Society of Saint Gregory

We get the same reader every day - how to get somebody else? One morning she started reading the Gospel. Priest dashed across to stop her. She does not check the printed congregational sheet which can differ from the Missal they are using which I suspect is an old edition as it often does not match ...

Rumours have been confirmed that our premier choir will only be open to London based boys. The idea is that the boys go home Friday night and come back early on Sunday morning - totally impossible if you live in Wales. The parents were not consulted. See The Tablet for the last 2 weeks. What to do? ...

John East who was my teacher 60 years ago is now 90 and on his last journey in St John and St Elizabeth hospice (where Cardinal Hume spent his last days). He was director of the Church Music Association in the 70s which did a lot of good work in the parishes. Please pray for him.

8.30 p.m. at the cathedral fire at the back inside, 3 readings, choir on superb form, Vierne Messe solenelle with top B flats from the boys, baptisms, confirmations by the Cardinal. Finished 10.30 p.m. In bed at midnight. Up at 4.30 a.m. to drive to Anglicans 5.30 a.m. start 3 readings, litany, 3 si...

I do not have to play for these services any more but a good booklet is an excellent start. It helps a lot if the clergy sing. An animator who can welcome everyone and go through some short responses beforehand helps too. Having a choir also helps! Responsorial settings are a good idea. Use settings...

An Anglican organist friend produced one thank you Facebook! I rehearsed it with the congregation before the bride arrived and they sang like birds!!

Laughing at Pilates. A few years ago on Good Friday at the cathedral Adam come out as Aaadam. The probationers were in fits!

Hurrah for the Archbishop of Portland for producing a practical document on liturgical music. Drums and electric guitars are out! I was interested to see that an hour of liturgy needs 2 hours of preparation. What I did not see was any mention of payment and provision for training musicians.

To return to the original post it was When I am laid in earth of Purcell but barely recognisable - too slow and very wooden. Also Ave verum of Mozart. I played for a memorial service on Tuesday. Really odd as the deceased was a lovely lady who had been pastoral assistant (C of E). The body was broug...

Has the Church produced a guide to the correct pronunciation of English terms in the readings? If not, why not given the vast mixture of backgrounds? Recently in the Gospel and Homily we had tunic pronounced as tonic. I am told Nigerians pronounce the u vowel differently. Mine's a gin! Epistle to th...

I have no desire to insult anyone. I did not speak to the organist - what could I possibly say to her? Even suggesting that she try some different stops might have sounded condescending! My point is that the priest REFUSED all outside help even when there were competent deacons, servers and organist...

Love it but it s a real tearjerker

From now on when a friend dies I am immediately going to contact the family and offer to play at the funeral. I have suffered 3 funerals where the local player has murdered the music! There also an important point here in that one wants to help the family and show respect for a good friend and not b...

Wanted in 1 week's time please a simple setting of this wedding psalm for solo, response and organ. :D Psalm 148:1-2, 3-4, 9-10, 11-13a, 13c-14a R. (13a) Let all praise the name of the Lord. Praise the Lord from the heavens, praise him in the heights; Praise him, all you his angels, praise him, all ...

Greetings to friends old and new! Hope to be at Autumn assembly.