New Zealanders named in RSCM annual awards
Two New Zealand organists are recognised in the Royal School of Church Music's annual honorary awards. Their names appear alongside significant contributors to church music from the around UK and the United States.
Roy Tankersley of Palmerston North is awarded an Associateship (ARSCM) - for "achievements of national significance" for the RSCM.
The announcement points out that Roy has "organised many church music activities at community and national level, including direction of the RSCM Winter School. He is an organ consultant, motivator, workshop presenter, recitalist and choir trainer, as well as running an educational video project. Roy has had an enormous impact wherever he has been. His enthusiasm and passion for church music has inspired generations of New Zealanders."
Aucklander John Hume is awarded Honorary Membership (HonRSCM) - for exceptional or very significant work for church music or the RSCM.
The citation records that John "has been on the choral scene in New Zealand for more than 50 years, not least in his indefatigable efforts to advance the work of the RSCM throughout the country. He has been of tremendous support in his RSCM branch with administration and finance, and has worked hard at parish level and as a professional in the Bach Society, Dorian Choir and at numerous RSCM summer schools."
A third New Zealand church musician (although not an organist), David McAdam of Hamilton, receives the RSCM Certificate for Special Service for "dedicated service to RSCM New Zealand Council and to the Waikato branch for many years".
The awards which go to a wide range of eminent scholars, cathedral and parish musicians, even a bshop, will be presented at a special RSCM service at Durham Cathedral on 15 May 2010.