June 2017


A special appreciation of Christopher Fletcher-Campbell Norman Gee and members of Quest


As announced at our annual meeting, St Helen's Direc- tor of Music Christopher Fletcher-Campbell will be leaving at the end of June after ten years of loyal ser- vice. With a busy lifestyle including transporting Ca- nadian cadets, teaching at Abingdon, conductingtwo local orchestras and a further choir, and transporting his library of percussion instruments round southern England, Chris has still managed to lead the musical development at St Helen's, expanding the choir num- bers and substantially refreshing the repertoire.


Music can't be expressed in numbers, but I calculate that he has accompanied around 1000 services, played upwards of 5 million notes on the organ, of which around 20% on the pedals, led 500 choir practices, organised roughly 80 afternoon concerts, and bought two new motors for the organ humidifier.


We will miss the maroon van, the unexpected timpani suddenly appearing in the choir vestry, and most of all a close and valued friend.


We shall all miss Chris, and the dynamic contribution he makes to our services. As well as being an incredibly talented musician, Chris has an enormous sense of fun. The girls have thoroughly enjoyed singing under his direction in the choir and have learned a huge amount. Chris’s understanding and encouragement without pressure or stress has helped them to thrive and to develop their understanding of music. He will be a great loss to us, but will continue to bless peo- ple through music wherever he goes. The Irvings


Christopher has been my choir master since I started. He’s taught us about music and improved our voices. He gives us cookies each week so we don’t get out of energy. He’s always been a brilliant choir master and we’re all really sad he’s leaving. - Rachel


We’ve really appreciated the support and en- couragement Chris has given to Rachel and re- cently also to Lucy in the choir. There’s never been any pressure on them, but they have learnt a great deal about singing and about church mu- sic - the Clarkes


Chris is an inspiration for everyone. He is organised and always man- ages to make singing in the choir a brilliant mix of education and enter- tainment. He has also been wonder- ful at helping us to achieve our vari- ous ribbons, never letting it feel like a worrying exam. Chris is a marvel- lous choir master who will be very sorely missed by us all. - Emily


Chistopher has really helped to raise my confidence in the years I have been in St Helen’s choir. He’s ex- tremely patient and understanding and I can speak for everyone when I say that I am sad to see him go. Thank you for all you have done for me and everyone here at St Helen’s. - Kaitlin


Chris has taught me a lot about music and singing. He has welcomed me into the choir and helped me get not only my surplice (making me a fully-fledged member of the choir), but then helped me get my light blue rib- bon (the 1st stage in the RSCM “voice for life” scheme). He has been great at understanding us chil- dren, and has been very patient with us. I know that me, and all the church, will be sad to see him go. - Laura


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