ROYAL SCHOOL OF CHURCH MUSIC
NIAGARA & HURON BRANCH

I will sing and with the understanding also.   RSCM Motto

Welcome to the RSCM Niagara-Huron Branch website.
We hope that the website's information will be of assistance to you.

Purpose
The purpose of the RSCM is to improve the quality of worship,
especially the choral singing in churches, and to provide training
for those who lead music in worship.   All of this is realized through
workshops,  choral festivals,  accreditation and
the vocal training scheme,  "A Voice for Life".

Membership
Membership enquiries may be made by contacting:
Kenneth Stevens at
1-905-788-0511
Email  diapason@mergetel.com
or any member of the Executive listed below

HISTORY
The RSCM was an idea brought to fruition by Sir Sydney Nicholson,  organist at
Westminster Abbey.  On December 6, 1927,   a meeting was held in the Jerusalem
Chamber of the Abbey to inaugurate the English School of Church Music.
The School was to consist of a traing college for church musicans and
an association of affliated churches who wished to attain high standards in worship.
In 1945 the ESCM gained its royal charter and became the RSCM.

The Present
The RSCM is an international educational charity comprising of over 9000 affiliations
encompassing several faith traditions.  In May 2006,  the RSCM moved to its
new administrative home located at Sarum College,  Salisbury,  England.  This allows for
further development of programmes and  support of courses and workshops in one location.

Benefits
There are benefits to being a member of the RSCM.  These include :
*courses, workshops and training days
*singing events
*musician skills for the organ
*information available from www.rscm.com
*advice and assistance on aspects of church music
*travelling Library available for perusal of publications
*copy of the Branch's quarterly newsletter Cantabile

There are three levels of membership which include all of the benefits listed above.
*Affiliation for choirs includes a free copy of Church music Quarterly,
Sunday by Sunday,  25% discount on RSCM-sponsored courses in the UK.
25% discount on RSCM publications and Voice for Life materials.
*Individual affiliation includes a free copy of Church Music Quarterly,
Sunday by Sunday,  25% discount on single copies of RSCM publications and
25% on RSCM-sponsored courses in the UK.
*Friend includes a free copy of Church Music Quarterly.
Church Music Quarterly is published by the RSCM UK and
contains articles and information on the work of RSCM International.
Sunday by Sunday is the liturgical planner published quarterly by the RSCM and contains
information on hymns, psalms, anthems, Taize chant and organ music.

A Voice for Life
The RSCM's training system for choristers is called "A Voice for Life" which may
be used by choristers of all ages and abilities.   There are four levels of achievement and
upon completion of each level,  a chorister receives their chorister medal and
corresponding ribbon colour.   The four levels are :light blue, dark blue, red and yellow.
Each level comes with its own workbook which contains information to assist the
chorister in their vocal development through puzzles, activities, theory and goals.
Further information may be obtained by contacting one of the Executive.

The RSCM Awards
  These Awards are now available across Canada.
The Awards are in addition to the "Voice for Life" levels and are gained through examination.
There are three levels of Awards :Bronze, Silver, and Gold,  and are patterned
after the Duke of Edinburgh Awards.
These Awards may be achieved separately from the Voice for Life levels or in combination.
The order of progression would be : Light Blue, Dark Blue, Bronze, Red, Silver, Yellow, Gold.
The Awards incorporate skills already learned with the Voice for Life and
include additional knowledge of liturgy,  worship,  and Bible stories.

Information and a syllabus may be obtained from
the Awards Coordinator for Canada : William Lupton
Email  lupton8976@rogers.com  or phone  519-245-8976

Church Music Skills
This new programme is designed to help practising church musicians to develop their skills and understand the role of leading worship.
This is achieved through the Award Scheme or Flexible Study Scheme.
The programme is currently available for organists and over the next while will be made available for
choir directors,  cantors  and ensemble leaders.
Further information is available from one of the Executive.

The Executive
 CHAIR : Joe Carere
Email gordontaylormusic@bellnet.ca

SECRETARY : Ken Stevens
Email diapason@mergetel.com

EVENTS for 2009 SEASON

MEMBER'S EVENTS
Watch for further updates

LINKS of INTEREST for CHURCH MUSICIANS

CHOIR FAVOURITES

ORGANIST'S FAVOURITES

If you have suggestions or additions to events or links
please contact Dave Knarr at OPUS II.
Email   opustwo@on.aibn.com