The liturgical year has many special Sundays when congregations remember particular groups of people such as seafarers, prisoners, teachers and mothers. The Royal School of Church Music believes that it is also important to celebrate the music and musicians that are a vital part of any church’s worship. This will be reflected nationally in television and radio broadcasts, but we strongly hope that churches will hold their own Music Sunday on 13th June or a nearby date.

In a Music Sunday pilot project last year, St Nicholas’ in Guisborough, North Yorkshire held a special service and concert of choral and light music. St Peter’s Church in Peterston-super-Ely, a small village in South Wales, put on a 12-hour music marathon with 150 performers taking part. Events elsewhere have included recitals by recorder groups, folk groups, and even a hands-on demonstration of African drumming.

It’s also a fund-raising initiative; hence The 50:50 Campaign. Peterston-super-Ely raised £1300, using their share for new choir robes, and another church made £200 which helped them to offset an unexpectedly large heating bill. The RSCM’s half goes to supporting church music (both ancient and modern!) and training musicians through its programmes such as Voice for Life, which is probably being used in a church near you. Meanwhile Church Music Skills is catching on fast with organists, choir trainers and cantors in many different church situations and settings.

Every contribution is important, so we hope you’ll want to join in. It might be a barbecue, sponsored sing, or simply a collection at a service. Information, ideas, downloadable resources, and templates are on our website www.rscm.com/musicsunday, along with suggestions for music, special readings, and prayers – or call us at 01722 424848.