Music plays a most important part in the worship of Blackhall St Columba’s and most Sunday mornings at 10.30 the music is led from the pipe organ which the church had commissioned in 2007.
The choir of around 20 leads the singing and presents an anthem or an introit most weeks. While the style of music is broadly traditional we have moved in the last few years to using more modern sources of Christian music. The choir meets to rehearse at 9.30 every Sunday morning except during July and August. While it helps to be able to read music the more important thing is that the singers can lead singing joyfully as they lead others in worship and that they commit to using their musical gifts within the life of the church.
The choir is responsible for two major musical evenings, one at Christmas and one at Easter where we sing a cantata or else a selection of songs and hymns interspersed with Bible readings that cover the topic of the season.
About 6 times a year, we have a band that plays, consisting of piano, keyboard, guitar, double bass, cajon/percussion and violin supporting a group of about 15 singers who lead the singing from the front of the church. We look to introduce more modern songs that bring a different emphasis than some of the traditional hymns in CH4 and allow for a bit of toe tapping.
Amy Donaldson, along with Marge Whiteside, leads the Junior Singers (P3-7) who contribute several times each year with joyful songs augmented by their own choreography. They are always greatly appreciated by the congregation when they sing.
Marge Whiteside also runs a small group for those who just love singing. All are welcome.
The Director of Music is Donald Cameron OBE who has been the organist and choir master since 2018. He has a long history of leading a wide range of musical styles within a church context and plays regularly with the Origin Big Band and other similar groups. This year he is joined by Elizabeth Smith who has been appointed as Deputy Organist.
If you have any musical skills, vocal or instrumental, we are keen to build up our musical team so do get in touch and we can discuss how you can contribute to the praise of our Lord Jesus Christ through the gift of music. Donald Cameron, donaldcameron2010@gmail.com.
