The Second Provincial Organists’ Workshop

Following the success of the first Organists’ Workshop in January 2010 a second was held in August when a further seven Brethren attended at the Gillingham Masonic Centre to learn more about being a Masonic Organist. Such was the Workshop’s popularity that some of the attendees had travelled from outside the Province to be there.

The event was introduced by APGM Andy Notley, who emphasised the importance of music to the Province and to Freemasonry and its essential place in our work. He stressed the need to find and help develop new musical talent and to ensure continuity.

Incorporating feedback from the first Workshop, proceedings were conducted by Graham Mitchell, George Morgan and Doug Morgan. Those present enjoyed a morning of information and advice on how to become and, indeed, develop as Masonic organists. Also present was Roland Beaumont, an attendee of the first Workshop, who commented on how he had progressed since January. Simplified arrangements of some of the main Masonic music used in the Province, prepared by Roland, were made available to the Brethren.

Subsequently very positive feedback from the attendees has been received, including:-

“I thoroughly enjoyed the discussions with the other Brethren and I feel this workshop has given me more confidence and enthusiasm. ….. I have only played at a few Lodges since starting, but I was lacking feedback, constructive criticism and someone to discuss my music with. Now I feel a lot happier.” And “Once again many thanks to you and fellow brethren for organising and facilitating such an informative and helpful workshop. The wealth of experience offering support for organists of such varying levels of skill I'm sure was appreciated by all, and was extremely helpful in my preparation for our October Lodge Meeting”.

Several other Brethren who would have liked to have attended were unavailable in August and it is therefore planned to run a further Workshop. Any Brethren who feel they would benefit are most welcome. A date has not yet been set but you may register your interest by .

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