Commissioning of Organ Scholars

Tuesday September 20th 2016

Mrs Miriam King and Miss Tara Devers, front, received their Organ Scholarship Certificates at St Anne’s on Sunday September 18. Also pictured are some of the members of the Organ Scholarship Board, Canon David Humphries, Rev (soon to be Canon) John Auchmuty, Lady Brenda Sheil, Rev Julie Bell, Prof Alan Hibbert, and Mr Gerald Hill. Also included are guest preacher Bishop Alan Harper and two of the organ tutors, Mr Michael McCracken and Dr Joe McKee.

Two organ scholars were commissioned at a service in St Anne’s Cathedral, Belfast, on Sunday September 18.

Miss Tara Devers and Miss Miriam King had both successfully completed their three years of study as part of the Down & Dromore and Connor Organ Scholarship Scheme.

During the service two other young people were enrolled on the organ scholarship course. One is Miss Caroline McCartney and the other is Miss Kristine Donnan. A further 12 scholars are entering years two and three of the scheme.

The preacher at the service was Bishop Alan Harper.

The Organ Scholarship Scheme celebrated its 25^th anniversary in 2015. 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.

Tutors are Mr Michael McCracken, Mr Ian Mills and Dr Joseph McKee OBE.

The Organ Scholarship Board usually awards six scholarships annually, dividing them between the two dioceses.