Music at Trinity English
From worship services to concerts to events, music is an integral part of our church. We encourage you to explore everything musical that Trinity English has to offer!
For more information on how to get involved, contact Robert Hobby, Trinity’s Music Director, at rhobby@trinityenglish.org.
Choirs
Chancel Choir
This choir rehearses on Thursdays, mid-September through early May, from 7:30-9:00 p.m. in the Music Room. The ensemble, under the direction of Robert Hobby and Daniel Schwandt, sings at the 10:30 a.m. worship service each Sunday during the academic year and for special concerts and events. Several times a year the choir enjoys performing with orchestra, consisting of professional players from the area. It has also enjoyed several recent travel opportunities, including a trip to Ireland, Wales, and England in 2019 and a performance at Carnegie Hall, New York City, in the spring of 2023. Childcare is available upon request.
Childrens’ Choir
A training choir for children, age 5 to second grade, this ensemble meets Wednesdays from 4:45-5:30 p.m., mid-September through the first of May, during the E3 Music and Arts program. Its director, Emily Bird, develops early vocal and music skills through the use of exercises and games, and the group sings for worship about once every six weeks. Children and their families are invited to participate in an intergenerational supper each week at 6:15 p.m. which is offered for Wednesday evening music participants.
Youth Choir
Trinity English's seventh through twelfth-grade choir rehearses on the first, third, and fourth Sunday mornings from 9:00-9:45 a.m., and it sings for worship at least once a month at the10:30 a.m. service. It is under the direction of Robert Hobby and Emily Bird. One of the highlights for the group is a summer choir trip; recent destinations have included London, Seattle, southern California, and New York City.
Junior Choir
A third through sixth-grade ensemble which meets Wednesdays from 4:45-5:30 p.m., mid-September through the first of May, during the E3 Music and Arts program. Under the direction of Emily Bird, it sings for Sunday worship about once a month. In rehearsals, students are taught teaching music skills and techniques. Children and their families are invited to participate in an intergenerational supper each week at 6:15 p.m. which is offered for Wednesday evening music participants.
Other Ensembles
Ringers
The Celebration Ringers meet for rehearsals on Wednesdays from 6:30-7:00 p.m. This intergenerational group consists of beginner or moderate level handbell players who enjoy participating in worship about every six weeks. Daniel Schwandt is the director.
Trinity Ringers is an advanced handbell ensemble that meets on Wednesdays from 7:00-8:15 p.m. This group, directed by Shannon Hardiek, rings in worship monthly and enjoys playing occasionally for other public events in the community. Due to the group’s size and advanced ringing abilities, participation is limited.
Steel Drums
Trinity’s Steel Drum Ensemble, under the direction of Robert Hobby, is an intergenerational group that meets on Thursdays, 6:10 - 6:50PM. This ensemble plays in worship about every six weeks, mid-September through the first of May. It is offered at a convenient time for those who wish to participate in the Chancel Choir at 7:30PM.
Vocal groups are formed at various times to sing for special programs or services. These ensembles include Men's Chorus, Chamber Choir, and Women's Chorus, consisting of singers from the Chancel Choir and others whose schedules permit limited participation. Schedules will vary according to the season and project.
Trinity English is also blessed with a good number of professional and amateur instrumentalists. Professional musicians are utilized for the larger festivals and events, but there are opportunities for less advanced players to share their instrumental gifts, both individually and in groups, too. Examples of special project-oriented ensembles have utilized a recorder consort, a brass choir, and a bassoon trio. We welcome your participation either as a vocalist or instrumentalist.
If you are not able to participate on a regular basis in one of Trinity’s ensembles but might have interest in being involved for a short term project, please inform Robert Hobby.
Our Instruments
The music here at Trinity English is greatly enriched by all of our instruments. Here, you will find information on our unique range of musical equipment.
Aeolian-Skinner Organ
Most of the Aeolian-Skinner at Trinity English was finished in 1966, under the direction of the late Organist/Choirmaster, Richard Carlson. Combining a few ranks from the earlier Aeolian Organ, the completed instrument had 90 ranks playable from a 4 manual console. Of visual note is the beautiful organ grill with various instruments, crafted by wood carvers. In 1990, an extended flute stop and a two manual console were added to the rear gallery, a chorus trumpet added the great division, solid state wiring installed, and coasters to the base of the main console, enabling it to be moved for special events. A second restorative phase which included re-leathering and an updated solid state combination action system was completed in 2004.
Dobson Organ
The Dobson Organ, Op. 41 is a recent acquisition for Trinity English. It was originally designed and built in 1988 for a congregation in Pella, Iowa. As it became apparent that Trinity’s original 1956 two manual Reuter Organ (6 ranks, later increased to 12 ranks in 1989 by the Mueller Pipe Organ Company) was going to require a significant amount of maintenance work, the timing of the Dobson Organ’s availability could not have been better. The two manual tracker instrument, which consists of 17 ranks, was transported from Iowa to Indiana and installed in May, 2021. At the time of the transition, several visual adjustments were made, a cymbelstern was added, and tonal modifications were made to make to enable the organ to be visually and aurally coherent with its new home.
Steel Drums
The collection of steel drums at Trinity English includes 3 Leads, 2 Double Seconds, 1 cello, and a bass – produced by various builders. They are complemented with smaller instruments: 20 Jumbie Jams by Panyard, Inc.
Tkach Harpsichord
Given as a memorial gift, Trinity English's two- manual Flemish harpsichord was commissioned in 1996. Peter Tkach of St. Louis, was selected as the builder, and his wife, Andrea provided all of the intricate painting on the inside. The instrument, which can be moved from space to space, has two 8' foot stops and a 4' stop.
Handbells and Choir Chimes
The handbell choirs of Trinity English utilize a 5 octave set of Malmark handbells, 5 octave set of Malmark handchimes, and a 3 octave set of Malmark handchimes.
Piano
The collection of pianos around Trinity English include pianos by Steinway, Yamaha, and Everett; a digital Yamaha piano is utilized in the theater of Trinity English.