Methodist School of Music celebrates
10 years
of God's blessing
By EVELYN LIM
A DECADE passes with the blink
of an eye … or so it seems.
"Sent Forth by God's Blessing" was the herald for the
evening's celebration of the Methodist School of Music's 10th
anniversary on Feb 3, 2007.
The Gala Dinner held at Raffles Town Club was graced by Bishop
Dr and Mrs Robert Solomon and attended by about 500 guests, supporters
and staff members. The evening's programme was planned by the
MSM faculty and staff in thanksgiving and acknowledgement of God's
faithfulness and grace for the decade since the founding of the
school.
The MSM was conceptualised in November 1995 and was officially
dedicated to God on Jan 25, 1997. Its humble beginnings were at
John Wesley Centre (the former Methodist Girls' School premises)
where two classrooms were converted to house the school office
and music studios. Music lessons started almost immediately with
18 students, mainly from the Praise Choristers of Telok Ayer Chinese
Methodist Church.
In September 1997 the MSM was officially registered with the Ministry
of Education as a private school and in July 2002, it attained
the status of public examination centre for the Associated Board
of the Royal Schools of Music. Student enrolment and the number
of teaching staff number increased over the years. The school
currently has about 400 students and 40 teaching and administrative
staff.
With the aid of a PowerPoint presentation, the Principal, Ms Mary
Gan, recounted the milestones of the school. Despite teething
pains, various challenges and obstacles, God's hand was apparent
from the beginning. His grace carried the school towards fulfilling
its purposes of music education and ministry.
Annual "Church Music Encounters" provide modules on
music ministry training, musical concerts encourage both teachers
and students to hone their performance edge and gain exposure,
and visiting musicians and lecturers provide special insights
into music and ministry.
Now in its second phase, the MSM is in partnership with Trinity
Theological College and offers the Master of Theological Studies
(MTS) degree programme, which is aimed at equipping and educating
music ministry personnel.
The MSM has also recently embarked on an educational outreach
ministry to the Boys' Brigade in Siem Reap (Cambodia), teaching
music to the local children.
At the dinner, hymns were sung, accompanied by strings, trombone,
keyboard and handchimes. The alumni of the Praise Choristers rendered
two lovely musical items. The staff of the MSM also sang an arrangement
of "Grace Alone".
Bishop Dr Solomon and Mrs Solomon presented Long Service Awards
to the administrative and teaching staff, and special recognition
awards to students who obtained high scores in music examinations.
It was an evening of good cheer, of celebration and gratitude,
and a time of rekindling friendships and acquaintances.
The MSM would not have come thus far without the support of The
Methodist Church in Singapore and the three Annual Conferences,
both in their financial giving and prayer.
May God's grace and presence continue to abound in the MSM as
it strives to fulfil its calling to be a blessing and beacon for
music and ministry, both within our shores, and beyond!
Dr Evelyn Lim is lecturer/organist at the Methodist School
of Music.
METHODIST SCHOOL
OF MUSIC PICTURES
BY MOSES GOH
Bishop Dr Solomon (fourth
from left), Annual Conference Presidents and members of the Methodist
School of
Music Management Committee cutting the anniversary cake. From
left, Mr Jusuf Kam, Mrs Esther Seet, Dr Seet
Ai Mee, Ms Mary Gan (Principal), Mr John Ang (Chairman of the
Management Committee), CAC President Rev
Khoo Cheng Hoot, Rev See Ping Eik, Dr Lim Swee Hong and TRAC President
Rev Wee Boon Hup.
Faculty and staff of the
Methodist School of Music presenting the anthem "Grace Alone".
Charmaine (left) and Mavis
Loke rendering their special item, "3 Movements from 6 Sonatas
for 2 Violins".
The two sisters have been studying at the Methodist School of
Music since 1997.