So sang the Revd Gary Davis, king of the ‘holy blues’ singers, back in the 1950s and ‘60s, and so sing I (at least in the shower). One of my great delights as a member of St Andrew’s URC is playing in the (variously named) ‘music group’, or ‘church band’. Maybe we need a competition to find a suitable name for our lovely musical ensemble? Perhaps, The Mount Park Ramblers?
I’ve not always been a musician, although I have always been a music lover. At our last church (in Hackney) I was encouraged by our lead musician to take up the mandolin, little expecting that this would lead to actually playing it in front of other people. But I found that I enjoyed playing an instrument much more than I expected to, and, after the initial trauma, came to look forward to playing with others in church services.
So, when I came to St Andrew’s and was welcomed to join in with Jamie, Margaret and John, it immediately helped me to feel at home in the church. While some of our songs have challenged both my fingers and brain, I’ve appreciated the encouragement of members of the congregation, as well as the camaraderie of playing with others.
Membership of ‘the band’ is a little fluid. Our most experienced musicians, Jamie McCoan and Margaret Johnson, give a strong lead to our playing and singing. Without them John Jackson and I would be lost! We are occasionally joined by Kaye Knowles on violin (or ‘fiddle’ in a folk-style of music), and Sue McCoan on djembe drum – both of which add greatly to our acoustic, non-amplified, sound. For beginner and intermediate players of musical instruments it is a real joy and privilege to play alongside more experienced musicians.
In the famous words of St. Augustine of Hippo, and repeated by others since, “He who sings prays twice.” In other words, the addition of music powerfully lifts the words, enhancing our acts of worship. This remains true whether the music is played on piano, organ, or guitar/mandolin.
As a ‘church band’ we are very aware that our role is to support acts of worship. And the icing on the cake is that we also enjoy making music together!
Peter Skerratt
