Beginning this Fall, Bill will ask for youth volunteers (about 7 years and up) to serve as "Bench Buddies" with him at the organ during the Sunday morning service and on special programs. The Bench Buddy will assist the organist by turning pages, pressing pistons, pulling stops, and learning about the way the organ contributes to the fulfillment of worship. Begin thinking about someone you know that might enjoy this opportunity to learn more about the King of Instruments.

There is a cassette tape traveling case in the office that contains about 50 tapes of the St. Louis Chamber Chorus from the early '90s. If they belong to you, please let Liz know (314-725-3048).

- Bill Wade, Interim Minister of Music - Organist

In case you missed it, The American Guild of Organists has designated 2008-2009 as the International Year of the Organ, a time when we will exhibit the pride that we share in our chosen instrument. Music organizations throughout the world are joining with us in celebrating the King of Instruments. The year of festivities began at the National Convention of the AGO in Minneapolis in June of 2008, and will conclude with the AGO Regional Conventions in the summer of 2009.

I look forward to bringing several programs and opportunities to the Trinity family to get up close and personal with the outstanding Casavant organ we have at Trinity. Beginning this Fall, I will ask for youth volunteers (about 7 years and up) to serve as "Bench Buddies" with me at the organ during the Sunday morning service and on special programs. The Bench Buddy will assist the organist by turning pages, pressing pistons, pulling stops, and learning about the way the organ contributes to the fulfillment of worship. Begin thinking about someone you know that might enjoy this opportunity to learn more about the King of Instruments.

I mentioned the possibility of a Recorder group for this Summer. We have had about 4 people indicate an interest, but the person I was hoping would assist in leading the group is not available until the Fall. Stay tuned, and we may try to get this going as one of our Fall ensembles.

Thanks for your feedback and notes. I read every comment and appreciate the opportunity to enhance your worship experience through music.

Grace and Peace,
Bill Wade, CAGO
drwewade@gmail.com

Thanks to all who shared their dreams and wishes for Trinity's music ministry at our Thanksgiving in July lunch and discussion on July 13th. The "Dream Team" will share the results of the conversations shortly and it is not too late to provide your own feedback. A "music box" and forms sit across from the office, just waiting for your input. And, as always, Vicki Carmichael and Bill Wade, our Interim Ministers of Music, welcome conversation.

Trinity will host a concert of the best of flute duo repertoire with compositions by Gabriel Faure, Philippe Gaubert, Ian Clarke, Robert Baksa, and Gary Schocker. Flutes will be played by Wendy Hymes, Matt Allison and Marie Jureit. Violinist and trinity member Jessica Platt will also join the ensemble for J.S. Bach's Brandenburg Concerto #4. The FREE concert will be on Tuesday, July 29th at 7pm in the sanctuary. A freewill offering will be taken.

Trinity Choir members will jumpstart the season with a retreat at church from 9:30 - 4:30 on Saturday, July 26, with time for conversation and working on music for the fall. Interested in joining the choir? Talk to Vicki Carmichael: 725-3840.

Trinity Choir members will jumpstart the season with a retreat at church from 9:30 - 4:30 on Saturday, July 26, with time for conversation and working on music for the fall. Interested in joining the choir? Talk to Vicki Carmichael: 725-3840.

Want to relive the diversity of music performed at Paul's goodbye party (from early English to African) while helping the Psalm 150 fund? Make a donation to the fund (at least $5 please!) that helps us provide special music throughout the year and receive a CD of Paul's farewell gathering. You can write a check to Trinity with "Psalm 150" in the memo line. Please contact the office with any questions (725-3840).

Congratulations to Dr. Bill Wade, our Interim Minister of Music-Organist, who recently passed his qualifying exams and was named a Colleague of the American Guild of Organists.

- Ann Fischer

A "music ministry dream team" has recently begun discussing the future of Trinity's music ministry. Our purpose differs from that of a search committee for the Minister(s) of Music in that it is our task to envision the direction of the entire music ministry at Trinity and then to see where our new Minister(s) of Music might best fit into that picture. As we began discussions, a variety of opinions poured out. One priority we felt especially strongly about was "inclusion" - both in terms of music styles / repertoire and in terms of participation by the whole community. And we realized that we need input from the entire congregation. Sooo --

Join the "music ministry dream team" for lunch after church on Sunday, July 13, to give thanks for Trinity's music ministry and to explore our hopes, priorities, and requirements as the church begins a new phase in our musical life. There will be turkey (salad) with some trimmin's and a chance to gather around tables to talk. How could the dreaming be inclusive without including YOU?

Look for more details in coming weeks. In the meantime, all of us may, in Vicki Carmichael's words, "pray for the music ministry, this time of dreaming and Trinity's many transitions; give your heart's desires for this congregation and this music ministry to God to mold into a wonderful, unexpectable gift."

Also, look for the suggestion box in the hall outside the church office. You can recognize it by its coat of musical notes and hymn tunes!

- Bill Wade, Interim Minister of Music - Organist

Here's a great big THANK YOU to those people who have sent notes or given feedback about the music during worship. Your thoughts and comments are very helpful and greatly appreciated. We also thank the instrumentalists and soloists who contribute their talents during worship.

As we move forward with the Music Needs Assessment at Trinity, adjectives such as "diverse," "inclusive," and "eclectic" have been used to describe the desired outcome of the Music Ministry. Other words that we've heard include "familiar," "traditional," and "flowing." It is an exciting time to be involved in the Music Ministry and both Vicki Carmichael and I are approaching our commitment as the Interim Ministers of Music to be mindful of these suggestions along with the need to program music that will stretch us in our spiritual growth. Any suggestions or comments can be directed to us by phone, e-mail, or anonymously by putting your comments in the music suggestion box located outside of the church office near the library.

Some food for thought:

• Do we need/want a youth handbell choir?
• Is there any interest in an instrumental ensemble, orchestra, or praise band?
• Can we grow the Trinity choir to at least 24 people? We especially need more men and welcome anyone with the desire to make a (joyful) noise! Experience is not necessary.
• Would the gospel choir and festival choir like to meet this Summer?
• Would you like more percussion instruments in worship?
• Would you like more new hymns during worship?
• How does music affect your worship experience and faith journey?

Grace and Peace,

Bill Wade, drwewade@gmail.com

- Rev. Dr. Daniel Anderson-Little, Pastor

Trinity Church has hired two people to share the leadership of the ministry of music in this interim time.

Vicki Carmichael has been a part of the Trinity music ministry for many years. In the mid-1990's she was our paid soprano soloist. She left that position when she moved out of town. Upon her return she rejoined the choir and since joined the church. She is an elder on the Session and has served as the chair of the Worship and Music Commission for the past two years. Over the past two decades, Vicki has directed a variety of church choirs and secular choirs; on a couple of occasions she has led the Trinity Choir. Vicki sings locally in a variety of settings and is a voice teacher. She is excited to grow in her capacity as director of the Trinity Choir. In addition to directing the Trinity Choir, Vicki will help to coordinate other choirs and musical offerings in worship.

Bill Wade grew up in Texas, studied organ throughout his teenage years and was chapel organist at Oral Roberts University where he earned his BS. He earned a DO degree from Oklahoma College of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery. Prior to entering corporate and academic medicine, Bill was in private practice in family medicine and counseling in Topeka, Kansas from 1980 to 1992. He was a founding member of the American Association of Physicians for Human Rights, and specialized in the treatment of HIV/AIDS. He then earned a Master of Public Health degree from SLU. He is currently enrolled at Webster University and is pursuing a certificate in web services and advanced studies in music. While living in Topeka, Bill served as organist in a Methodist church for ten years and in a Lutheran church for two years. Bill and his partner of 21 years Mike Kaberline, who also sings in the Trinity Choir, make their home in Overland.

Both Bill and VIcki started their employment at Trinity on May 12. At this point, we anticipate that Bill will conduct the Handbell Choir in the Fall; we are working on plans for the Festival Choir, the Gospel Choir, and a children's music program.

We are not sure how long this interim period will last. The first step in securing a permanent Minister of Music is conducting a Music Ministry Needs Assessment. The team that will lead that effort is being formed now. Once they are done with their work, the Session will form a search committee. Past experience tells us that this process can take nine months or more. Trinity has a long and significant musical tradition. Vicki and Bill will help us to continue that great tradition as together we sing our praises to Almighty God. Please join me in welcoming them to these new positions.

As the winner of a voice competition, Vicki will be performing her Artist Presentation Society recital that was cancelled a few months ago. Join her on Sunday, June 8^th at 3pm as she performs, with pianist Nancy Mayo, works by Handel, Canteloube, Chabrier, Mozart, Strauss, Schoenberg, Barab, and Bernstein. The location is Unity Christ Church, 33 North Skinker at Forsyth, St. Louis, Missouri 63105. Tickets at the door: $10 general, $5 seniors, free for students with ID. For more information about the Artist Presentation Society go to www.apsmusic.org.

- Bill Wade, Interim Minister of Music - Organist

There is great excitement about the music opportunities for the Summer and Fall. It is my goal not only to work with Vicki to grow the choirs and musical groups at Trinity, but also to involve many of our talented youth and adults in musical participation during worship!

If you are interested in seeing or touching or learning more about the wonderful Casavant pipe organ, please come up to the organ loft at the conclusion of any service and watch and listen while the postlude is played then feel free to ask questions (when its over). I welcome boys and girls, ladies and gentlemen of all ages to get up close to the instruments and people who make the music happen during worship.

Music opportunities at Trinity will not stop during the Summer. If you have ever wanted to learn to play the recorder, or if you are a pro at it, we invite you to join a small group of recorder enthusiasts that will probably get together every two weeks during the Summer to learn to play some music together. Please call the church office and leave a message if you're interested in the Recorder Consortium. Beginners are welcome!

If you have ever sung in a choir of any kind, or you're interested in just checking it out, getting together with a fun group of people who enjoy making music, please let either Vicki Carmichael or me know. You do NOT have to be a trained singer, ringer, or musician to be welcomed and included in the music program at Trinity. We are interested in providing a space to learn new skills and grow together to continue the diverse and inclusive musical program. Even though the Trinity Choir does not officially meet during the Summer, if you are interested in participating in a group that will probably sing once a month during the Summer, let us know!

Instrumentalists are welcome to let me know if you are interested in working with me on an organ and instrument or piano and instrument selection for participation in worship. Traditional as well as non-traditional instruments are welcome!

Finally, I am interested in hearing or reading your musical requests, constructive criticisms, suggestions and personal favorites that will help increase your worship experience. If you've ever had an opinion about music and worship (and who hasn't) now's your chance to let it be known. St. Augustine said "When you sing, you pray twice." Let's all sing and pray together through music and word. Email me at drwewade@gmail.com or call the church at 314-725-3840 and leave a message. I look forward to talking to you.

-Bill Wade, DO, MPH

It has been about a year since Paul Vasile and I shared in the untimely death of a mutual friend. Through that emotionally exhaustive experience we became close friends. After discovering that I had worked as a church organist for more than 20 years, Paul encouraged me to become involved in the numerous musical programs at Trinity and to become active in the local chapter of the American Guild of Organists. Due to the musical outreach at Trinity, my life has undergone some extraordinary changes and personal fulfillment. It has been a great pleasure to get to know the clergy and friendly people at Trinity.

My partner and I have been welcomed into the choir and I have had several opportunities to participate in worship by playing the organ. Some parishioners have wondered who was playing the organ when Paul was at the front of the church with the bells or at the piano. It is I who has been in the choir loft as the occasional phantom organist. I originally entered university as an organ major on scholarship at Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, OK. Among my scholarship requirements, I played for two weekly chapel services and the Oral Roberts Partner Crusades. After two years as an organ major at ORU, I decided to switch majors to pre-med. It is not uncommon for people with a strong aptitude in mathematics, chemistry, and medicine to be avid musicians. The combination of music and healthcare works well as a method to stay personally balanced and focused. During most of the time I've practiced medicine, I have also continued my organ studies and held organist positions in Roman Catholic, Lutheran, and Methodist churches.

I have certainly appreciated the opportunities Paul has graciously provided for me to assist in the music ministry at Trinity and have enjoyed returning to the organ console to share in worship. Thank you to Paul, Dan, the Trinity choir, and Trinity Presbyterian church for being a place where all are welcome and each person's gifts and talents are nurtured.

Mark your calendars to gather in the Dining Room Friday, May 9^th for a meal and some music as we celebrate all that we have experienced together and all that Paul Vasile has shared with us and the community during his ministry with us.

• Time: 6:30 pm
• Dinner: $13/adults; $7/kids 8-11; kids under 8 are free
• Kids who do not want to stay for the program will have childcare in God's Creation
• Please RSVP to the church office (725-3840) by Friday, May 2nd for a catering count
• Donations towards a gift for Paul are also being accepted in the office. Call or email Liz Nelson for details.

- Vicki Carmichael

Paul Vasile's imminent departure from our Music Ministry will leave some pretty big shoes to fill. No, I'm not talking about his organ shoes, though they are big enough (we hope he'll remember to take those with him!). I mean that we need to begin looking for a new way to staff our Music Ministry with faithful and talented servants. The Session, Personnel Commission, Worship and Music Commission and the staff want to take advantage of the interim period to really reflect on the possibilities for this ministry and to discern in what musical direction God is calling us. Before we nominate a search committee to find a leader, we need some time for dreaming. Dr. Dan, Margy Brown (chair of Personnel) and I (chair of Worship and Music) will be appointing a diverse group of people to join us in our dreaming. With the session's blessing we will form a team of dreamers - individuals from a wide variety of niches within our congregation including parents, choir members, instrumentalists, members of different age ranges, and folks who prefer to just listen. We will discuss with our "Music Ministry Needs Dream Team": What kind of music ministry will not only best serve our congregation and enrich our worship time, but will also call us to greater faithfulness, comfort those in need, invite and engage our neighbors, increase our mission and enlighten and enliven our souls? What kind of gifts do we need in such a position? Where and how can we best seek these gifts? How will we know when we have found them? When we believe we have an idea where God is leading, we'll let the session know that it's time for a search committee. During this time of dreaming and discernment, please keep the future of our music ministry in your prayers.

These past few weeks have been a whirlwind for me. Transitions like the one I am about to undergo are a bit of organized chaos. At the same time I am writing a goodbye to you, I am writing words of introduction to the congregation at Park Avenue Christian Church. At the same time I am selling a house, I am exploring apartments in New York City. I feel something like Janus, the two-faced god in Roman mythology who looks both forward and backward at the same time. The emotions are truly bittersweet and as I reflect on my seven years here at Trinity I feel inclined to share a few words that I hope can adequately sum up my gratitude.

The music ministry of a church is about the gathered people of God singing their praise and prayer from the heart. In the past seven years we have found wonderful and diverse ways to express our joys and grief, our fears and hope, our doubts and our faith, to the God who gave us the gift of music. Worship has welcomed music from so many styles, countries and traditions; gifts have been shared by a steady stream of children, students and professionals; we have heard Scripture sung and proclaimed with great energy, color and depth. But the music ministry has not been done by me. Yes, I have had an important leadership role. I have supported and shaped the congregation's and choir's singing. I have encouraged and cajoled. I have I have taught and shared music that I love. But I am convinced that the music ministry of Trinity Presbyterian Church has been done by you all along. On those Sundays when the organ has dropped out of a hymn and I have heard the strong, rich tone of the congregation a cappella, or those moments when I have heard a service response or Psalm refrain sung with great gusto by young and old alike - those are the times that my heart has been filled with incredible joy. I have heard the congregational choir leading worship. And that, my friends, is at the heart of a healthy church - a sign of vitality. And it tells me that the music ministry of this congregation will continue to thrive long after I am gone.

I recently received an email from a regular visitor to the congregation and want to share her words with you as an encouragement. "I think that the greatest tribute that the congregation could offer is to continue the work that you started with community involvement and outreach through the Arts, and continue to integrate the celebration of the Arts with the celebration of the Word." I certainly have no control over the future, trusting that God will bring strong interim leadership and guidance as you begin to search for a new pastoral musician. But I cannot leave without a challenge to keep extending a radical, gracious welcome to all. Over the past years, Trinity has gained a reputation as a congregation that is hospitable to the community, and many of the relationships that we have cultivated have returned countless blessings. Keep it up! And as you reach out, don't forget to keep reaching in, too. Celebrate the amazing gifts within this congregation. There is so much untapped potential - the many talented, young musicians coming up the ranks, as well as the singers, instrumentalists, composers and creatives who are and will become part of the church. Don't let music become something reserved just for a few but be a church that provides a place for all to share their notes, their phrases, their arias or even their kazoo solos. For we have truly and deeply welcomed others only when we have truly and deeply received their gifts.

It has been an incredible honor and joy to serve as the Minister of Music here at Trinity. You have provided a place for me to grow and risk, to succeed and to fail, to share my passion for music and for my faith. You have offered freedom, honesty, support and love in such large measure. I am proud of the work we have done together - building a diverse, inclusive music ministry, a refurbished pipe organ, new choir robes and musical outreach to the community. But, above all, I am proud of the ways that we have grown in our welcome of the new and unfamiliar, in our ability to speak with respect and love about our preferences and differences, and in our openness to the ways that music can bring new life to our faith.

I leave you with the words of another Paul, because he says it better than I ever could. I love you all and will miss you dearly.

And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It's your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it. Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness. Let the Word of Christ-the Message-have the run of the house. Give it plenty of room in your lives. Instruct and direct one another using good common sense. And sing, sing your hearts out to God! Let every detail in your lives-words, actions, whatever-be done in the name of Jesus, thanking God every step of the way.

(Colossians 3:14-17, from The Message)

Sunday May 3, 8pm in the Sanctuary. The concert includes a world premiere of a new work by St. Louis composer Barbara Harbach, as well as pieces inspired by poetry and literature of St. Louis writers.

...will rehearse in the Choir room on Friday, April 25 & May 2 at 7:30 pm (note time change) in preparation for singing in worship on May 4th. All are invited to join.

- Rev. Dr. Daniel Anderson-Little, Pastor

By now, most of you have received word that our Minister of Music, Paul Vasile, has been hired to be the new Minister of Music at Park Avenue Christian Church in New York City. This is an exciting opportunity for Paul and before he goes, we will have an opportunity to celebrate his ministry with us and send him to his new ministry.

So what about our music ministry when Paul leaves? Our first step will be to find an interim who can guide our music ministry until we hire a permanent Minister of Music. We also will spend some time defining how best to configure that position. And then we will name a search committee who will find our new Minister of Music. If this process unfolds as it has in the past, we will have a new Minister of Music in place by January or February of 2009. In the meantime I encourage everyone to hold onto some great strengths as we move forward in this process:

• Paul leaves our music ministry and our worship life in great shape.
• Trinity is richly blessed with musicians and leaders who can and will step in and help our music ministry to thrive.
• We know that God, who led Paul to Trinity seven years ago, will lead a new person to this important ministry of leadership and praise.

Please pray for Paul and for the congregation in this time of transition.

Saint Louis Symphony Family Concert - Saturday, April 5 at 10:30 a.m. Free and open to the public.

This special educational concert features musicians from the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra performing selections that will inspire, enrich and awaken children's love for music.

Imrat Khan in Concert - Saturday, April 12 at 7:30 p.m. $15 adults, $10 students/seniors. Don't miss this performance by one of the world's finest Indian musicians. His breathtaking virtuosity communicates a generous humanity that touches audiences and turns each performance into an unforgettable experience.

...will be held on Sunday, March 16 at 4 pm in the Sanctuary. Jay Carter is lauded for his luminous tone and stylish interpretations. He is joined by the newly-formed Baroque ensemble Saint Louis Baroque. $10/ticket, $7 students/seniors.

Trinity members and friends have been all over the St. Louis airwaves this past week. You can see or hear them via the following links:

• Jenn Clodi and the Jeweltones were featured on Show Me St. Louis
• Vicki Carmichael was interviewed on KWMU's Cityscape about her March 9 Artist Presentation Society concert - Due to illness, the March 9 concert has been canceled. Watch the Trinity web site for news about rescheduling.
• Fred Onovwerosuoke of the St. Louis African Chorus was also on Cityscape to talk about the Boys Choir of Kenya, who will perform at Trinity on March 2

- Paul Vasile

On Sunday, March 9, at 3 p.m. she will perform her award recital at Unity Christ Church at 33 N. Skinker Blvd. (corner of Forsyth and Skinker). The program will include works by Handel, Mozart, Chabrier, R. Strauss, Schoenberg and Bernstein. I invite all of you to show your support for Vicki.

Due to illness, the March 9 concert has been canceled. Watch the Trinity web site for news about rescheduling.

Music from Handel Cantatas and Oratorios - Sunday, March 16 at 4 p.m. $10 adults, $7 seniors and students. Instrumentalists and vocalists from St. Louis Baroque join acclaimed countertenor, Jay Carter, in a program of arias and choruses from Handel's oratorios and cantatas.

Saint Louis Symphony Family Concert - Saturday, April 5 at 10:30 a.m. Free and open to the public.

This special educational concert features musicians from the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra performing selections that will inspire, enrich and awaken children's love for music.

Imrat Khan in Concert - Saturday, April 12 at 7:30 p.m. $15 adults, $10 students/seniors. Don't miss this performance by one of the world's finest Indian musicians. His breathtaking virtuosity communicates a generous humanity that touches audiences and turns each performance into an unforgettable experience.

The Funraiser raised $1,500 towards the purchase of new robes for the choir. Thank you to all who attended and who have donated so far. This is a great beginning, but, the more funds we raise, the more design and fabric choices we have (those who saw the "fashion show" know what we mean!). Checks with "choir robes" or "Funraiser" in the memo line can be sent to the office or put in the offering plate. Thank you in advance!

- Jenn Clodi

The Clayton Silver Strings is a string orchestra made up of older adult amateur musicians. Sunday afternoon, February 10 at 3 p.m. they will a perform a concert here at Trinity featuring Bizet's Carmen suite, highlights from Copland's Rodeo, Telemann's Masquerade and other light classics. Entry is free and all are welcomed to attend.

- Paul Vasile, Minister of Music

Enjoy an evening of fabulous music and laughs on February 23 at 7:30 p.m. A special Musical "Fun'Raiser" will feature the diverse musical talents of our congregation:

• A new take on "My Favorite Things" by Laura Brady and Cricket Gordon
• MC Headmess (aka Henry Biggs) performs his brainy rhymes and busts a move
• A new piece by Trinity's resident songwriter, Brian Schroer
• Connie Toretta brings her soulful voice to some Jazz standards
• Duo-organists performing selections from PDQ Bach's "Little Pickle Book"
• The FunRaiser Choir sings Broadway, Spirituals and more
• A medley from "Wicked" sung by Amanda Meinen and Jenn Courtney
• Old-time Gospel music by Karen Coletti and friends
• Choir "a-robe-ics" and a preview of this year's top designs at Choir Robe Fashion Show

And much, much more...

All proceeds will help to purchase new robes for our choirs. The current robes, over 25 years old, are ready to be retired. We hope to purchase ones that are more comfortable and better reflect the diversity and hospitality of our music ministry. The concert is open to the public; a donation of $20 is suggested but gifts of all sizes are welcomed. Don't let cost keep you from coming to an event that you will not forget (hopefully for good reasons!). If you can't attend but would like to make a donation, checks earmarked "Choir Robes" can be put in the offering plate or sent to the church office. We look forward to seeing many of you on February 23 at 7:30 p.m.

[P.S. COCA has a theater performance at 8 p.m. the same evening. Come early to get a good seat!]

Music from Handel Cantatas and Oratorios - Sunday, March 16 at 3 p.m. $10 adults, $7 seniors and students. Instrumentalists and vocalists from St. Louis Baroque join acclaimed countertenor, Jay Carter, in a program of arias and choruses from Handel's oratorios and cantatas.

Saint Louis Symphony Family Concert - Saturday, April 5 at 10:30 a.m. Free and open to the public.

This special educational concert features musicians from the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra performing selections that will inspire, enrich and awaken children's love for music.

Imrat Khan in Concert - Saturday, April 12 at 7:30 p.m. $15 adults, $10 students/seniors. You don't want to miss this performance by one of the world's finest Indian musicians. His breathtaking virtuosity communicates a generous humanity that touches audiences and turns each performance into an unforgettable experience.

- Paul Vasile, Minister of Music

I am excited to share that I will be co-teaching a course at Eden Theological Seminary this January term. Titled "Lift Every Voice and Sing: Music Leadership for Participatory Worship," Professor Christopher Grundy and I will help seminarians to learn some of the underlying theory and practical skills needed to help congregations find their voice and return to the joy of singing together. We will discuss issues and strategies related to congregational song, but we'll also practice some of the skills needed to lead congregations in singing.

I will not be in the office as much as usual during the month as classes will meet daily. However, I can always be reached by email or voicemail. I am excited to share my gifts in this context and appreciate the support and prayers of the congregation as I embark on this exciting opportunity!

Join some of the area's finest Early Music performers in a festive holiday program: An Early Music Christmas Celebration on Saturday, December 8 at 7:30 p.m. The program will feature a chamber orchestra and chorus performing Vivaldi's joyous Gloria, the Pachelbel Magnificat and several instrumental pieces. Admission is $10 for adults and $7 for seniors and students. [Note: This event was incorrectly advertised as a free concert on the mailing sent earlier this year.]

- Paul Vasile, Minister of Music

Sunday, December 2 - The Festival Choir will lead worship. Anyone who loves to sing is welcome to attend rehearsal on Thursday, November 29 at 7:15 p.m.

Sunday, December 9 - The Trinity Choir and guest musicians from the St. Louis Symphony will present A Little Advent Music by the German composer Hugo Distler. Written in 1931, this rarely-performed cantata is based on the Advent chorale Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland (Savior of the Nations, Come).

Sunday, December 16 - The Handbell Choir and Sunday Morning Singers will offer music of the season.

Sunday, December 23 - We will begin our morning with a Christmas Carol sing at 10:15 p.m.

Monday, December 24 - The Sunday Morning Singers will sing at the 5 p.m. Family Service. The Handbell Choir will ring the prelude at the 11 p.m. Lessons and Carols service and the Trinity Choir will sing a diverse selection carols during the service.

- Paul Vasile, Minister of Music

In the Spring of 2008, we will offer another sampling of remarkable and diverse concerts, including:

• A Musical "Fun"Raiser on Saturday, February 16 at 7:30 p.m.
• Arias from Handel oratorios and cantatas with countertenor Jay Carter on Sunday, March 16 at 4 p.m.
• World-renowned sitar player Imrat Khan performing Indian classical music on Saturday, April 5 at 7:30 p.m.
• Another St. Louis Symphony Children's Concert on Saturday, April 12 at 10:30 p.m.
• The St. Louis Women's Chorale performing the world premiere of a new work by St. Louis composer Barbara Harbach on Saturday, May 3 at 7:30 p.m.

Your attendance at these events is one important way to show your ongoing support for musical outreach to our community. We are also seeking volunteers to serve as ushers and greeters and to help set up and host receptions after the events. Please contact me if you would like to be part of our Concert Series Team, which is dedicated to enriching lives through engaging performances in eclectic styles!

Web Alert! I have started a blog: www.lovedintobeing.wordpress.com. I welcome the congregation's comments and interaction as I explore music, faith, sexuality and other topics in this format.

- Paul Vasile, Minister of Music

Reverberations Concert -
St. Louis Symphony Family Concert
Saturday, November 3, 2007, at 10:30 a.m.
Free and open to the public

The first of two events geared towards younger listeners, this special educational concert features musicians from the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra performing music that will inspire, enrich and awaken children's love for music. Join us for a morning of learning and discovery through storytelling and music.

The reception following the concert will offer delicious "family" treats.

Co-sponsored by the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra.

Reverberations Concert - An Early Music Christmas Celebration

Saturday, December 8, 2007, at 7:30 p.m.

Free and open to the public

Join some of the area's finest Early Music performers in a festive holiday program featuring music and instruments of the Renaissance and Baroque periods. As at all Reverberations concerts, the audience is warmly invited to greet the artists at a reception following the concert.

- Paul Vasile

Trinity's music ministry has expanded to include a Gospel Choir this year and I want to extend a welcome to anyone who would like to join us. You don't need to sing like Mahalia Jackson. All you need is a open spirit and a desire to offer praise and thanks to God with your voice.

One of the unique traditions of Gospel music is that is is largely taught by ear. There is no sheet music! We learn by repeating phrases, speaking the rhythm of the text, and by engaging our bodies through clapping and movement. We will also have the privilege of learning from musicians in our community who are well-versed in the style and who will help us sing it with authenticity and skill. It's a great opportunity for fellowship with others, to experience something new and to make a joyful noise.

We'll sing in worship again on Sunday, November 18, and will rehearse the two Friday evenings before - November 9 and 16. We begin with a light potluck meal at 6:30 p.m. and begin rehearsal at 7:30 p.m. I hope that you will join us for this wonderful time, as we praise God's name with the uplifting sounds of Gospel music!

- Carol Commerford, Director, Community Music School

Music floats through the halls of Trinity Presbyterian Church, due to the church's partnership with the Community Music School of Webster University (CMS). Young students from newborns through the age of five can be found in Room 206, enjoying their first taste of music in their Young Years classes. On any given Monday through Thursday, students of all ages arrive for piano, bassoon, trumpet, violin, or Suzuki cello or violin lessons. The Chapel and Choir Room serve as studios for some of the area's finest and best-loved instructors: Mary Lou Gotman, Art Bartzen, Donita Bauer, Bill Bauer, Robert Souza, and Rose Martin.

"The atmosphere and conditions are delightful," commented Rose Martin, who teaches violin. "The acoustics are good, the condition of pianos are good, and it is so very pleasant at the church."

With two semesters successfully undertaken at Trinity, CMS is encouraging those seeking to take lessons in any instrument or voice to consider that location, as several more of the CMS's teachers have expressed interest in offering lessons at the site. The Music School offers individual lessons in all orchestral instruments, guitar, and voice, as well as Young Years music classes and Suzuki strings. Organ lessons are taught at University Heights Methodist Church. The School's orchestras, ensembles, and Pre-College Music Preparatory Program are held in Webster Groves.

Local families with young children find it very convenient to have so many of the Young Years music classes offered at the Trinity Presbyterian Church location. Families with newborns in the "Village" class participate in a variety of multi-level music activities that stimulate babies' growth and development and engage the senses, while they connect with others through music and movement. The "Our Time" class includes 1 ½ - 3 ½ year olds singing, imitating sounds, and rhyming while interpreting the many "moods" of music through creative movement and activities. Older pre-school students can be found singing, using pretend play activities, and storytelling to develop beat, rhythm, and ensemble interaction in their "Imagine That!" class.

"Families have commented that Room 206 is bright and pleasant," commented Maureen Bolain, who can be found teaching one of the Community Music School's Young Years music classes. "They like being so close to the Loop for snacks or lunch after class. And because so many live within walking distance of class, they combine coming to class with their daily strolls."

The CMS is grateful for such a successful partnership with Trinity Presbyterian Church. Families in the area with long-term relationships with the School have found the arrangement very convenient, while new students take advantage of having such a highly acclaimed music school available "in their backyard."

We couldn't have wished for a more cooperative partnership. The entire Trinity Presbyterian Church community has been friendly, inviting, and sincere in welcoming the CMS into their home.

- Paul Vasile

Soon after I arrived at Trinity, Dr. Dan "commissioned" me to write some musical responses to use in worship. Fruits of this encouragement to write liturgical music that would embody the theology and values of our faith community include my Gospel Gloria, bluesy Kyrie, and Baptism response "With Joy and Thanksgiving."

As the Session discussed Trinity's worship schedule last spring and what it might mean to provide a space for all of God's children in worship, my imagination was ignited again. Over the summer I completed a new set of service responses which I'm calling A Mass for All of God's Children. It includes a new Kyrie ("Lord, have mercy") and Gloria ("Glory to God in the highest"), and pieces for Communion that will be used less frequently: a Sanctus ("Holy, Holy, Holy"), an Amen, and an Agnus Dei ("Lamb of God").

The unique part about these responses is that everyone is invited to play a part in them, providing opportunities for all of us to share in musical leadership. There are easy, repeated patterns ("riffs") that anyone can sing; there are approachable melodies that I hope will get stuck in your ears. Each piece can be accompanied by organ or piano alone, or by instrumental parts that range in difficulty and complexity, providing an opportunity for children and adults to play, ring, and strum along.

We will begin to use these responses on September 9. I hope you will join all of God's children at Trinity as we sing the "old, old story" of faith in a new way this fall.