U.S.O.C. Newsletter - March 2000

AT DRUMBEG : 25TH MARCH

One of the obvious but considerable advantages of USOC membership is that it enables one to make contact with other church musicians with whom experiences can be shared. At our March meeting past-president Timothy Allen (Director of Music at Londonderry's Anglican Cathedral) will talk to us about his approach to choir training and describe what he regards as the basic essentials of the art. A church choir will assist and time will be left for discussion.

This meeting will be held at Drumbeg Parish Church, Belfast, at 3 pm on Saturday 25th March. To reach the church (from city centre) drive up Malone Road to the House of Sport Roundabout and then turn right on to the Upper Malone Road; from there it is about 11/2 miles to the church, situated just a short distance from Lady Dixon Park. Look out for a nice lich-gate.

RONALD PORTER : REQUIESCAT IN PACE

With great regret I have to inform you of the sudden death within the past few days of Ronald Porter, a member of the society for many years - he was 71.

Although a marine engineer by profession, Ronnie had always had a keen interest in music and when he was fifty entered Jordanstown College to train as a teacher. Subsequently he taught at Hopefield High School in Belfast and was later appointed Head of Music at Cambridge House Boy's Grammar School in Ballymena.

During those years Ronnie gained an Open University degree having earlier been awarded fellowship diplomas from both Trinity College, London, and the London College of Music.

Ronnie had always had a particular interest in choral music and until recently was conductor of the Phoenix (formerly Ormiston) Choir. Earlier in his career he had founded and for several years conducted the Abbey Singers.

In 1947 Ronnie (he was then 19) joined St Anne's Cathedral Choir and, apart from 5 years spent living in Australia, remained a member until his death. Some of his music is included in the Cathedral Choir's repertoire and at a USOC concert last November one of his Christmas carols was performed - much to his delight.

To his wife Mary, and their family, we extend our sympathy.

NEW MEMBERSHIP LIST

Within the next few weeks we hope to send you a new, updated membership list. To ensure that it is as accurate as possible please complete the enclosed reply-slip and return it to me NOT LATER THAN 31ST MARCH.

Even if other details about yourself on the present list are correct, all telephone numbers are about to be changed so it is important that EVERY MEMBER should reply. I shall be greatly relieved and immensely grateful if no reminders have to be issued!

MAIL FROM MAYHEW

Kevin Mayhew, probably the most progressive and certainly the most prolific publisher of church music in the UK, has offered to supply all our members with information about his organ and choral publications. However, since our mailing list is normally circulated only among members, I must seek your permission to let him have a copy. If you would prefer your name and address to be withheld please let me know by 31st March; I shall otherwise assume that you have no objection to having these details forwarded to this particular publisher.

SPRING INTO SUMMER

Enclosed are details of this year's Spring Into Summer concerts which will feature (amongst others) two new members who have recently come from England to take up appointments in Northern Ireland- Charles Harrison at St George's Church, Belfast, and Phillip Elliott at Hillsborough Parish Church.

These concerts of organ and choral music are promoted by the Society which in previous years has gained useful sums from the proceeds.

Two copies of a mini-poster are enclosed in the hope that you will find a suitable spot to display them.

MUSIC AT SAINT BRIGID'S

At this interesting new church on Derryvolgie Avenue, Belfast, three Sunday evening organ recitals will be presented:

March 19th Claire Cousens and Darren Hargan (Two of the Province's most promising young players, both soon to take up full-time music studies in Britain)

April 16th Desmond Hunter

May 7th Michael Quinn (Dublin)

All three concerts commence at 8:30 pm.

OGDEN IN BANGOR

Nigel Ogden, presenter of BBC's 'The Organist Entertains' will be doing precisely that at the console of the Tonic Theatre Organ in Gransha High School, Bangor, at 8 pm on Thursday 13th April. The concert will include some silent films with organ accompaniment. Tickets (£5.00) available at the door or can be reserved - phone the school at 028 9146 3838.

DUNLEATH ORGAN SCHOLARSHIP TRUST

Young members and their tutors might like to be reminded that this Trust can be approached for assistance to attend (as participant or observer) "one of the recognised international summer academies" or for assistance in undertaking an educational visit to study the design and construction of organs in any European country. Application needs to be made by 30th April. Further information from Dr D Hunter, Department of Music, University of Ulster at Jordanstown, BT37 0QB. Tel: 028 9061 2224. One particularly attractive "summer academy" is held, of course, at Oundle where the Summer School for Young Organists takes place this year from 16th to 23rd July. Details from Oundle International Festival, The Old Crown, Clapthorn, Oundle, Peterborough, BE8 4BJ.

CONGRATULATIONS AND GOOD WISHES

To Christopher Gray (until his migration to the mainland, one of our student members) who gained a BA degree from Cambridge last year and is at present Organ Scholar at Guildford Cathedral. Later this year he will take up an appointment as Assistant Organist at Truro Cathedral where we wish him every success.

ORGANISTS REVIEW : SUBSCRIPTION?

The Subscriptions Manager is concerned that 25 USOC members have not yet paid their annual subscription for 2000 - perhaps because the renewal notice was printed on a yellow card bound in the November issue and not, as previously, printed on the reverse side of the address label.

If you are uncertain as to whether your subscription has been paid please contact me as I have a list of the 25 members whose subscriptions are still due.

The subscription is now £13.00 for four issues and should be forwarded to Ron Bayfield, 25 Rowan Close, Portslade, Brighton, BN41 2PT. If not using the renewal slip, indicate that you are a USOC member. Cheques payable to IAO.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS

Christopher Boodle : .........

SILENCE IN APRIL

Since our visit to Berlin (departing 27th April) constitutes out April meeting you (and I) will be spared a USOC circular that month. Participants (there are 40) in the Berlin bonanza will receive details about it from me individually.

Our May meeting, about which information will be despatched to you in due course, is scheduled for Saturday 27th.

Yours sincerely

RODNEY BAMBRICK
Honorary Secretary

RSB/IAFH
08/03/00

To: Rodney Bambrick, 1B Beverley Hills, Bangor, Co Down, BT20 4NA ASAP And Before March 31

Member's Surname:____________________________ Forename & Other Initials:__________________________

Revd/Dr/Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms: ________ Degrees/Diplomas:________________________________________________

Address Line 1: ________________________________________

Address Line 2: ________________________________________

Address Line 3: ________________________________________ Post Code:______________________________

New Telephone No incl Code: ____________________________ E-Mail:__________________________________

Present Church Appointment: _____________________________

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