A fun-filled week

‘IAM looking forward to next year and would highly recommend the course.’ Those are the words of a delegate who attended the Easter Music Course (EMC) last year. Arranged by Music and Creative Arts, the music school for over-30s is a hidden gem in the territorial calendar, filled with music, Bible study, fellowship and fun.

Every year, on Easter Monday, Salvationists and friends of The Salvation Army from across the territory – we also have regular overseas delegates – meet together for the five-day retreat. This year, it takes place from Monday 10 to Friday 14 April at King’s Park Conference Centre in Northampton. The course provides an opportunity to leave your everyday life and concerns behind and join in fellowship with other Salvationists.

This year the band will be led by Assistant Director of Music and Creative Arts (Brass and Choral) Paul Sharman and the female vocal by Assistant Director of Music and Creative Arts (Creative Arts) Stephanie Lamplough. The main study options will meet three times a day to share together in music-making, looking at music old and new, and, once a day, all the delegates will come together to share in a mixed voices rehearsal. This will be led by Susan Avison, who is also the week’s accompanist.

Each year, we also welcome a Salvation Army music section, who present a concert just for the delegates. And, on the final day, there is a musical revue where delegates perform to each other the music that they have been working on during the week.

Each day a guest Bible study leader takes us through Scripture. This year, we will be joined by Captain Ian Standley (William Booth College), who is the spiritual director for the week. We will also be joined by Captain Nicola Brooksbank (Southend Citadel and Southend Southchurch) and Captain Callum McKenna (William Booth College) who will open God’s word to us, giving us an opportunity to develop and share together.

Sharing in fellowship is a hugely important part of the week. There is time to rekindle old friendships and make new friends with organised activities like timbrels, Dance Fit and Drawing Closer, but there is also plenty of time just to chat and enjoy each other’s company.

At Easter Music Course there is plenty of fun. The delegates enjoy themed evenings, quizzes and a talent night. If you enjoy making music within The Salvation Army or if you remember fondly your time at Salvation Army music schools, then why not come and join us for this fun-filled, God-inspired week alongside other like-minded people?

SAVE THE DATE

WHEN: 10 to 14 April

WHERE: King’s Park Conference Centre FIND OUT

MORE: salvationist.org.uk/emc