Music
It is often said that Methodism (the variety of Christianity that we are here at Trinity) is 'born in song' - a reference to the use of pop tunes being used to share the message of God's love in Jesus, and the transformation of the Holy Spirit - throughout the late eighteenth century. Music remains a foundational part of life here at Trinity, as almost all of our services include music of some description.
We would love anyone with a talent to an inkling, to consider getting involved with our musical opportunities. There are no auditions, just plenty of encouragement.
There are three ways you can be involved in our music, and we would love to hear your ideas, and for you to share your talents with us.
Under current restrictions, rehearsals and performances are limited, but please contact us to find out more.
You would be really welcome to join in with any of these groups, as we care for each other, and offer our worship to God through our music together.
One Voice is our contemporary worship group
Choir
The Choir provides a chance for people to share in close fellowship with each other, and to worship God through a broad repertoire of anthems, hymns, songs and arrangements. The choir sing in church and participate in larger massed-choir performances throughout the year.
Free Church Choirs – In Harmony & Unity
MAY 21 2022
The moment had finally arrived after waiting literally years. There was a buzz of anticipation; nerves were heightened; heartbeats quickened. This was it … Trinity Methodist choir, along with people from other choirs and regions (approximately 140), gathered inside Lichfield Cathedral to take part in the biennial “Churches Together” service. Because of Covid 19, this service had been postponed by a year. The pandemic has affected probably ALL choirs and individuals who would normally have attended which meant that the number of singers was significantly reduced. Trinity choir was well represented at the service. However, since the previous Churches Together concert in Worcester Cathedral 3 years ago, our choir has lost members sadly through ill-health or passing on to the angelic choir in heaven.
Trinity church choir had spent weeks rehearsing for the service. The music was varied and was chosen from different centuries and styles from Mozart (mid-18th Century) to Jill and Mark Knight (contemporary composers), from reflective music to traditional and well-known hymns. It is safe to say that our choir rose to the challenge and found the experience interesting and satisfying. As in years before, several regional rehearsals were held and taken by the Director of Music, Peter J Williams. As Lichfield Cathedral is so close to us, it was agreed to hold one of the regional rehearsals at Trinity church – this took place on 13th May, just 8 days before the service!
Rather than hire a minibus or coach, it was agreed that those who wanted to sing or just attend the service would drive to Lichfield taking passengers as necessary. Around a dozen or so of our choir members joined a combined choir with a handful of other Trinity church members coming along to listen. There was a full rehearsal inside the Cathedral at around 1.30pm which lasted approximately 3 hours (with a short mid-session break). The day was reasonably sunny and bright, meaning that we could eat our home-made picnic teas on the lawn in front of the Cathedral; others had already arranged for a pre-paid tea in an adjacent building.
The service started at 6.30pm and was attended by local dignitaries and a large audience. From the moment the choir were invited to stand for the first hymn and the magnificent Cathedral organ played the opening chords of “O Praise God in His Holiness” by Noel Rawsthorne, the thrill of singing in a beautiful and inspiring space was tangible. The theme of “Unity” was deliberately chosen and was strongly referred to in all the songs and hymns and through the prayers and sermon. Personally, I found the whole service emotional and reflected on the various music styles as a wonderful way of connecting with people, through the power ancient and contemporary music, spanning the ages.
The next Churches Together service will be next year at St.Albans Cathedral, Hertfordshire – date to be announced. Please watch this space and we hope to see some of you there.
Organ/Piano rota
We have a rota for accompanists to provide music, and welcome accomplished pianists to join us.