RSCM Summer School 2017, Adelaide

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The Newsletter ofThe Royal School of Church

MusicWaikato Branch

July 2017

Editor’s commentsDear RSCM family,I’m standing in for Rachael this time. She has just returned from a very productive research trip to Germany and the UK, and since her return has been very busy with family, work, and church matters.

Rachael’s research leave is on a subject central to RSCM’s interest; she has been visiting centres where there are academic musicians studying composers and work of the sort which has figured in St Peter’s Cantata Vespers series (see below). This series has presented work by well-known composers such as Bach, Buxtehude, and Telemann, but also lesser known musicians such as Graupner and Stölzel. It is these latter composers that Rachael has been researching and in part transcribing. This has led to performances of cantatas which are almost certainly NZ premieres, and probably the first performances anywhere in the world since the 18th century.

In recent times, your committee has been very conscious that the region we cover is not just Hamilton and immediate environs, but a large area extending down into Taranaki and even over to Hawkes Bay. There’s a limit to how far we can ‘service’ such an area, but we have been trying to place our events in centres other than Hamilton. This year, Music Sunday was celebrated, as has become our practice, with Evensong at St Bride’s, Otorohanga (see Carol Chetwynd’s report below), and we’ll conclude the year’s activities with our annual Choral Festival at Tauranga (see poster below).

Some of you may well not be aware of the existence of the Guyon Wells – RSCM Fellowship. There is a report from the Fellowship among the AGM papers below. Briefly, the Fellowship is a Charitable Trust which administers a fund in support of the branch’s activities. In the past, this support has included help for travel and help with costs of mounting Youth Festivals. Donations to the Fellowship are a concrete way in which the RSCM in our region can be supported to fulfil its

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mission of maintaining music of high quality as an important part in our worship.

See you in Tauranga!Yours, Ray

Fred Woodward Marshall.

It is with great sadness that we report the passing of another supporter of RSCM who made a very significant contribution to the life of the branch. Born on 28th Sept 1930, Fred died on 27th

April 2017, aged 86. He was a member of the committee for many years and edited this newsletter. David Brookes writes of Fred’s contribution at the national level:‘Fred and I worked together some years ago in making submissions for the formation of RSCM NZ, and for the continuance of autonomy of each of the Branches throughout New Zealand. He reminded me of this recently when I spoke to him, and commented that the result was worth all the hard work and negotiation. Another church musician joins the heavenly host.May he rest in peace.’

RSCM AwardsIn the previous issue, we were able to announce the RSCM awards made to Rachael and Rhonda. Unfortunately, the texts of their citations became available just after the March issue was published. Here they are along with the criteria for the awards:

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ASSOCIATES OF THE RSCM (ARSCM) Awarded for achievements in church music and/or liturgy of national significance, or for important musical and/or liturgical work within the RSCM:Rachael Griffiths-Hughes is Director of Music at the Waikato Cathedral Church of St Peter, Hamilton, NZ. Her workshops, master classes and conducting of many choirs, including for RSCM New Zealand, have been inspirational. As Chair of the Waikato Branch of RSCMNZ, she has led a committee which has provided opportunities for choirs, interested individuals and, in particular, young musicians to learn and perform music together in worship in spite of often difficult local circumstances.

CERTIFICATES OF SPECIAL SERVICE Awarded for significant administrative work as a voluntary officer or member of staff within the RSCM; or an award for a significant contribution to church music and/or liturgy at a local level: Rhonda Gibbison has been a member of the RSCM New Zealand Waikato Branch for decades. An enthusiastic supporter of young choristers, she played a large part in the organisation of the Hamilton Summer School in 2011. She has faithfully served the committee over 17 years, has contributed many positive ideas towards events and in relation to moving the work of RSCMNZ forward, and has helped, alongside others, in constitutional work.

Benemerenti medalCongratulations, too, to Sr Colleen Morey for the award of the Benemerenti (‘To the well-deserving’) Medal for services to music. Originally a medal for soldiers in the Papal Army, it was broadened to be awarded by the Pope as a mark of significant service to the church in any field for both clergy and laity.Sr Colleen was for many years Director of Music at the Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Hamilton, and is a

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long-term supporter of RSCM, serving on the committee and frequently hosting branch activities at the cathedral.

RSCM WaikatoAnnual General Meeting

This year’s AGM was held at 2.00p.m. on 6th May at St Peter’s Cathedral Hamilton. The business meeting was preceded by a delightful organ recital by Huw Morgan, a very accomplished organist and choir director. The short recital presented works from the organ repertoire from Sweelinck and Buxtehude to the present day, including works by Huw himself, one of which was composed expressly for the St Peter’s organ. Huw and Emma Morgan had been living in Hamilton since late last year, and were valued members of the St Peter’s Cathedral Choir. They have now returned to Wales and are expecting their first child soon.

Minutes of the Annual General Meeting of the Waikato Branch Committee of the Royal Schools of Church Music held on Saturday 6th May 2017 at St Peter’s Cathedral, Hamilton at 3pm. Present: The meeting opened at 2:55pm with the following 20 Members in attendance:Bob Armstrong, Gordon Binnie, Heather Bailey, David Brookes, Carol Chetwynd, Vaughan Chetwynd, Ann Cleaver, Walter Crookes, Sam Edwards, Frany Edwards, Mark Elley, Pat Elley, Rhonda Gibbison, Rachael Griffiths-Hughes, Ray Harlow, Merv Hunt, Sr Colleen Morey, Paula Spiers, Ann Walsham, Jeremy Whimster Apologies: (2)Virginia Galagher, Geoff Barnsley Ray Harlow left the meeting with apologies at 3:10 pm to attend a prior commitment

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Minutes of AGM 7th May 2016Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held at St Peter’s Cathedral on Saturday 7th May 2016, were approved as presented. [Rachael Griffiths-Hughes/Rhonda Gibbison]Matters Arising: Rhonda asked about progress regarding the extension of RSCM activities throughout the region. Rachael confirmed this was the policy of the committee and that we had started to do this by holding 2016 events in Tauranga and Matamata, and 2017 Events in Tauranga and Otorohanga.Rachael confirmed that the Constitution was now accepted by RSCM NZ, and an application will be made soon to register our branch as a Charitable Organisation.Reports: Chairperson: Rachel presented her report for 2016. A copy is filed with these minutes.Rachael made special mention of the RSCM awards which have been given to Rhonda and Sr Colleen, and congratulations were recorded by acclaim. Rachael also gave sincere thanks for the two retiring committee members, Paula and Sr Colleen, and their contributions and thanks were also recorded by acclaimIn thanking Rachael for her report, Vaughan also congratulated Rachael on her own Award, becoming an Associate member of RSCM, and the meeting offered unanimous congratulations and applause.A Copy of the Report is filed with these minutesTreasurer: Due to illness, Virginia was unable to present the treasurer’s report in person, but submitted a full and comprehensive report which was presented by Rachael.There were no questions. A copy of the Report and Accounts is filed with these minutesIt was recommended that the Subscriptions remain unchanged for the coming year. The report and recommendations were accepted [Rachael Griffiths-Hughes/Paula Spiers] Guyon Wells RSCM Fellowship: In presenting his report Bob Armstrong noted the resignation of Mark Eyre as

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secretary/treasurer, and welcomed Ray Harlow into this role for the coming year. Bob paid a brief tribute to the passing of Guyon Wells and Fred Marshall. A copy of Bob’s Report is filed with these minutes.

Election of Officers: One nomination each was received for Treasurer and Secretary. Six nominations for committee members.All nominations were accepted by general agreement.The Committee for 2017-8 is: Chairperson: Rachael Griffiths-Hughes Treasurer: Virginia Gallagher Secretary: Vaughan ChetwyndCommittee: David Brookes, Carol Chetwynd, Walter Crookes, Rhonda Gibbison, Ray Harlow (Notes Editor), Merv Hunt

Appointment of Auditor: Richard Bryce has agreed to continue as our Auditor for 2017 and his appointment was approved [Rachael / Rhonda]Other Business: David and Rachael confirmed various dates of upcoming events…11th June 4:30 pm Evensong Matamata18th June RSCM Choral Evensong St Brides Otorohanga24th Sept Ordination Service, St Matthews Morrinsville30th Sept RSCM Festival Wesley Methodist Church, Tauranga7th/8th Oct St Andrew’s Epsom Choir visit to MatamataRhonda thanked the anonymous person who put her name forward for an award. Being unable to travel to UK to receive the award, Vaughan agreed to look into alternatives with a view to having the award available for presentation at the Waikato Branch Festival in September.

The meeting closed at 3.24pm

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 ROYAL SCHOOL OF CHURCH MUSIC - WAIKATO BRANCH    

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Income Statementfor the period ended 28 February 2017

2017 2016$$ $$

INCOME

Subscriptions - Choirs, Personal, Friends and Noters 1866 1947G R Wells Trust 179 127Other donations 229 122Interest - Current account 1 8Interest - Term deposit 146 282

TOTAL INCOME 2421 2486

LESS EXPENSES

Audit fee 100 100Bank fees 33 62Postage 260 80Expenses - AGM 84 56Publications (Notes) 136 126Venue hire 75 150Workshops and Choral events 650 914Koha/Donations made 1000 0Flag purchased 0 485G R Wells Trust 179 127RSCM UK Levy 1386 1690RSCM NZ Levy 210 240

TOTAL CASH EXPENSES 4113 4030

NET SURPLUS (LOSS) FOR YEAR -1692 -1544

Balance Sheetas at 28 February 2017

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CURRENT ASSETSANZ Bank cheque account 528 401ANZ Bank Serious Saver 5623 7442NET ASSETS 6151 7843

Chairperson’s report

2017 has begun with good news and bad news. In the past few months the RSCM Waikato family has lost three much-valued members, who each have served this branch in numerous capacities: Patricia Raynor was a wonderful soprano who attended numerous schools and events run by the RSCM, and I’m sure has been a committee member also; Guyon Wells died in January this year. Apart from founding this branch, and the Music programme at the University of Waikato, Guyon was ‘Mr. Music’ in Hamilton for many decades and has left a lasting impression on music in this region. And this week we have had the funeral of Fred Marshall, a long-term member, former Chair, and supporter of RSCM Waikato. Fred was also involved in the setting up of the national framework for RSCM NZ. These three people were RSCMers through and through and it feels like the end of an era.

On the positive side Rhonda Gibbison and I were both very fortunate to be awarded RSCM awards for our work, and Sister Colleen was honoured with the Benerementi (sp?) award from Pope Francis, for her lifetime’s work for church music.At last year’s AGM, we discussed taking our activities ‘on the road’ and trying to draw in more people in the regions. This was pretty successful with the AGM held in Hamilton, Music Sunday Evensong happening at St. Peter’s, Mt. Maunganui and the Choral Festival being held in All Saints, Matamata. We will be continuing that idea this year, with Music Sunday Evensong taking place at St. Bride’s, Otorohanga and the Choral Festival in September being held in Tauranga.

We also talked about the difficulty of involving our Diocesan schools’ choirs, and during the year, the committee decided to leave this aspect of our work for now: the schools are

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busy enough and are not really interested in taking on extra work to participate in RSCM workshops. We will keep them informed of who we are and what we do, but we will no longer be arranging events specifically for the school students. Having said that, all it will take is one new music teacher to take an interest and we may reconnect. We may have that person at St. Paul’s now, so I would like to recommend that we consider having an RSCM Schools Liaison person, as ex officio on the committee. This person can be a link to the schools and a face of RSCM within those communities.

Two committee members have indicated they will be stepping down at today’s AGM: Sister Colleen Morey has dedicated her life to church music and has been a long-time contributor to our branch through workshops and committee membership; also, our long-serving, former Chair and committee member Paula Spiers will step down from the committee. Paula has made an enormous contribution in recent years, with three highlights being organizing the composition competition; making the template for our annual activities; chairing the Branch during the highly successful RSCM Summer School held in Hamilton in 2010. I will miss Paula’s wisdom, positivity and creative thinking. Thank-you both for all you have done for our Branch.

Please do stay in touch with our committee about activities you would like to see, or people you would like to have in to host events. Ray, the editor of NOTES, is always very keen for any feedback at all, and it does help with the planning of workshops.

Rachael Griffiths-Hughes

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The Guyon Wells—RSCM Fellowship 2017 Report

It is with deep regret that this report from the Guyon Wells—RSCM Fellowship begins with recording the passing of Guyon in January of this year.

In 1961, Guyon inaugurated the Waikato Branch of the Royal School of Church Music whilst he was director of Music at St Peter’s School, Cambridge.

It was on his retirement as Branch Chairman in 1986 that this trust was set up to recognise his wonderful contribution to the Branch and also Church music in the Waikato.

Whilst Guyon has now passed on, his memory will continue to be recognised by the name of the trust – the Guyon Wells—RSCM Fellowship.

Also, it is with regret that I report the passing last week of Fred Marshall, a staunch member of the Waikato Branch of the RSCM, who was also a trustee of the Fellowship for nine years from 1995. His contribution over that time was most valuable.

Rachael Griffiths-Hughes, a fellow trustee since 2005, was created an Associate of the Royal School of Church Music earlier this year. We are delighted that she has been recognised for the wonderful work that she has done, and continues to do, for the RSCM.

Other changes to the trustees are afoot. Mark Eyre, who has served faithfully as Secretary/Treasurer for two years has advised that he will retire after the forthcoming AGM in July.

As Mark is now residing near Te Akau, quite understandably he finds it more and more difficult to carry out the day-to-day administrative duties so far from Hamilton. Thank you Mark for your sterling services.

Mark’s place as Secretary/Treasurer will be taken after the Annual General Meeting by newly appointed trustee, Ray Harlow. Welcome aboard, Ray. We know that the administrative functions of the Fellowship will continue to be in fine hands.

The trust continues in its aim to support the Branch, and as always is very grateful for the ongoing support that it receives

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by Branch members adding a donation to their subscription payment to the Branch. The Fellowship thanks all those many donors very much.

Bob Armstrong

Welcome to new choirAt a time when it seems that there are fewer and fewer church choirs, it is wonderful to be able to welcome the choir of All Saints’, Matamata, to the status of affiliated choir. There’s some evidence that there was an RSCM-affiliated choir there some 50 years ago, but as in many places, the choir had long been in abeyance until quite recently, when David Brookes succeeded in reawakening interest. Over the last couple of years, the All Saint’s choir has sung Evensong and enthusiastically taken part in branch activities, hosting out Choral Festival last year.

Music Sunday, 2017This year the church of St. Bride’s, Otorohanga was made available for the Festal Evensong held to celebrate Music Sunday on 18th June. Archdeacon Christine Scott welcomed members from the Cathedral Singers, the Cathedral Choir, Venite Choir from Cambridge and some lone members from Matamata and Tauranga. Twenty-three singers in all attended.

The introit, ‘O come ye servants of the Lord’, conducted by Michael Dawson opened the service. David Brookes conducted the responses aided by the Archdeacon, who used her excellent singing voice as precentor. Vaughan Chetwynd conducted the anthem, ‘Crown Him’ by Gregg Sewell. This anthem cleverly parodied the tune Diademata by George G. Elvey and the words from the well-known hymn, ‘Crown Him with many Crowns’. All the music was accompanied by cathedral organist, Anne Cleaver, who also played before and after the service.

In her sermon, Archdeacon Christine stressed the influence that music had on week by week services, making them more uplifting, welcoming and adding to the understanding of the liturgy.

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Many thanks to the ladies and gentlemen who provided afternoon tea to the singers, some of whom had travelled many miles to assist in the service!

Carol Chetwynd

School choirs’ workshop and performance Tim Carpenter, a music teacher at St Paul’s Collegiate School in Hamilton, is planning to run a workshop for church school choirs on Mozart’s Requiem in late October. We’ll keep you informed on developments and on RSCM involvement.

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Royal School of Church MusicWAIKATO and BAY of PLENTY REGION

ANNUAL FESTIVAL30th Sep 2017

Wesley Methodist ChurchTauranga

1.30p.m. – 5.30p.m.Choral Director

Nigel Williams

You are invited to join our annual festival for an enjoyable afternoon of choral singing with choirs and

other singers from throughout the regionRegister your interest now and we will keep you up-to-

date with the event detailsPhone or email

Vaughan ChetwyndMobile: 0275 657 724 Home: 07 577 6341

Email: vaughan@viscount.co.nz

All Saints’ Matamata. Choral Evensong.

At a time, when church music seems to be losing ground, at least in mainstream denominations, and church choirs, even cathedral choirs, are becoming fewer and fewer, it is really heartening to learn of the growth in this area occurring in our region at parish level. Heartiest congratulations to David Brookes, Matamata, and Anne Connolly-Munt, Morrinsville, for their efforts which have led to choral evensong again being celebrated in the rural Waikato. David writes of a recent service:

On Sunday 19th March 24 choristers, consisting of All Saints’ choir and 6 choristers from St Matthew’s Church Morrinsville presented Choral Evensong in All Saints’ church.

This was the first Evensong of 2017, and included two new choristers in All Saints’ choir.

A beautiful setting of Psalm 121 by Walford- Davies was sung during the service, which involved all the sopranos singing the first section, a baritone soloist singing the third section, and four-part harmony in the other two sections. The Anthem, ‘Christ be beside me’ by Malcolm Archer, was presented with enthusiasm by the choir. Three well-known hymns gave the congregation the opportunity to sing during the service.

Ven. Val Riches, Archdeacon of Piako, presented a very stimulating sermon, which included the text of the Anthem, and concluded with quotes as to the

place of music in worship.

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Anne Connolly-Munt, organist at St Matthew’s Morrinsville, accompanied the choir for the service, and provided a sympathetic accompaniment. David Brookes conducted the choir.

During the supper that followed the service in the hall, David mentioned that Rev’d Wynne Bowers-Mason, who conducted the service, would be shortly moving from Putaruru to New Plymouth to join her husband Paul, who is already there. On behalf of the choir David thanked Wynne for singing with the choir since its formation last year, and for her leadership of the service tonight. He also asked that similar thanks be conveyed to Paul, who also led the choir for several Evensong services last year. A signed card of thanks from the choir was presented to Wynne. The attached photo of the combined choir shows Ven. Val Riches on the left, and Rev’d Wynne Bowers-Mason on the right.

By the time this edition goes to press, the choir will have sung evensong for Trinity Sunday. New choristers would be very welcome in all sections. More details can be obtained from David Brookes- 07 888 7005.

Cantata Vespers at St Peter’s Cathedral15th July (Trinity 5): Telemann Begnadigte Seelen gesegneter

Christen (soprano, oboe, continuo)19th August (Trinity 10): Graupner Jesus Augen thränen voll

(SATB, oboe, flute, strings)16th September (Trinity 14) (Performed by Affetto) Buxtehude

(To be announced)21st October (Trinity 19) Bach Gott der Herr ist Sonn und

Schild (Reformation Day) BWV 79 (oboes or flutes, horns, strings SATB)

18th November (Trinity 23) Bach Mache dich, mein Geist, bereit BWV 115 (oboe, strings, SATB)

Cantata vespers services all occur at 5.00p.m. at St Peter’s Cathedral on the third Saturday of the month. Since they are

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religious services, there is no admission charge, but there is a retiring collection towards the organ fund.

Music resourceLong-time readers of Notes will call the resource which Peter McMillan, formerly of Matamata, now living in Blenheim, has very generously prepared particularly for those churches which would like to include music in their services, but have no musicians.

Recently he has added more hymns to this resource. A complete list of what is on the several DVDs in the set is available on the website at: http://rscmnz.org.nz/?p=40.

If then you would like to order one or more of the DVDs, send the right number of blank DVDs to the Editor, RSCMNZ Waikato Branch, c/- St Peter’s Cathedral, PO Box 338, Hamilton 3240, with an appropriately stamped package for return postage.

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Another muscial sudoka to while away the dark evenings of winter.

(with thanks to CMQ)

For your diaries30th September: RSCM Waikato Choral Festival,

1.00p.m.,Wesley Methodist Church, Tauranga. 9th-16th January 2018: RSCM Australasian Summer School,

Auckland

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Editor’s columnMany thanks yet again to Dave Brookes for his report on

the Summer School, and to those who have sent information about services and concerts around our region.

A few issues ago, I put in a brief book review in the hope that this might encourage others to let us know of books, performances, anything in fact, that might be of interest to readers. Contributions of any kind relating to church music not just in our region but globally would be most welcome.

I would really like to progress to sending out Notes more and more by email rather than through the tender mercies of NZ Post. This has a number of advantages: for me, it saves having to address envelopes by hand (on my new machine I can’t get the labelling function on Word to read my spreadsheet of addresses), having to get the newsletter printed, having to pack and post it; for you, it means you get Notes more quickly, and can enjoy the colour photographs; for RSCM, it saves the considerable cumulative expense of printing, postage and stationery.

Accordingly, can I ask those of you who really would prefer to receive paper, to let me know (rharlow@waikato.ac.nz, or 02102748951), and I will ensure that that continues.Deadline for material for the next issue: 30th June 2017

OFFICERSChairwoman Rachael Griffiths-Hughes,

70 Nixon St, Hamilton 3216.waikatochair@rscmnz.org.nz

07 856 6365

Secretary Vaughan Chetwynd,14 Aubrey Way,Brookfield, Tauranga 3110.waikatosecretary@rscmnz.org.nz

07 5776341027 5657724

Treasurer Virginia Gallagher, 6 Cambrae Road, Raglan 3225.waikatotreasurer@rscmnz.org.nz

07 825 7443

Editor NOTES Ray Harlow 021 02748951

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24 Marama St, Hamilton 3204.editorwaikatonotes@rscmnz.org.nz

Chaplain Rev’d Peter Lord Cowell,

COMMITTEESister ColleenMorey

37C Clyde Street, Hamilton East 3216 moreycolleen260@yahoo.co.nz

07 856 6583

Paula Spiers 142 Summerset Village, 206 Dixon Rd, Fitzroy, Hamilton 3206.paulaspiers@xtra.co.nz

07 981 1460

Rhonda Gibbison

166B Tramway Road, Hamilton.rhonda.gibbison@gmail.com

07 855 7363

David Brookes 11 Sharp PlaceMatamata 3400.dave.brookes273@gmail.com

07 888 7005021 0392 191

RSCM (NZ) Website http://rscmnz.org.nzRSCM (England) Website http://www.rscm.com

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