Page 2 - Contact Spring 2015

MUSIC MINISTRY MENTORING PROGRAMME 2014-2015 Stuart Beattie (Music Director) Q. How and when did the music ministry mentoring programme start? In July 2013 Bobby Spence and a few other music ministry members organised a three day music ministry summer school. Ten enthusiastic and talented young people in Yrs 8-11 were keen to come for some introductory training to explore what worship is and what role music plays in worship. A key element throughout the programme was helping the young musicians to play cooperatively rather than individually, and they were able to get experience by playing for Holiday Bible Club as well as in church for the Holiday Bible Club service. I was greatly encouraged to see the young people grow in confdence, enjoy playing together and play to the best of their abilities. Throughout the 2013/14 school year I felt very blessed to have these young musicians continue to play together for several of our all-age family services and again at Holiday Bible club last summer. One of my specifc responsibilities as musical director is to recruit, train and mentor junior and adult musicians. Last September I approached experienced members of the music ministry to see who would be willing to be specifc instrument mentors for a few of the junior musicians. I was keen to see some of these young musicians who had been playing at all age services transition into the wider music ministry of our church. To date, six junior musicians are currently being mentored and are making great progress. God willing, this number will continue to grow as more get involved. Q. How does the mentoring programme work? Each junior musician involved has been paired with a music ministry mentor who plays the same instrument. About once a month, the junior musician is invited to ‘double up’ with his or her mentor to play during the rehearsal and the service. The role of the mentor is to offer support and encouragement and to help the junior musician build his or her confdence while playing in church. The mentor is also encouraged to take the time, when possible, to meet with his or her mentee before the practice to rehearse anything tricky and answer any questions or concerns. Q. What do those involved think about the music ministry mentoring programme? I have been very encouraged by how well the programme has been going and the feedback received from parents, young people and mentors has all been very positive. Here are some comments from those involved...