Music @ Trinity

Like most churches, Trinity sees music as a key ingredient in the worship of God.  We take our cue from the Bible – from Psalm 150, with its comprehensive call on instrumentalists of all kinds, through to St. Paul’s call in Ephesians 5 v19 to sing and make music in your heart to the Lord.

Although we strive to be the best we can be at all levels, we see music as ministry not performance: a whole-hearted offering to God, with integrity and sincerity.

Our ministry is neither exclusively traditional nor wholly modern.  Rather, we seek to embrace the best that the Holy Spirit has inspired from the past to the present.  There is something for all tastes at Trinity.

In keeping with this, we are not shackled to any particular musical instrument, whether organ, guitars, drums, saxophones, flutes etc.  God has gifted Trinity with a wide range of talented players, and we seek to use them all flexibly and to his glory.

Of course, the best worship instrument of all is the human voice, so we have a choir which contributes chorally, across a range of styles, to most Sunday morning services.

So, if you have a liking for music-making in the service of God, however modest you may feel about your abilities, Trinity is a good place to be!

The Worship Band

The worship band is a group of up to about 12 musicians who play for part of the morning services throughout most of the year.  The current make up comprises guitars (rhythm and bass), trumpet, saxes, flute, trombones, clarinets, keyboard, vocals and occasional percussion.

The band is versatile, playing contemporary Christian songs alongside new up-beat arrangements of older favourites.  Most music is arranged in-house by members of Trinity with the necessary skills.

The last Sunday evening of each month (September to June only) is earmarked as a Trinity Praise service. This is an informal time of worship led throughout by the Worship Band.

Band practice sessions vary, but tend to revolve around Tuesday evenings from about 8pm, Sunday mornings before worship at about 9.30am, or before Trinity Praise at about 5pm.

For more information or to join the Worship Band, contact the Director of Music (see front page) or speak to the Worship Band co-ordinator Angela Stephenson.

The Big Band

The big band is a group of 30+ musicians who play for the All Age Worship services about four times a year.  These are always lively and exciting occasions.

Anyone who plays an instrument may join.  At present, the players’ age range runs from about eight to – well, let’s just say ‘retired’!  The music is specially arranged in-house for all abilities, so if you would like to chip in we need to know in advance so that we can have appropriate music ready for you.

Players meet for a practice session before the service at which the band is due to play.  You receive the music beforehand so you can prepare at home if you have the time and facilities.  Between the practice and the start of the service there’s breakfast for all at Trinity—possibly the highlight of the morning!

For more information or to enquire about joining the Big Band, contact the Director of Music (see front page), or one of the Big Band conductors—Jeremy Nelson or David Cowans.

The Choir

Trinity choir is a four-part (Soprano/Alto/Tenor/Bass) group of about 20 members.  It serves on most Sunday mornings by ministering a short choral ‘Call to Worship’, singing a more substantial piece later in the service, providing a lead for the congregational singing and often ministering in song during communion.

The repertoire is varied, reflecting Trinity’s declared aim of blending the best of the old with the best of the new, and in aiding the congregation in learning new hymns and songs of worship.

The choir rehearses on Thursday evenings from 7pm to 8.15pm, and meets at 10am before Sunday morning worship to run through that morning’s music.  Anyone who can croon a melody and has a heart to sing for the Lord as part of a team may join.  We are not looking for Kiri Te Kanawas or Andrea Bocellis!

For more information or to join the choir, contact the Director of Music  or speak to any choir member.

The Organists and Organ

Most Sunday services involve the organ to a greater or lesser degree, often in partnership with the bands and/or piano.  The church also hosts a growing number of weddings, and there are occasional funerals.  These services nearly always require an organist.

At present, we have four organists in the church family who manage these requirements on a rota basis, but we warmly invite your  interest if you are an organist or thinking of taking up the instrument.

The organ is a ‘state of the art’ digital instrument from the prominent electronic organ builder Phoenix Organs (UK) Ltd.  A rebuild of the earlier Makin organ, it was installed in February 2008 after the redevelopment of the premises.  It has three manuals and pedals, and 66 speaking stops, making a total of 76 drawstops.  The ‘business end’ consists of a powerful 16 channel audio system in the Minstrels’ Gallery.

For more information contact the Director of Music  or speak to one of the organists.

Director of Music ~ Peter Waugh

Tel: 0191 2848608

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