Unofficial Christ's Hospital Forum

I have been informed that Malcolm McKelvey died on December 29th and his obit was in the Daily Telegraph. I have got the Telegraph's ok to use their obit, but would also like a photo, if anyone has one, as well as personal reminiscences of him.
He was Director of Music from 62 - 85.
For example, I have been given the following:
I remember he got v cross when a satirical magazine was produced in the late 60's which had a piece about "Malcolm Tenfists" because of his robust organ playing - I think he managed to have the author rusticated.
Anything else to add?

See here
viewtopic.php?t=1045&highlight=malcolm+mckelvey

Vonny wrote:See here
viewtopic.php?t=1045&highlight=malcolm+mckelvey

Thanks, missed that but still no photo nor anecdotes.

jhopgood wrote: I remember he got v cross when a satirical magazine was produced in the late 60's which had a piece about "Malcolm Tenfists" because of his robust organ playing - I think he managed to have the author rusticated.Anything else to add?

Seems a bit of an extreme reaction!

Richard Ruck wrote:

jhopgood wrote: I remember he got v cross when a satirical magazine was produced in the late 60's which had a piece about "Malcolm Tenfists" because of his robust organ playing - I think he managed to have the author rusticated.Anything else to add?

Seems a bit of an extreme reaction!

My correspondent also sent me the following:
McKelvey caught me and a friend playing the blues on a grand piano at the Music School and was totally unamused. Still, you've got to admire a man who can bully 800 bored boys into practising hymns ...

I think McKelvey was a bit 'Old School' in his attitude towards other forms of music (in stark contrast contrast to the way things are now).

I'm sure he considered brass players in particular to be a bit uncouth, although he did invite some of us to join the Horsham Orchestra (as it was known then).

I'm wracking my brain for anecdotes, but you don't really want to hear about him catching me having just finished a cigarette in the passage outside the old band-room, do you?

He complained to Bandy that I failed to watch him during a practice of St John's Passion in the Chapel.The Tuba Mirum is for the second trombone, me, but it was obvious that Paul Barnes, an NYO player and first trombone, was the better candidadte to play it.
I suppose it was early days and he didn't know who was who, but he did have a bit of a temper.

Did he not write some hymns etc which the school still use?

Edited for muppetry...

Great Plum wrote:Did he not right some hymns etc which the school still use?

Why, what was wrong with them?

Perhaps the school might have some photos knocking around.....