At this time of year, many people take holidays. I recently enjoyed a refreshing weekend in Cambridge, leading our Stanford Singing Break (see some pictures here). Even if it’s not summer for everyone, I encourage you to take a moment to pause, reflect, and be grateful. Despite the challenges we face, there’s much to celebrate in church music. If you can, take this time to experience church music in a new setting for a fresh perspective. Below, you’ll find many places where inspiring events are happening. Read on and be inspired!

Hugh Morris
RSCM Director

We are delighted to announce, in partnership with the Cathedral Music Trust (CMT), the recipients of this year’s Church Choir Awards. Now in its third year, the award supports parish church initiatives, ranging from projects that introduce young people to choral singing to providing singing lessons for choir members and establishing midweek services.

The seven choirs will receive a year’s Group Membership of the RSCM, access to our innovative Voice for Life Digital resources, and funding and professional support from CMT.

Thank you to all the applicants and congratulations to this year’s recipients:

• St Lawrence Parish Church, York
• St Paul’s Church, Withington
• Crediton Parish Church
• St Ann’s Church, Manchester
• All Saints’ Church, Kingston upon Thames
• St Mary-le-Tower, Ipswich
• St Mary and All Saints, Chesterfield

Congratulations to the 85 successful candidates who achieved Bronze, Silver or Gold awards in June—the highest number in a single month since the current syllabus began. Singing awards are open to RSCM members of all ages, and sessions for the autumn term are now available for booking. Why not set yourself a goal for the next academic year? You can download the syllabus here.

We are delighted to welcome three of our Emerging Leaders to residential courses this summer. Eleanor Jarvis and Joe Goodlad will join the Bath Course, while Martha Littlehales will participate in the MYC Course in Norwich. They will have the opportunity to develop their choral direction and leadership skills with guidance from our team of course tutors.

Eleanor, Joe and Martha are part of a larger network of Emerging Leaders who will participate in online sessions and other opportunities throughout the coming year.

You can learn more about the Emerging Leaders programme here.

We know how popular our Come and Sing evensongs are, and we have two exciting opportunities for you to join us, each with its own unique attractions.

• Works by C.V. Stanford, including the uplifting Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis in A
• Sing alongside members of the Cathedral choir
• Perform with the iconic Harrison and Harrison organ and the Warwickshire Symphony Orchestra
• Conducted by distinguished international conductor Nicholas Cleobury

Open to all, including under-18s (who must be accompanied by an adult). To find out more and book, click here.

Photo credit: Garry Jones

Join the RSCM for an afternoon of singing under the inspirational leadership of distinguished conductor David Hill.

• Music by C.V. Stanford and Give us a pure heart by Christopher Willcock, one of this year’s RSCM Honorands
• The service will include the presentation of this year’s Honorary Awards and, we hope, some of our Voice for Life awards
• Rehearsal from 2 to 4.15pm, evensong from 5 to 6pm

Find out more and register here.

Photo credit: Nick Rutter

After five years at the RSCM, Hugh’s PA, Carla Brawn, is moving to a new full-time role at another charity starting in August. She assures Hugh it’s not because of him she’s leaving, but she will certainly be missed by everyone at the RSCM, especially Hugh. If you know anyone who might be interested in this role (details here), please share it. Keep an eye on our ‘Work for Us’ page for news of other vacancies that arise from time to time.

RSCM, 19 The Close, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP1 2EB

The Royal School of Church Music is a company limited by guarantee, registered in England, no 00250031.
It is also a registered charity, no 312828.