7 courses to train music ministry personnel
By MARY Y. T. GAN
EACH year, the Methodist
School of Music (MSM) conducts a series of workshops for the training
of music ministry personnel in our local churches. Seven courses
ranging in duration from one to six sessions will be offered from
August to September this year.
Ms Joanna Paul, a Singaporean and UK resident, well-known for
her multi-fold career as organist, music tutor, soprano soloist
and choral conductor, will be offering two workshops targeting
at organists and singers respectively.
The first course, "The Use of the Organ in both Traditional
and Contemporary Services", will be held at Paya Lebar Chinese
Methodist Church on July 29 and Aug 5, 2006 from 2.30 pm to 4.30
pm. It will include a bit of history, the changes in modern-day
services in attitude, styles, choice of music and adaptation and
importance of working with priests, pastors, church leaders and
music leaders and conductors.
"Give of Your Best to the Master - In Search Of Choral Excellence
In Contemporary Christian Music" is a three-session course
designed to help groups of singers to build and develop as a musical
ensemble that can lead in worship in confidence and musical excellence.
There will be discussions on choral/group leaders and their role
in leading a church singing group.
The course will be held on Aug 19 and 26 and Sept 2 at the MSM
from 2.30 pm to 4.30 pm. Participants will be able to gain much
insight into serving in both contemporary and traditional services
from Ms Paul, who is equally at home in pop and classical organ/vocal
styles.
Ms Wong Lai Foon, a Westminster Choir College of Rider University
Master of Music choral conducting graduate, will be teaching a
three-session course on "Choral Rehearsal Techniques"
at the MSM on Sept 14, 21 and 28 from 7.30 pm to 10 pm.
The course will explore the various components that contribute
towards a successful choral rehearsal. Areas to be discussed include
conductor's score study and preparation, approaches to teaching
a new piece, rehearsal planning, as well as problem-solving techniques
in the area of pitch, rhythm and diction. Each participant will
rehearse one song chosen from a set list.
Mr Chan Kum Soon, a certified instructor with Fretboard Fellowship
(USA) will be offering a three-session intermediate electric guitar
workshop, "The Distortion Myth", on Sep 4, 6 and 8 from
7.30 pm to 9.30 pm at the MSM. The fee is $63. The workshop will
cover techniques, strumming, picking, chord patterns and soloing.
It will also cover effects application for the overall worship
experience.
A Teaching Associate at the MSM, Mr Chan is a much sought-after
teacher.
"More Than Just Keys", a three-session basic-intermediate
keyboard workshop by Mr Raymond Fong, will be held at the MSM
on Aug 29, Sept 5 and 12 from 7.30 pm to 9.30 pm. The workshop
will cover playing techniques, practical scales, chords and their
inversions. Participants will also look into creating intros and
their application, different styles of music and role of piano/keyboard
in a band setting.
Mr Fong started playing keyboards while he was in Sunday School.
With his classical training, he later ventured into contemporary,
fusion and jazz styles.
"Band GoGo", a one-session band dynamics workshop by
Thomas Ee & Band, will be held on Sept 9 from 3 pm to 6.30
pm at Fairfield Methodist Church. It will cover communications,
team dynamics, music arrangements, spontaneous worship, etc. Participants
are encouraged to come as a band as there will be time for the
individuals or bands to perform.
Having served the Lord in the music ministry for the past 17 years,
Mr Ee has played the electric bass in Christian recordings, tours
and evangelistic events for various worship leaders and singers.
Finally, "Criticism and Deep Listening", a six-session
music appreciation course in Chinese, will be taught by Ms Cathy
Tan, a Master of Music choral conducting graduate from Los Angeles
State University. It will be held at the MSM on Aug 3, 10, 17,
24, 31 and Sept 7 from 8 pm to 9.30 pm.
Mary Y. T. Gan is the Principal of the Methodist School of Music.