Your RCO event details can be found below.
Please note that the 24-hour clock is used on all event listings, with all times being GMT/BST. To book courses and classes, please follow the Book Online link wherever you see it, and email bookings@rco.org.uk or call 020 3865 6998 with any queries. Where events are free or not bookable online, please follow the instructions for that event.
RCO Academy's 'Set Your Sights!' days are aimed at ambitious teenage organists aged around 14–19. They offer coaching in repertoire playing, keyboard skills (sight reading, transposition, improvisation...), and choral conducting and accompaniment. They are ideal for anyone with an interest in developing the skills needed to play for church services and essential for those thinking of applying for an organ scholarship in a church, cathedral or at university either this year or in the future. This event also provides excellent prepartion for anyone coming on or considering our 'The Organ Scholarship Experience' (TOSE) course which runs in Oxford 18–23 July. We are based at Sidney Sussex College with its two acclaimed new organs; we will use several of Cambridge's other exciting instruments; and the day ends with an optional private visit to King's College Chapel where the organ was completely refurbished late last year - a rare privilege.This will be from about 18:30–19:30. Read on for further information and scroll to the bottom of the page to book online.
Programme
In the morning you will work on organ repertoire (bring pieces of your own choice, including those that could be played as pre-and post-service voluntaries) and keyboard skills, in addition to having coaching in choral conducting. The afternoon centres around preparing for a service of choral evensong at which everyone will sing and many will play and/or direct. The music chosen (see below) varies in difficulty to allow as many as people as possible to participate as organists and conductors.Parents, other relatives and friends are welcome to attend the service. Don't miss the optional visit to King's College Chapel from about 18:30–19:30 to see and hear the world famous organ.
Tutors
David Goode, former organ scholar of King's College and now Organist of Eton College with an international recital career.
Sarah Macdonald, Fellow and Director of Music at Selwyn College and Director of Ely Cathedral Girls' Choir.
James Parsons, Organ tutor at Birmingham Conservatoire, and consultant to the RCO, with years of experience in running hugely popular events and courses for young organists.
Choral Repertoire - click here to download the service booklet with all the music you need. This will also be posted to those who have booked a place.
Music details: Psalm 41 (chant John Camidge Junior); Office hymn 'Glory be to Jesus' (tune Caswell); Magnificat from 4th Service, Batten; Nun Dimittis (plainchant); Anthem, 'O Saviour of the World, Goss; Hymn, 'There is a green hill far away' (tune Horsley).
Attendance Fees
RCO Student Members £50
Others £57
For RCO courses and classes, the following key is used as a guide to level and suitability:
Beginner (Grades 1-4)
Intermediate (Grades 4-6)
Advanced (Grades 6-8 / CRCO)
Diploma 1 (CRCO–ARCO)
Diploma 2 (ARCO–FRCO)