Dunkeld Cathedral - A YouTube hit!

youtube More than 770 people tuned-in to the Watchnight carol service from Dunkeld Cathedral on Christmas Eve. Did you miss it? No problem, just point your phone’s camera at the QR code or search YouTube for ‘Dunkeld Online’. You will find a lot of videos on the channel and not just services but other music videos too – all produced by the parish team. Make no mistake, these are well produced and delivered videos which would not look out of place on the BBC. There’s wonderful photography reflecting the area through the seasons and drone footage as well as excellently produced music alongside the more traditional content of Bible readings, prayers and uplifting Reflections. The parish team have been putting these services online every week since the original lockdown started back in the Spring of last year; the service on 21st February will be the 50th online service – and that’s not counting a dozen other special events and music videos.
The Minister, Rev. Fraser Penny (pictured), says: “Far from being an emergency stop-gap while our church buildings are closed, going online has meant that we can do many more creative things, engage with more people and bring some much-needed company to those stuck at home. Church-going isn’t as popular as it was a generation ago and we know there are many who might find our buildings a bit intimidating. Going online has meant that anyone interested can see what goes on without themselves being seen. We don’t know who you are! You can watch at anytime, anywhere on your phone or tablet and leave whenever you like.”
Virtual choirs have become on obligatory part of lockdown life and the Dunkeld Parish team do not disappoint. Hazel Murch, the parish’s Director of Music has had to learn a lot of new skills! She records a music track on the cathedral’s organ or piano. This is then emailed to all the choir members who then separately sing their own parts at home and email their tracks back to Hazel who then mixes all the contributions back into a choir. Harmonies, descants, saxophone and flute tracks are also becoming a feature of the music. Local singer, Karen Kelman, provides solos and adds her own videos and photography to the musical output.
The picture shows Fraser Penny recording a solo song called “The Oxen,” written by church member Rachel Drury, which featured in the ‘Christmas from Dunkeld’ video. Do check it out. The overcoat gives you a clue to how cold the cathedral is in December!
For a relatively small parish, Dunkeld has achieved so much and it is no wonder that hundreds of people tunein every week. Videos go “live” at 11.00 on Sunday mornings but can, of course, be viewed at any time after that. Use the QR code or go onto YouTube and search for ‘Dunkeld Online’.

Coronavirus Emergency - Our Community Responds

Dunkeld Cathedral - A YouTube hit!

Featured Stories

Regular Columns

Community News Items

Arts News

Young Roving Reporter

Sport & Active

Community Council News

Businesses & Organisations

Contact Details

Weather Update