuition tailored to your needs after discussion with you. The programme of tuition must be completed by the end of 2009/2010 academic year. 

 

Eligibility Applicants should live in the York Diocesan area and be of about Grade 4 standard or above on the piano and should express their intent to play the organ in local churches of whatever denomination.  There are no age restrictions. We ask that a church or school, affiliated to the RSCM in the NE Yorkshire area, should support each application.  

 

Procedure A limited number of places will be provided on the Scheme for 2009/2010. The exact number will depend upon the level of funds available to operate the Scheme at the beginning of the academic year.  

 

Wherever possible candidates are encouraged to attend one of two Scheme ‘taster’ sessions that will be held in June 2009 although non‐attendance does not preclude anyone from submitting an application. The sessions are designed to give candidates a chance to find out more about the Scheme and the organ. Each candidate should bring with them a piece of keyboard music that they are able to play and they will be given the opportunity to play this on the organ at the session.   

 

Candidates may also be required to attend a short audition and interview in September 2009. At this they will be expected to play two contrasting pieces on the piano (or organ if preferred), and sight‐read a simple hymn tune.  The interview will be friendly and informal.   

 

Please note that all successful candidates and their sponsors will be required to pay their contributions in full before lessons start. 

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Applications (1) To attend one of the taster sessions please complete and detach the form below, returning it to the Scheme Secretary by Monday, 8th June 2009 at the latest. 

 

(2) Whether you are able to attend a taster session or not, all candidates must complete the application form enclosed with this notice (you may photocopy additional forms if required) and return it to the Scheme Secretary by the 2009/10 closing date: Friday, 24th July 2009. 

 

If you have any queries, please contact the Scheme Secretary, whose contact details are on the taster and application forms. 

 

Please detach >> ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ 

 

Taster Sessions for the 2009/2010 Bursary Scheme for Aspiring Organists 

 

Candidate’s Name: ............................................................................................... 

Address: ................................................................................................................. 

      ................................................................................................................. 

Tel No: ................................................................................................ 

Email address: ................................................................................... 

 

Please indicate which of the taster sessions you will attend by ticking the appropriate box and/or deleting the other entry: 

Tick  Date  Time  Location 

  Sat. 20/6/09  10.00‐12.00  St Chad on the Knavesmire Parish Church Campleshon Road, York 

  Sat. 27/6/09  10.00‐12.00  St Hilda’s Anglican Church, West Cliff, Whitby 

 

To be returned by Monday, 8th June 2009 to:   

Michael Cooper, Organ Bursary Scheme Secretary, RSCM N E Yorkshire, 14 Clayfield Close, Pocklington, YO42 2PU – Tel.: 01759 305929. 

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BURSARY SCHEME FOR ASPIRING ORGANISTS 2009/10 

 

APPLICATION FORM 2009/10  

 

I would like to apply for an RSCM NE Yorkshire/WMG Diocese of York Organ Bursary and agree to pay a proportion of the costs of lessons as stated in the promotional notice that accompanies this form. 

 

Name  ......................................…………………………………………………............................... 

 

Address …………………………………………………………………………….......................... 

.............................................................................................................................................................. 

.....................................................................................................……………….................................  

Telephone number...…………………………….…………………………………………............ 

 

Email address.................................................................................................................................... 

 

Age at 31st August 2009 (or “over 18”)..………………………………………………………..... 

School / college (if applicable) …………………………………………....................................... 

 

EITHER   Piano exam grades achieved …………………………………………………………. 

OR            Please estimate standard ……………………………………………………………... 

 

Any other instruments played …………………………………………………………………... 

 

Signature of applicant or parent/guardian (if under age 18) ………………………………... 

 

 

 

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Supporting church or school …………………………………………………………………...... 

(must be affiliated to RSCM) 

 

Name of supporter (vicar, organist, teacher etc.) ………………………………………..…….. 

Address of supporter ……………………………………………………………………………... 

……………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 

.............................................................................................................................................................. 

Telephone………..........……….…….… Email address.................................................................   

 

I confirm that the church/school agrees to pay a share of the costs of lessons as stated in the promotional notice that accompanies this application form 

  

 

Signature   ………………………………………… 

 

 

 

Please return completed form by 24th July 2009 to: 

 

Michael Cooper, Organ Bursary Scheme Secretary, RSCM N E Yorkshire,  

14 Clayfield Close, Pocklington, YO42 2PU.   

Tel. 01759 305929.