Music and the Arts

We believe in the power of music. It is a conduit to the Divine not just through the music itself, but also in the creation of it together. Preparing music requires a team mentality infused with honoring diversity in people, voices, instruments, and levels of musical know-how. United by a common goal, the emphasis on teamwork and intentional activities to foster relationships between musicians makes music a prime vehicle for connection and ministry at Trinity.

In 2022, the music program experienced an increase in music participation, especially in our choir. Made up of a joyful, faithful group of singers, the Trinity choir returned full time to worship services in February, offering weekly anthems for Trinty@316, and occasional offerings for Trinity@Home.

Our ukulele choir also reunited for a lovely short session in February on Sunday afternoons with local artist J. Ronquillo, offering a respite from the bitter cold of winter and months of physical separation.

During March, Trinity offered its first Lenten Music Concert Series on four Wednesday nights featuring four different musical guests to play in our space. Grace Mauk, Trinity Assistant Director of Music and the Arts, gave an evening of her own singer-songwriter compositions and covers. Bowling Green State University music students offered an evening of contemporary classical music, giving the audience an opportunity to stretch our ears and experience a new way of music making. The Wooster College Scot Band brought bagpipes and their symphonic band to the Trinity Sanctuary. And finally, Bradley Baker, Trinity Bass section leader and opera singer, gave a concert we’ll never forget.

Over the summer, the choir and section leaders took a welldeserved break from regular rehearsals and Sunday worship leading. During those months many choir members and volunteers from the parish offered their individual musical gifts, giving summer worship a warm, home-grown feel with many unexpected bright spots.

The Trinity music staff welcomed Tajj Crowder as our new tenor section leader. Tajj brings with him a wealth of experience. At the bright, young age of 25, Tajj has excellent piano skills, a velvet voice, good teaching skills for leading the Tenor section, many years participating in choirs and a set of music technology skills.

The season of Advent also brought us a time for special music making. Trinity as a parish participated in Hope for the Holidays as Christmas carolers, as the gigantic tree was lit across Summit Street at Promedica park. We brought Christmas carolers to our neighbors in nursing homes. Following the precedent set in the summer, Trinity prepared a home-grown Christmas Eve prelude filled with the talent of our own congregation.