MUSIC REPORT 2008

2008 was a year of highs and lows. The illness and death of our beloved leader Rob impacted on us greatly, begging the question, how important is music in the scheme of things. Then, after the meeting with Sarah McNeil last week, when Sarah said that how three of her number, spanning three generations, and including herself, came to God through music, I for one went away with a sense of purpose yes, music definitely has its place, and must remain an important part of our worship.

Despite the cloud over us, the music did carry on last year, with many highlights. The group In the Mood" led us through a Gospel service and a Taize service. Thank you so much. The emergence of a group of enthusiastic and talented young singers, Gemma, Monica, Helene, Peter, DanieI and Gerard, contributed to several Sunday services, and provided the core group for the Carol Service in December. Thanks to Peter Laurence, Gemma Dashwood and Alex O'Sullivan for their hard work and leadership in the Forbes' absence. For us, it was a relief to know that Christmas music was left in such capable hands.

We welcomed guest singers DanieI McMillan and Amanda Forbes this year, and our regulars, Denise Manley, Linda Anchell, and Madeleine Rowland, served us well. Thank you all so much.

Two outstanding musical happenings were, firstly, Colin's beautifully played Beethoven Recital/Memorial Concert, with the following Memorial Service for Rob, and secondly the Ceremony of Carols, performed so movingly by a hand picked ensemble of young women and harpist Tegan Peemoeller, enhanced by a superbly crafted worship by Jeannette and Linda.

And there was Hildegard of Bingen's "Ordo Virtutum". In hindsight, this proved to be so significant, as it was Rob's last involvement in the musical life of St Philip's. Rob provided so much support for all our musical endeavours. Rob, together with Leighton, provided a formidable team.

At this point, thanks must also go to the CAMRA Committee, who quietly support all St Philip's music - Leighton, our President, Mary Bush our Secretary, Lorna Gamble our Treasurer, Brian McKinlay our Webmaster Extraordinaire, Denise Manley, Meg Colwell and Tony Fortey.

Organ duties this year have been carried out mainly by Colin, assisted by Meg, Gemma and Nick, and of course our new organ scholar, Alex, who kept everything together when the Forbes were away. Alex is a real asset, and I would encourage you to dig deep to help financially support Alex's scholarship for this year. Organists are a rare breed, and we must encourage and support them when we can. Thank you to all who contributed to the fund last year. And thank you to all of the organists for your help in 2008.

Patricia Forbes