Here's one for fans of the David Crowder Band:

Handbell Boot Camp
Have you ever thought it would be fun to join the Handbell Choir, but have been intimidated because you thought it would be too complicated to get started, all that reading music stuff? Ask any current member of the choir – they will probably tell you that getting started is easy, primarily because we ease you into playing. As a music director, I firmly believe that my role as educator is just as important as waving my arms on Sunday morning, and so you will not be “thrown to the wolves”. Along these lines, I would like to hold a Handbell Boot Camp next August for current choir members and those of you who would like to “try” it. I was recently reminded to “think big” after hearing that Kristi Shamburger is now the Handbell Choir Director at her church – she directs four choirs!

Drama Ministry
If you have interest in being part of a drama ministry here at Trinity, please enter stage right, (or come backstage, if you prefer!) A drama ministry could greatly add to the worship experience of those who attend gatherings small and large such as bible studies, youth and children’s ministries, Sunday morning worship, and special events like the Easter sunrise service, or even a full-length drama! Please, contact me if this sounds like an exciting role to you.
(You know you want to . . . please, don’t make me come find you!)

Music CD Library
The Music Department has begun building a CD lending library of Christian music of all kinds, as well as classical music and jazz. Please, consider if you would like to donate CDs, or make a monetary donation to help further this project. CDs only, please, and if the music contains lyrics, please make sure they are appropriate for ALL ages.

Summer Music Classes
The Music Department will be offering the following summer classes:
Beginning Voice
Beginning Guitar
How to Read Music I: Pitch
How to Read Music II: Rhythm
Look for more information in the worship bulletins and in the on-screen announcements during the month of May.

Deeply Indebted to the Holy Spirit . . .
This was a busy week, culminating with the Adult and Youth Choir's presentation of the Easter Musical: Eyes of Faith. Special recognition goes to the Holy Spirit for inspiration given to all involved in the production, as well as to all those worshiping in the pews. The soloists, the members of the trio, and the choir all sounded fantastic, so special thanks are due to soloists Jeni, Mark, and Valerie; the trio: Amanda, Stacey, and Zach; and each and every member of the Adult and Youth choir! (There were five singers under the age of eighteen . . . I believe a first for an "adult" musical or cantata under my direction.) I know the Spirit was working through the actors and narrator this morning; thanks go to Alicia (Mary Magdalene), Charlie (Simeone), Joel (Judas), Larry (Peter), and Margy (narrator) for the extra time they devoted to learning lines and making the text come alive! I would like to also thank Charlie for his expertise with lighting and set design, as well as Dave for his work on sound design, making everyone sound great, and Barb for costumes that added just the right touch, making the characters even more believable! I would also like to thank Jim for stepping in at the last moment to run the spotlight, and Norma and Jeni for their help during rehearsals. Last, but not least, I would like to thank Pastor Dave and Laura Ballinger for their support, and all of you who have been praying for this endeavor. I was deeply moved by the experience of directing Eyes of Faith; bravo, and brava, everyone!

He Is Risen! . . . I Will Rise!
Easter Sunday at Trinity was a glorious celebration of the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ! I want to thank all those who devoted hours and energy to rehearsing so that we might use our talents to the very best of our abilities when we praise our Lord. I especially want to thank Zach and Brian for their dedication to making Chris Tomlin's "I Will Rise" a vital part of each service. Zach made the lyrics of hope come alive, and Brian wrote his own cello part to accompany Zach and the piano. Thanks, guys!

Easter Musical: Eyes of Faith
April 19, 2009 at 10:30 AM
The Adult and Youth Choir has been very busy preparing Eyes of Faith: Seeing and Believing the Messiah, to be presented this Sunday. The musical will bring our two Sunday morning services together for just one service starting at 10:30 AM. Eyes of Faith features "60 Minutes" style interviews with Simeone at the time Jesus is brought to the temple as a babe, and with Peter, Judas, and Mary Magdalene recounting their experiences before and shortly after the Christ's crucifixion and resurrection. The music includes a number of beautiful modern choruses, as well as the classic hymn Crown Him with Many Crowns. The Congregation will be invited to sing along with the choir for about half of the songs, and the lyrics will be projected onto a large screen to make it easy for everyone to join right in! Eyes of Faith powerfully combines music and drama to inspire all to deepen their personal relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ.

Calling All Thespians!
If you have interest in being part of a drama ministry here at Trinity, please enter stage right, (or come backstage, if you prefer!) A drama ministry could greatly add to the worship experience of those who attend gatherings small and large such as bible studies, youth and children’s ministries, Sunday morning worship, special events, or even a full-length drama! Please, contact me if this sounds like an exciting role to you.

Please Help Create a Music CD Library . . .
Another idea that recently hit me was the creation of a music lending library. I’m thinking of Christian music of all kinds, as well as classical music and jazz. Please, consider if you would like to donate CDs, or make a monetary donation to help further this project. CDs only, please, and if the music has lyrics, please make sure they are appropriate for ALL ages.

Exploring Summer Music Classes . . .
Since returning to Trinity, I have been brainstorming, and just plain thinking a lot more than usual, which has led me to want to experiment with developing different activities. For the summer, I’m considering Beginning Guitar and Voice classes, as well as a class that focuses on reading notes (pitch), and another that focuses on reading rhythm. I think the classes should either be free, or for a very small donation to the children’s, youth, or music ministries. Please, let me know if you would be interested, and if there are enough responses, I’ll include a registration sheet in the May Chimes.

Seeking Summer Soloists for the Traditional Worship Service . . .
If you have an interest in preparing special music for the 9:00 worship service sometime this summer, please, let me know what you have in mind. I know there are a lot of musically-talented people here at Trinity, and I feel there aren’t many outlets for soloists, or small groups, to serve the Lord in this way at the present. This is something I really want to change!

Welcome! This blog is devoted to all things concerning the Music Department of Trinity United Methodist Church in Huntington, Indiana. You may expect to find information about recent and upcoming events, as well as some hopes and dreams for the program. I especially invite those of you who currently attend Trinity UMC to get involved and help make this an exciting tool to further God's message through the music ministry of our church. As Trinity UMC's Music Director, I will be maintaining this blog; however, I welcome your comments and suggestions about the Music Department, or this blog!