Open Rehearsal: St. Patrick's School

It was back in the early 1980’s when Murray & Hazel Somerville visited Charlotte to give an introduction to the RSCM method of instruction.  It was held at Christ Church right after Carolyn Darr had been appointed Organist/Choirmaster. There was  a mixed group of children represented from a variety of local churches.  It was held on a Saturday morning.  Murray sat at the piano, rehearsing passages with the children, asking the children one question after the other.  He commanded their full attention throughout the whole of the rehearsal.  After the rehearsal, the guild members in attendance had time to address any questions or comments to Murray. This experience of observing first hand (and not reading something in a book) became invaluable to me as I was about to begin a full-time church music career.

It is rare in this day and time to have a separate  boys and girls choir.…