The First Provincial Organists' Workshop

The sun shone down on the Gillingham Masonic Centre on the last Saturday in January 2010 when the very first Provincial Organists’ Workshop raised its baton to help those Brethren aspiring to become Masonic Organists.

It was only a few months previously in the September 2009 Edition of The Provincial ‘Music Matters’ column, an initiative of the Sir Edward Elgar Lodge No 9837, that the importance of live Music to our Freemasonry was emphasised. Readers were invited to give their thoughts on how Music in the Province may be developed and the result was a keen response which resulted in the Organists’ Workshop being created.

Proceedings at the Workshop were introduced by WBro. Andy Notley, APrGM, on behalf of the Provincial Support & Development Group and it was conducted by WBro’s Graham Mitchell & George Morgan supported by WBro. Doug Morgan. All three are established Masonic Organists. Six participants with a wide range of musical skills ranging from beginner to classically trained organist attended and enjoyed a morning of information and advice on how to become and, indeed, develop as Masonic organists.

WBro. Graham Mitchell commented that with the decreasing number of organists available to play for our Masonic ceremonies, the need to find and help develop new talent is paramount. In giving feedback one participant stated his thanks for all the hard work that must have been put in to make the Organists’ Workshop so successful, ‘I had not expected to get so much help, hints and useful advice. The way the workshop was structured with the handouts was very professional. I was particularly struck by the way the more expert Brethren were happy to help and encourage us beginners. I would be very keen to attend any future events of a like nature’.

As a direct result we have three new Brethren offering their musical services and who will now play for Lodge meetings. For some it is early days and we wish them every success in their endeavours. We will be giving them ongoing support.

If you are interested and would like to put yourself forward for the next Organists’ Workshop we would be delighted to hear from you. It is planned that this will take place in the East of Province most probably at Canterbury later in the year.

Please contact WBro. Graham .

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