THE MUSIC FELLOWSHIP OF ST. JAMES
Everyone participating in any of the wide-ranging styles of music undertaken at the Church is part of the “MUSIC FELLOWSHIP OF ST. JAMES”. This encompasses all instrumentalists / vocalists who lead the music in worship using material as diverse as the most traditional hymns in 4 part harmony up to contemporary worship songs. Age or experience are no barrier to membership – those who may be on the threshold of Church life are just as welcome as those who may have given a lifetime of dedicated service.
In common with parish churches up and down the land, St. James supports and encourages musicians of all abilities with a strong and positive incentive for personal improvement, whatever the present level of any individual.
To this end, our Church is an affiliate of the Royal School of Church Music, and an enthusiastic advocate of its “Voice for Life” programmes. These offer a comprehensive system of instruction through a series of modules for the youngest beginners [minimum age 7 years] up to singers of an advanced standard. Successful completion of any of the five different levels culminates in the award of a medal/ribbon. Whilst this is assessed at Parish level, everyone has the option for further enhancement toward a bronze, silver or gold presentation according to the judgement of the School’s own panel. [Although the RSCM scheme is relative only to vocalists, we are, uniquely, able to offer an ”in house” programme, run along parallel lines, for instrumentalists too.]
Congratulations to the following people for attaining their Royal School of Church Music (RSCM) awards:
White
Chloe Anderson
Ellie Bichara
Morgan Challis
Thomas Davenport-Jones
Catherine Jackson
Dark Blue
Lesley Parker
Mike Trippick
Red
Barrie Bangert
Maureen Hargrave (External assessment: Bronze/Dean’s Award)
Another area where the music fellowship plays a particularly strong role is in its approach and attitude toward outreach within the wider Parish. All musicians are acutely aware of the importance of using their God-given talents to bring Church life closer to the community in which they serve. In return, they fully appreciate the dual significance of their efforts in forging closer links within Thorley, whilst raising awareness of the possibilities for those who may be considering joining St. James and becoming involved in its music and all the enrichment that may bring.
Earlier reference to Outreach, specifically by the music fellowship, involves regular visits to the care homes [Premier Court and Parkside] within our Parish as well as the singing of Christmas carols at various venues [on request] and the local Sainsburys supermarket.
Throughout the year regular events are held within the Church buildings to encourage those who may not be regular churchgoers to “taste and see”. One of the most popular of these is the annual Christmas Carol Concert, which is underpinned by virtually the entire music fellowship playing and singing in support of St. James celebration of the birth of Christ.
This particular service is also a demonstration of another of the planks on which the fellowship is founded – not to be “pigeon-holed” into one particular style or specific Service of personal preference. Our Church at Thorley has, musically, so much more to offer. All are encouraged to dip a toe into previously uncharted waters. The rewards could be amazing and truly uplifting.
In conclusion, the musical world that is “ THE MUSIC FELLOWSHIP OF ST. JAMES” is an active, vibrant, organisation unique in its capacity to integrate a plethora of musical styles under a singular sacred music “umbrella”. Any achievements thus far are in the past. We still look forward with relish to the changes and challenges that may lay ahead.
NEW MEMBERS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME – DO GET IN TOUCH!!
Simon Dellow,
Director of Music
