St Michael's Family Band

‘I will sing and make music with all my soul’ (Psalm 108)

The Family Band is no longer restricted to the summer services. They now play at the All-Age Communion services and on other occasions too. If you are interested in joing this "happy band", please contact Andrew Sutherland, our choirmaster and organist, through the church office.

The fun is summed up in the following poem by band member, Amy Donaldson.

‘Twas in the 1980s Lorna Paterson said to me
‘I’d love to have a band made up of church family
We’d use them in the summer for some 9.30am fun’;
‘St Michael’s Family Band’ she asked? No sooner said than done!

We thought it was for just one year, or maybe two at best.
But what was due to happen next, we never could have guessed.
The early summer services, which had been quiet till then,
Were suddenly very popular with children, women and men!

‘Come back next year’ they said – oh, how the comments flowed.
And so this seed that Lorna sowed, like Topsy ‘growed and growed’
Till here we are in zero-five playing for you once more
With dulcimer, accordion and guitars to the fore.

We’ve trumpets and recorders, we’ve cornets and oboe
Euphonium, a violin and even a cello.
Andrew holds a practice every Thursday 7pm.
He holds them in the Adam Room for those who can manage them.

But what is it I’m leading to? Just where’s this poem going?
What tiny little mustard, like Lorna, am I sowing?
The title ‘Family Band’ is exactly what we mean,
We’d welcome you, both young and old – and those who’re in between.

We want to see new faces come and join our happy crew,
If you can play an instrument, then come and see Andrew.
It doesn’t have to be each week, just come when you can manage,
Come help us raise a joyful ‘noise’ – now, have you got the message?

‘Sing for joy to God our strength; Shout aloud to the God of Jacob!
Begin the music …….. (Psalm 81)