A memorable day at Southwark Cathedral – Conferment 2018

Last Saturday, in the splendid setting of Southwark Cathedral, the RCO presented Diplomas and Certificates to 49 members of the college who were successful in the examinations in the past year – and for the first time this included the RCO’s new qualification, the Certificate of Accredited Membership (CAM). Distinguished guests were awarded the RCO Medal, and Peter Stevens gave the Ede & Ravenscroft recital – pictures of the day’s event as it unfolded.

Leeds Organist leads the way

The opportunity was there, so I took it, says Giles Taylor, of his recent success in being the first to gain one of the College’s new CAM (Certificate of Accredited Membership) qualifications. Giles had previously browsed the College’s Diploma requirements, but the CAM awards appealed because he felt the elements were straightforward and achievable. In this interview he describes the experience of taking the examination.

Your RCO Exam

This video, which is free to view for RCO member and guest users of iRCO alike, has been produced to help anyone preparing for, or considering taking, one of the Royal College of Organists’ diploma examinations.

Conferment – the view from the backstage crew

The RCO management team is required to pull together on Conferment day and perform some interesting tasks, outside our usual skillsets. First thing in the morning wicker baskets arrive full of assorted gowns and hoods, and the robing department has to make sure that everyone gets the correct gorgeous garments for the ceremony. We stuff the programmes with appropriate fliers and donation envelopes, and become ushers and usherettes as soon as the audience starts to arrive. And all in amongst the Royal College of Organists holds its Annual General Meeting…