Music Ensembles

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.

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.

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.

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.

Classes to resume in 2024 - A newer musical program that Trinity English is proud to offer is First Steps in Music, a class offered for infants to children age 4, along with a parent or guardian. Co-sponsored with the Fort Wayne Children’s Choir, the First Steps in Music curriculum offers children and their adult family members singing, creative movement, simple instruments, finger plays and more with the help of the rich collection of traditional songs and rhymes from past generations. Two half hour classes (0- age 2 5:00-5:30 p.m.and ages 3-4) are offered free of charge during the Wednesday E3 program and are led by Sara Pulse, who is certified in the First Steps curriculum.

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.

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’s Steel Drum Ensemble, under the direction of Robert Hobby, is an intergenerational group that meets on Thursdays, 6:10-6:50 p.m. 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 7:30 p.m.

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.