 |
Music Ministry
Music in worship stems back to Biblical times, with such poets and composers as David the Psalmist. Since its
inception, the Episcopal Church has long held the tradition of fine music within its worship. Trinity's
Ministry of Music is open to all who have a desire to praise and serve God through the gift of music - vocal or
instrumental, and who are willing to commit the time required to prepare such music to the best of their
abilities.
PARISH CHOIR -- Trinity's Parish Choir is a mixed choir of women and men. They
sing a wide variety of sacred choral literature, ranging from chant to late twentieth-century compositions, all
to the praise and glory of God's. Parish Choir is open to anyone age 15 and older, able to demonstrate the
ability to sing. Music reading ability is not a requirement, but is warmly welcomed. Parish Choir rehearses on
Wednesday nights, 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM (excluding summer), and sings at almost every 9:30 AM Eucharist during the
festal season.
HANDBELL CHOIRS -- Trinity Ringers comprises men and women from ages ten to 110.
Using Trinity's five-octave Malmark handbell set, the Ringers add further beauty and color to Sunday worship and
special services. Potential candidates receive basic training in handbell technique and music reading in the
group known as "The St. Dunstan Ringers". When sufficient skills have been acquired (at the discretion
of the director), candidates "move up" to Trinity Ringers. Trinity Ringers rehearse on Wednesday
evenings, 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM, and play four to eight times during the festal season at 9:30 AM Eucharist, and
at other services as required.
CHILDREN'S CHOIR -- Trinity Children's Choir rehearses periodically during the
Christian Formation/Education hour and prepares brief anthems to sing at 9:30 AM Eucharists during Fall and Lent.
There are no audition requirements for Children's Choir, and rehearsals occur with
whoever shows up for those Christian Formation/Education sessions.
THE ORGAN AND PIANOS -- Trinity's three-manual, electro-pneumatic action,
thirty-rank pipe organ was built in 1973 by Schantz of Orrville OH. It was designed to perform a variety of
organ music, and is considered one of the finest instruments in the Episcopal Diocese of Milwaukee. Trinity also
owns a number of pianos built by Yamaha and Baldwin, placed throughout the campus.
DO YOU PLAY AN INSTRUMENT? -- You can take advantage of Trinity's great acoustical
setting and fine keyboard instruments as an offering to the Lord. Consider playing your instrument at 9:30
Eucharist, offering your thanks and praise to God for your talents, and further enhancing the congregation's
worship experience. Brass, woodwinds, strings, keyboards, percussion instruments are welcome as solos and
ensembles. Accompanying instruments for choral anthems are also welcome. Trinity Brass is Trinity's
"pick-up" brass ensemble, which plays at occasional feasts during the 9:30 AM Eucharist.
WHERE DO I GO FROM HERE? -- If you have read this far, clearly you feel some
calling to the Ministry of Music. The next step is to sign up. Call, 414-453-4540, or e-mail
Gene Traas, the
Organist & Choirmaster of Trinity Church. If you prefer, you can ask anyone involved in Trinity's musical
activities: Choristers, handbell ringers, organ students-all will be glad to help you get started.
Sing to the Lord
a new song,
his praise in the assembly of the faithful.
Let Israel be glad
in its Maker;
Let the children of Zion
rejoice in their King.
Let them praise his name with dancing,
Making melody to him
with tambourine
and lyre.
- from Psalm 149
|
|
|
|
