Methodist Church Music Society organisation

MCMS - serving music in Methodism

For each workshop session there are four choices:

Workshop 1

1A    ‘Not another hymn book’
Led by Andrew Pratt
This is an opportunity to find out more about the proposed new Methodist hymn book. Explore the background to this, the arguments for needing a new book and the issues associated with selecting the hymns included,

1B    What do we expect music to do?
Led by Michael Davies
This workshop will look at the functions of music in worship and provide an opportunity to sing new material.

1C    Playing/singing without music
Led by Roger Peach
This workshop is for singers and instruments in a music group/worship band context, focusing on singing and playing from a piano score and improvising. Learn how to take risks in a relaxed non-threatening environment. (Suitable for grade 2, or equivalent, and above.)

1D    Voices in Harmony
Led by Andrew Maries
Explore the richness of part-singing in worship music including Celtic, Catholic, ethnic, traditional and other styles.

An introduction to the workshop leaders:

Andrew Pratt
Andrew is a Methodist minister and is a lecturer at Hartley Victoria College, Manchester. He is a member of the Music Resources Group of the Methodist Church charged with preparing a new hymn book and other hymn resources for the church. He has written over 500 hymns and has three published collections, the most recent being Reclaiming Praise.

Michael Davies
Michael is one of two Connexional Music Advisors working nationally providing courses for musicians, Worship leaders, ministers and Local Preachers. He is the organist at St Michael’s Parish Church in Telford and works with Telford Christian Council in providing town centre evangelism events.

Roger Peach
Roger is Director of Music at St John’s Church, Keynsham and the Director of Regional Training for the Music and Worship Foundation. He has led workshops around the country and abroad, often aimed at music and worship groups, providing practical ideas and resources across the worship spectrum.

Andrew Maries
Andrew works to encourage and stimulate worship and music at every level as Consultant for Worship and Music in the Exeter Diocese, but also across denominations and traditions through the Keynote Trust. He has appeared as a regular conductor for BBC Songs of Praise and is a member of the National Christian Songwriters’ Forum.

MCMS reserve the right to make changes to the programme and the workshops if necessary on the day.

Workshop 2

2A    ‘Not another hymn book’
Led by Andrew Pratt
This is an opportunity to find out more about the proposed new Methodist hymn book. Explore the background to this, the arguments for needing a new book and the issues associated with selecting the hymns included.

2B    Getting the basics right
Led by Michael Davies
Explore ways in which the organist/keyboard player can lead and accompany congregational worship. You are invited to bring along a song or hymn to work on and share with others. Ideas for developing improvisation skills will also be covered.

2C    Playing/singing from music
Led by Roger Peach
Explore a number of different contexts where instruments and vocalists can be effectively used in worship including creative arrangements for hymns and songs, blending different voices, instruments and styles, as well as ‘incidental’ music. (Suitable for grade 2, or equivalent, and above.)

2D    Exploring Music for Communion
Led by Andrew Maries
This workshop will open up the possibilities for fresh musical ideas to enliven this central act of worship.

Cost of the day

£15        non MCMS members (£12.50 early booking)

£12.50   MCMS members (£10 early booking

£10        Students/OAP’s (inc. MCMS members)
            (£8 early booking)

Group bookings 5th person comes free!

This will cover any materials required for the workshops and also includes drinks and lunch on the day.

Early bookings must be received by 28th April 2008
Closing date for full price bookings 19th May 2008

For further information about this event, or to book your place please contact:

        Christine Lawley
        19 Trefoil Close, Horsham
        West Sussex, RH12 5FQ
        Tel:    01403 257406     Email: clawley@hotmail.com

Book early to secure the workshops of your choice by downloading either :
the full course brochure in PDF format
or just the A5 booking form in PDF format
or the booking form as an RTF file to open in any word processor.