Organ Scholarship Scheme open for applications

Friday March 11th 2016

Organ KB sm The Down & Dromore and Connor Organ Scholarship Management Board is inviting applications for scholarships for the year 2017.

Scholarships are tenable for three years, subject to a satisfactory assessment at the end of each of the first and second years. Tuition is given approximately fortnightly, free-of-charge, by one of the Board’s panel of tutors, and a certificate is awarded on completion of the course.

The scholarships are intended to train musicians in the service of the Church, in the Anglican tradition, both at the organ and in leading a choir. Tuition in choral training is an integral part of the course.

No previous experience of playing the organ is necessary, but applicants should be proficient on the keyboard, approximately Grade 5 piano or equivalent. There are no upper or lower age limits. Candidates who have previously been unsuccessful are welcome to re-apply.

The Board’s tutors are Mr Michael McCracken (Down Cathedral), Mr Ian Mills (St Columb’s Cathedral, Londonderry) and Dr Joe McKee, (St Columba’s Knock). As far as possible, scholars are placed with a tutor near them. Lessons will be given in the cathedrals as above, or, in exceptional circumstances, and with the prior agreement of the Board, at another church designated by the Board.

The Board is usually able to award six scholarships annually, dividing them between the two dioceses.

Potential candidates should fill in an Organ Scholarship Application Form which should be submitted to the Rectory, 9 Sandelwood Avenue, Coleraine BT51 1JW by Friday March 25. Auditions will be held on Saturday May 21 or 28. Applicants will receive more detailed information on this nearer the time.

Each applicant’s rector will be asked for a reference on their suitability for the scheme.

For further information, please contact the chairman, the Rev Canon David Humphries, St Molua’s Rectory, 3 Rosepark, Belfast, BT5 7RG, tel (028) 9048 2292 or Honorary Secretary the Rev Amanda Adams, the Rectory, 9 Sandelwood Avenue, Coleraine BT51 1JW, tel (028) 7034 3061.