Interview with Church Minister, Elsie Fortune
Well, I’ve talked to Mike about the musical side of the Singing Group, but I was wondering about the response from the congregation to the group and what they think about it. Has there been a good response to it?
Well, I would say so. When I first came to St Mary’s about ten years ago, I was told that the congregation wouldn’t sing out that well. You know, they enjoyed music but there wasn’t a lot of musical ability. And I can’t sing – although I love music, I’m not a singer.
It wasn’t long after I came that Mike Hay approached me and suggested that it would be lovely if we could have a group that could lead us from the front of the church. He was very knowledgeable about music and he got a group together.
It really took off from there. There were just five or six of them at the start but they were really enthusiastic. And over the time we had Janet – you know, younger folks – and Jessie and Tom and then yourselves – you and Calum – coming along which just added to it. And of course, you both play musical instruments, as well.
And you know, as far as I’m concerned the congregation just loves the Singing Group: the variety of music that you sing – the introit and the anthem. Sometimes it raises the roof, other times you can hear a pin drop in the silence after you’ve finished. The hairs go up on the back of my neck when [the Singing Group] sings. And that’s why when we were talking about disbanding it and not being able to carry on all the congregation were very much against the idea. So, you know, they’re very enthusiastic and they really enjoy you leading us and also the solos that you do and all the parts that Mike brings in and other gifts that you give to it.
I think it’s great that there are younger people in [the Singing Group], as well, because that always encourages [the congregation]. I’ll be so sad when you stop after next week.
Well, I would say so. When I first came to St Mary’s about ten years ago, I was told that the congregation wouldn’t sing out that well. You know, they enjoyed music but there wasn’t a lot of musical ability. And I can’t sing – although I love music, I’m not a singer.
It wasn’t long after I came that Mike Hay approached me and suggested that it would be lovely if we could have a group that could lead us from the front of the church. He was very knowledgeable about music and he got a group together.
It really took off from there. There were just five or six of them at the start but they were really enthusiastic. And over the time we had Janet – you know, younger folks – and Jessie and Tom and then yourselves – you and Calum – coming along which just added to it. And of course, you both play musical instruments, as well.
And you know, as far as I’m concerned the congregation just loves the Singing Group: the variety of music that you sing – the introit and the anthem. Sometimes it raises the roof, other times you can hear a pin drop in the silence after you’ve finished. The hairs go up on the back of my neck when [the Singing Group] sings. And that’s why when we were talking about disbanding it and not being able to carry on all the congregation were very much against the idea. So, you know, they’re very enthusiastic and they really enjoy you leading us and also the solos that you do and all the parts that Mike brings in and other gifts that you give to it.
I think it’s great that there are younger people in [the Singing Group], as well, because that always encourages [the congregation]. I’ll be so sad when you stop after next week.
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So the Singing Group helps the congregation?
Yes, and I do find that even when the folk in the Singing Group go into the congregation and we haven’t got an actual group up at the front that enables the congregation to sing, as well. You can see people are more enthusiastic because the Singing Group is there among them.
Yes, and I do find that even when the folk in the Singing Group go into the congregation and we haven’t got an actual group up at the front that enables the congregation to sing, as well. You can see people are more enthusiastic because the Singing Group is there among them.
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The congregation is very involved with the Singing Group’s activities then?
Very much! We’ve had special services. You weren’t here when we did the Top Ten – Mike arranged that everybody put in a vote for their favourite hymns and then the Singing Group sang the winning ones. And that’s how How Great Thou Art came to be St Mary’s favourite hymn. So there’s always been participation and you know, they enjoy our special services at Christmas and Easter – the Singing Group always has an extra part to play in that.
Very much! We’ve had special services. You weren’t here when we did the Top Ten – Mike arranged that everybody put in a vote for their favourite hymns and then the Singing Group sang the winning ones. And that’s how How Great Thou Art came to be St Mary’s favourite hymn. So there’s always been participation and you know, they enjoy our special services at Christmas and Easter – the Singing Group always has an extra part to play in that.
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I’ve found that the Singing Group has helped me personally, you know, when I had issues earlier in the year. Singing with the group just sort of makes you feel good, you know what I mean?
Yes, it’s a therapy. And I think the congregation would agree with you there. Because whether they’re singing with you or listening to you, I think it’s therapeutic for them, as well. And I mean, we’ve got some older members who, in their day, were lovely musicians and they sang but now aren’t so able. But I think to be able to hear the Singing Group really does have a calming effect and yet there’s an energy in it, as well.
And of course, your flute and Calum’s trumpet just add to the whole thing.
Yes, it’s a therapy. And I think the congregation would agree with you there. Because whether they’re singing with you or listening to you, I think it’s therapeutic for them, as well. And I mean, we’ve got some older members who, in their day, were lovely musicians and they sang but now aren’t so able. But I think to be able to hear the Singing Group really does have a calming effect and yet there’s an energy in it, as well.
And of course, your flute and Calum’s trumpet just add to the whole thing.
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Were there instruments in the Singing Group before we joined?
No I don’t think so. Although, Tom could play the keyboard and I know he once brought his grandson along for a social event which the Singing Group was part of. But I don’t really remember anything – Calum was really the first with his trumpet and then you with the flute. That’s really enhanced it.
St Mary’s did have a choir back in the sixties, with proper choir stalls behind the organ, but they were taken out. Our current Singing Group was really a big step for us, and it was thanks to Mike, really. All of the members really enjoy the rehearsals and the practices. They named it ‘Singing Group’, because they didn’t feel they were musical enough, but I think there should be a special name for you.
No I don’t think so. Although, Tom could play the keyboard and I know he once brought his grandson along for a social event which the Singing Group was part of. But I don’t really remember anything – Calum was really the first with his trumpet and then you with the flute. That’s really enhanced it.
St Mary’s did have a choir back in the sixties, with proper choir stalls behind the organ, but they were taken out. Our current Singing Group was really a big step for us, and it was thanks to Mike, really. All of the members really enjoy the rehearsals and the practices. They named it ‘Singing Group’, because they didn’t feel they were musical enough, but I think there should be a special name for you.
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It seems that foremost the Singing Group is a fun activity. There’s no requirement to be great at singing in order to be allowed to join it.
Yeah, and I think that’s what the Singing Group is all about, really. It’s clear that you all enjoy it and I think that’s why the congregation and myself enjoy you so much because it’s coming right from the heart.
Yeah, and I think that’s what the Singing Group is all about, really. It’s clear that you all enjoy it and I think that’s why the congregation and myself enjoy you so much because it’s coming right from the heart.
