MSM reaching out beyond its boundaries
THE Methodist School of Music (MSM) celebrated its 9th year in testament of God’s faithfulness and blessing with an evening of thanksgiving, worship and music at the TA2 Sanctuary of Telok Ayer Chinese Methodist Church on April 29, 2006.
The theme was “Blessings beyond Boundaries.” About 400 friends and supporters of the MSM, including Bishop Dr Robert Solomon, who pronounced the benediction, were present.
This year’s event is of special significance as on the eve of the 9th Anniversary celebration, the MSM signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Trinity Theological College on the joint Master of Theological Studies in Church Music/Worship & Liturgy programme.
This is an important milestone for the school, which is reaching out beyond its boundaries. We pray for God’s continued blessings upon us. Please continue to support us with your prayers and giving.
The opening and closing voluntaries were presented by organ student Philina Ng. Mr John Ang, the Chairman of the MSM Management Committee, gave the welcome speech. The Principal, Ms Mary Gan, led in the call to worship, followed by the choral introit by the Anniversary Choir conducted by Ms Wong Lai Foon. The Rev Khoo Cheng Hoot, the President of the Chinese Annual Conference, led in the Litany of Thanksgiving after an opening prayer by the Rev Dharmaraj Ebinezar Mohan, a member of the MSM Management Committee.
The celebration in music began with a moving rendition of Charles Wesley’s hymn anthem, “Jesus, United by Thy Grace” (arranged by Lim Swee Hong) by the MSM Staff.
Ten harpists from the ACJC Harp Ensemble then played three beautiful pieces, followed by the ACJC Chamber Ensemble playing a Schubert piece for piano, violin, viola and cello.
Fifteen-year-old piano student, Fang Yi, played Bramhs’ “Romanze”, Op. 118. Two sets of siblings, Nurliyana bte Zainal and her sister Nursyazana, and Emanuel and his sister Evangeline Koh, performed pieces for two violins and viola and piano respectively.
Mr Jusuf Kam, an MSM Management Committee member, sang Mendelssohn’s “Sing Ye Praise” from “Hymn of Praise”
Symphony and a contemporary piece, “You Raise Me Up”, by Brendan Graham/Rolf Lovland.
The congregation then had the opportunity to follow an early church tradition of singing in alternation with organist Ng Chet Wei the well-known hymn “Come, Holy Ghosts, Our Souls, Inspire!”
The offertory anthem, “This is a Day of New Beginnings” by Brian Wren/David Ashley White, summed up the gist of the celebration for the night.
The powerful Easter anthem text of love, faith, hope and new beginning is an encouragement to us at MSM as we strive forward with faith and hope in our second phase of development.