Many of us have recently got to know Philip Norman through all the work he has done around our Ministry Area. Philip has now been honoured with the Archbishop of Wales’ Award in Church Music which recognises people of outstanding musical ability who contribute to worship. Bishop Cherry presented several of these awards at Newport Cathedral on Sunday 30th June. Unfortunately Philip was needed at our own MA Evensong this day so here pictured is Father Julian presenting him with his award at St Teilo’s, Llantilio Crossenny.
Speaking with Philip about his involvement with the Ministry Area: “On the day we moved into the area (April 2021), the Revd John Humphries was on my doorstep with recycling bags, and an offer (with a set of church keys) to let me practise on the organ of St David’s, Llanddewi Rhydderch. Within a fortnight, he’d got me playing for services. Fast forward three years, and I now play regularly for three of the NMMA churches (St David’s, Llanddewi Rhydderch; St Michael’s, Llanvihangel Crucorney; and St Teilo’s, Llantilio Pertholey) and, on an ad hoc basis, I pop-up playing at eleven other NMMA churches. I make a monthly foray over to Powys to play at Patricio church, with occasional guest appearances at St Mary’s, Brecon and Brecon Cathedral. Sundry other churches of various denominations in the Abergavenny area have also seen me on the organ bench. It was Priscillla Llewellyn who, in April 2022, suggested that I could form a choir covering the forthcoming NMMA – so that’s how the NMMA choir came about. I have discovered that, in some congregations, the choir is considered to be some sort of selected elite drafted in for special events, supplanting the local “rustic choir” (their words, not mine). This is far from actuality. The NMMA choir is open to anyone who can carry a tune in a bucket and is prepared to come along to the limited number of rehearsals before each event. The repertoire is formed around the singers available rather than those singers being unhappily hammered into a pre-determined mould. On a monthly basis, I am working with the choir of St Teilo’s, Llantilio Pertholey whilst the church searches for a permanent organist and choir trainer. I have run a number of workshop days such as a Can’t Sing? Saturday for aspiring singers, an Upgrade to Organist session, which introduced pianists to organ playing, and a Great Welsh Hymns afternoon and evening [based on the hymn repertoire within the NMMA, it seems that 1972 didn’t happen]. Also, at random intervals, I have simplified difficult hymn accompaniments on request and given tips about using organs more effectively.”
Many thanks to Philip for his continued dedication to the Ministry Area. All are welcome to join the NMMA Pop Up Choir.