Sayers Common Music Weekend - October 2004 

"Do you mind if I sit down while talking. This is like a house party, isn't it?" With such words Marian Tolley, guest speaker at the annual Arundel & Brighton Parish Musicians Weekend set the tone of the event. It was relaxed, entertaining, thought-provoking and very well fed. We even did a bit of hunting - though for ideas and music settings among the many resources brought from the Decani bookstall, so it wasn't too energetic.

Marian spoke on "Hospitality", talking first of her family's own experience trying to find a "homely" parish in London, and ending up in Welshpool, where, on their first occasion as a visitor the Priest at Mass saw "the strangers in our midst" and welcomed them. And the Congregation turned round and smiled! Imagine!

Then, with an exemplary exposition of three passages in Luke where Jesus shows hospitality, both as a guest and as a host, she challenged us to consider our responsibilities as musicians and parishioners to welcome the same stranger. She unpacked the ideas thoroughly, having the passages read once through, then verse by verse considering its relation to the theme, then a third time. At the end we felt we had a new perspective on some familiar texts.

The gathering responded with personal reflections on welcome, and ways in which we might, particularly, make the music accessible and available, even to those who are not regulars and can't be relied upon to know our favoured hymns and Mass Settings. Much discussion ensued. The question was even raised: Do we even have a responsibility to use published rather than "home grown" (and therefore very localised) music? A recipe for familiarity or just for becoming staid?

And of course there was much music, with sung morning and evening prayer and Mass with Fr Gerry Coates, also in challenging form. Tony Charlier, supported by members of the ABMus, team had done a splendid job of preparation and choice of music, and, predictably, everyone enjoyed a good sing, with even "Grace before Meals" in four parts, a-capella. Two sets of workshops for readers, cantors, instrumentalists, and singers supported the liturgies and gave further occasions for reflection.

So what was it all for? Some of the music might be difficult to replicate in a particular Parish setting? But that is not surely the point. Sometimes musicians and singers need to minister to each other, to recharge batteries, and an annual event like this, in the calm setting of Sayers Common is an ideal occasion to do so. Next year you could come too. One weekend a year your parish can manage without you!

Joe Wilkinson [Nov. 2004]