Friday June 24, 2022
Special Music Event at Trinity Episcopal Church
Free Admission - Donations Suggested
Memorial Recital ft. Lukas Hasler
We're delighted to announce The Hurst K. Groves Memorial Organ Recital & launch of the Trinity Organ Refurbishment Appeal.
Friday, February 25, 7:30pm
Trinity Episcopal Church
9108 John S Mosby Hwy, Upperville, VA 20184
Austrian organist Lukas Hasler.
This will be another sparkling evening to remember at Trinity! No advance tickets required. Add the date to your calendar now and treat your ears to something very special!
New Music Director - Dan Miller
Dan Miller, our wonderful organist, who was hired just as I came to Trinity, has asked if he could be considered for the position of Director of Music. We have had several conversations over the past four months and we agreed to talk more in detail after Easter. Last week I met with Dan and shared with him all the wonderful emails, notes, and phone calls I have received regarding his service to us the past four months as our interim… Easter being the icing on the cake! I couldn’t believe what he was able to accomplish in our outside and virtual service. I knew Dan was a musical genius with 40+ years of experience and many degrees to prove it. Dan holds a Bachelor of Music Education, a Masters in Church music (Organ Emphasis), and a Masters in Collaborative Piano. To say that he is qualified is an understatement and we are very blessed to have him. Dan, welcome to your new role as Director of Music and Organist!
I would encourage you all to reach out to him, welcome him to the staff and to our church family, and to support his ministry at Trinity. If you’d like to get to know him better, please enjoy this wonderful interview about his history and his experience with us.
+ Rev. Jonathan Adams
Music Notes from Christian
For the first time ever, in the ninth month of a year that starts with 20, I will not publish on these pages a list of Trinity's choirs complete with dates and times that rehearsals will begin for the Fall. As the safety of singing in groups is still in serious question, our choirs for all ages will continue to be on hold indefinitely. As difficult as that is to put in print and as much as we all miss the connection of meeting in person, I will instead take this opportunity to recognize some of the ways that worshiping via recorded video services has provided new forms of connection that may not be immediately apparent, beginning with the notion that each week, with the click of a button (and the patience of Job while uploading) our clergy, musicians, lay readers, and video editors, all in different places, come together in a shared Google Drive folder labeled Trinity to create these video services.
In much the same way that I was initially resistant to cell phones, email, and self checkout at the grocery store (actually still not sold on that one), I have slowly found that the medium of video services does offer some inspiring possibilities not easily accomplished in live worship. For example, just this past Sunday, we were able to incorporate an image of the Apostle Peter from one of the stained glass windows into the video of an anthem about Peter. Similarly, being able to record children's sermons in different locations has opened up many options not possible in the basement of the church.
Yet another silver lining of video services has been the ability to see my colleagues at other churches in action. Both musicians and clergy rarely get the opportunity to attend worship at other churches but now, along with everyone else, we can watch any number of services in any number of places at any number of times. The connections are endless and also work both ways, increasing our own expo-sure. Several of our recorded musical selections have been viewed thousands of times, far more than we could ever hope for in person. I expect we have all had the experience and joy of being able to watch our extended family's and friend's churches, and have them see ours, to an extent never before possible.
Being witness to so many services has also given me a renewed appreciation for our beautiful Episcopal liturgy. Dating back to Thomas Cranmer's original Book of Common Prayer, the Roman Rite before that, and even the pre-Christian Jewish tradition, the interconnectedness of our common worship is much more apparent when we can so easily see it in action in so many different places. From the lips of a retired Bishop with a British accent to a new Rector with a southern one, the same reassuring words of our liturgy, with their ancient origins and order, are repeated in many more accents and languages around the world. Whether it be in the back yard or on the computer screen, our liturgy connects us to the countless generations of Christians who have come both before and after us and, in the present, helps bind us all together in the body of Christ.
There is no doubt that a video service cannot replace the sense of family we have when worshiping together in person. But perhaps the immediate connections we are sacrificing are allowing for more far reaching ones. Just maybe, as Christians around the world attempt to squeeze the depth of our liturgy and the breadth of Jesus' love through the lens of a camera, it might give all of us the opportunity to see more clearly that our common prayer is far greater than our differences and that we can rejoice in the knowledge that our God is alive on Google Drive.
Christian
Richard McPherson Retiring
Perhaps it is divine providence, or maybe just dumb luck, but sometimes you are just in the right place at the right time. And so it was in the Fall of 2013 when Trinity Church found itself in need of a new organist on somewhat short notice. There was no need for extended study or a lengthy search process because the best organist in the area just happened to be immediately available and was willing to come here. We hired Dr. Richard Mcpherson on the spot as the interim with the understanding that if all went well, of which there were no doubts, he would move into the permanent position. This was not a typical way of filling such a position but all involved were completely comfortable with it because of who it was. Richard was widely known in the community, was a friend of Trinity church having played here for special events, and we all knew that of all the organists in the area, available or not, he was quite simply and undeniably, the best.
Richard McPherson, Organist mcpherre@comcast.net
For the past seven years Trinity Church has not only been blessed with Richard's immense skill but also his thorough humility. Week in and week out Richard has quietly prepared and presented concert quality music for Sunday services, weddings and funerals, and major church festivals. His voluntaries are thoughtfully chosen to fit with the themes of the day, his leadership of congregational singing is inspiring, and his accompaniments of often difficult choral anthems are always perfection. Along the way he is completely reliable and conscientious, a team player, supportive of the total ministry of the church, modest beyond measure, and just an all around wonderfully nice guy with a great spirit.
Back in January Richard told me it was time for him to retire. He and Michael had bought a house in Rehobeth Beach and were planning to split their time between there and Winchester which would not allow for his continued commitment to the church. Just as we were beginning to make plans for both his departure and replacement, the lock-down started bringing things to a standstill. As things started to open up in May we were far behind being prepared for his intended last Sunday of June 7. With his usual grace and dedication, Richard has agreed to continue through as much of the summer as we need. Plans are again underway for his replacement but, most unfortunately, current circumstances will not allow for the kind of send off Richard deserves. Of course, Richard, with his usual modesty is happy to go without fanfare, but since most of us will likely not see him in person, I hope we might all take a few minutes to send him a note of appreciation.
For the last seven years it has been the greatest honor and privilege to work with Richard and share in his tremendous artistry. He has been an inspiring collaborator, trusted colleague, and dear friend. Richard, we will miss you greatly and wish you the very best in your well deserved retirement.
Thank you ,with all our hearts, for your years of dedicated service to Trinity Church.
Music Notes from Christian
Almost exactly thirteen years ago was their last, last Sunday at Trinity. What are the odds that the same Interim Rector would save us twice? Words alone cannot express the depth of our gratitude. Deep Peace to you, Martin and Barbara. Deep Peace to you.
Notes from Christian
In responding to the query about positive experiences during the pandemic, it occurs to me that I can't possibly do so without being mindful of the many people who are struggling mightily with the very things that I am not. I have no immediate connection to anyone who is sick or on the "front lines". I have an understanding boss, am able to at least partially work from home, and, so far, my income is secure. Thanks to some Trinity Church angels, I have plenty of delicious food and am fortunate to live in a beautiful place with enough space that I can be outside and enjoy the Spring without a mask or fear of infection. I am very blessed in these ways as I imagine most of our Trinity Church community is as well.
However, I also have the possibly less common advantage of rather enjoying the isolation of quarantine. I have taken the Myers-Briggs test several times in my life and always come out the same. I am straight down the middle on three of the four dichotomies but all the way to the introvert side on that one, so not having to interact with so many people all the time suits me just fine. Actually though, it is even more than that. I have never fit in well with the conventions of normal society. Eight hours a night, early mornings, nine to five, three meals a day just does not work well for me. Relieved of the social interaction and schedule of everyone else's normal, I have found that I am thriving. I sleep when I am sleepy, eat when I am hungry, exercise much more, and am not constantly concerned about meeting everyone else's expectations. As a result, I am better rested, less stressed, have managed to lose a few pounds and generally feel more at peace than I have in a long time.
Of course, even my idyllic version of pandemic life is not without frustrations. I struggle greatly with the technology required to work from home and, of course, there is the toilet paper situation. I have tried not to question my spiritual calling but must admit that this period of solitude has made me wonder if God didn't get a little confused and some where there is some poor guy working in a remote fire tower or distant lighthouse with a crazy feeling he should be a church musician.
As we begin to see tiny glimpses of light at the end of the pandemic tunnel, and I feel the mild anxiety about returning to normal, I am reminded that there are many people for whom the world is just not a good fit and for reasons far more significant than my comparatively trivial ones. If something good is to come of all this perhaps it might be that we carry the experience of being out of our comfort zone forward into our new life and be more sympathetic to those who struggle in regular times. Perhaps we might have new eyes to see those who are in need and new minds open to those who are different than us. Perhaps we might welcome God's love into our hearts more fully and practice it in the world more completely. That would be a normal I could look forward to returning to.
Music Notes March
Notes from Christian We begin this season of Lent with a focus on the Wesleys, of Methodist fame. John and Charles were among the 18 children of an Anglican cleric and became Anglican priests as well. While both brothers were actively involved in the Anglican movement know as Methodism that ultimately led to the United Methodist Church, it is John who is credited as its founder. Charles’ legacy became the over 650 hymn texts he penned, many of which have become among the most beloved and well-known hymns ever written. Charles’ son Samuel Wesley was something of a musical child prodigy studying the violin and organ and was often called the English Mozart. He went on to be an extremely gifted organist and composer. Samuel’s son, Samuel Sebastien Wesley, was given Bach’s middle name by his father and became a cathedral organist and perhaps the most successful composer of the family. It is his anthem “Wash Me Throughly” that the choir will sing on the first Sunday of Lent, March 1.
The Feast Day of John and Charles Wesley is the first Tuesday of Lent, March 3, and we will be discussing their hymn texts at the Lenten Series that same evening. In preparation for that event I give you John Wesley’s directions for singing which have appeared at the beginning of every Methodist hymnal yet published and despite their somewhat dated language, are as relevant now as they were when written in 1761.
I. Learn these Tunes before you learn any others; afterwards learn as many as you please.
II. Sing them exactly as they are printed here, without altering or mending them at all; and if you have learned to sing them otherwise, unlearn it as soon as you can.
III. Sing All. See that you join with the congregation as frequently as you can. Let not a slight degree of weakness or weariness hinder you. If it is a cross to you, take it up and you will find a blessing.
IV. Sing lustily and with good courage. Beware of singing as if you were half dead, or half asleep; but lift up your voice with strength. Be no more afraid of your voice now, nor more ashamed of its being heard, than when you sung the songs of Satan.
V. Sing modestly. Do not bawl, so as to be heard above or distinct from the rest of the congregation, that you may not destroy the harmony; but strive to unite your voices together, so as to make one clear melodious sound.
VI. Sing in Time: whatever time is sung, be sure to keep with it. Do not run before nor stay behind it; but attend closely to the leading voices, and move therewith as exactly as you can. And take care you sing not too slow. This drawling way naturally steals on all who are lazy; and it is high time to drive it out from among us, and sing all our tunes just as quick as we did at first.
VII. Above all sing spiritually. Have an eye to God in every word you sing. Aim at pleasing him more than yourself, or any other creature. In order to this attend strictly to the sense of what you sing, and see that your Heart is not carried away with the sound, but offered to God continually; so shall your singing be such as the Lord will approve of here, and reward when he cometh in the clouds of heaven.
Music Notes - From Christian
Sometimes in life you just have to take a break. And, so it is, that I now return to writing my monthly column for the church newsletter. I must admit that following my literary lapse, I may be more rusty than refreshed. However, I am also keenly aware of a pervasive sense of rejuvenation in the church right now, as if things are both excitingly new yet warmly familiar at the same time. I’m sure you feel it too. It took me awhile to put my finger on it and then a bit longer to let myself completely embrace it, but now, in this season after the Epiphany, I feel I can finally fully welcome it. Yes, that’s right, The Revised Common Lectionary, that determines all of the bible readings each Sunday from now until forever, has come to the end of its three year cycle and, in this season after the Epiphany, we are now basking in the light of Year A which began with Advent.
Epiphany is easily my favorite of the liturgical seasons. Who doesn’t love the story of the Three Wise Men who were twelve days late for the birth of Jesus, bringing him precious gifts from afar? And I have always been particularly fond of the notion that when Herod tried to trick them into coming back to tell him where they found the newborn Messiah, the Magi outsmarted the evil king and snuck home by a different road. That’s what you get when you try to trick a wise man.
It is also important, or at least mildly interesting, to remember that this season is made up of days after, not of, Epiphany. Epiphany is a day, described above, always January 6, twelve days after Christmas, immediately following the drummers drumming. The rest of the season are the days after The Epiphany and within the liturgical year are technically Common Time. After all the demands of the Christmas season, I can sure appreciate some good common time.
During this period of Common Time, The Gospel lessons follow the ministry and teachings of Jesus. In January we began with Jesus’ baptism and followed with two accounts of the calling of the disciples. In Years B and C we then hear stories of healings and other various miracles, but Year A focuses on readings from Matthew and that means the Sermon on the Mount, which our Gospel readings will follow sequentially for the first three weeks of this month. February 2nd is the introduction to Jesus’ most elevated sermon known as the Beatitudes. On February 9th we hear words of salt and light and the importance of keeping the Law. February 16th is the beginning of Matthew’s Antitheses where Jesus’ repeated refrain is “You have heard it said, but…”. Sadly, whoever decided that Easter would come on the first Sunday after the first full moon after the Vernal equinox (no kidding) and thus be a movable date, has cheated us out of the last two of these antitheses because Easter isn’t late enough this year to have enough Sundays after the Epiphany. If only we could squeeze in another week, we would hear Jesus’ teachings to turn the other cheek and love our enemies. I highly recommend doing both those things anyway. The last Sunday of February is also the last of the Sundays after the Epiphany when, in all three years, we read the story of Jesus’ Transfiguration on the mountaintop and is our last chance to sing (and say) Alleluias before the Holy season of Lent.
Throughout this season, as well as the entire liturgical year, all of our music is carefully chosen to enhance the experience of the lectionary readings each Sunday. As part of my pursuit of possibly purposeful prose, I will also contribute a few brief notes about the music each week. I hope you will look for the connections between the music and the lessons and that it might add yet another dynamic to your experience of the Word of God.
Organ Recital
On Sunday, March 8, 2020 at 4 pm at the First Baptist Church, the Winchester Chapter of AGO in conjunction with First Baptist's Music on the Corner Series will present Caroline Robinson in concert.
Ms. Robinson is a rising star in the organ world, having won numerous competitions and awards (carolinerobinson.net). She is currently a DMA candidate at Eastman School of Music where she studies with David Higgs.
She will perform works by JS Bach, Louis Vierne, Maurice Duruflé, William Bolcom, Edward Bairstow, and Gottfried Homilius.
Mark your calendars now and plan to attend this spectacular performance! Suggested donation: $10
Questions: danielmillerpianist@gmail.com
Holiday Concert with Two Pianos
Paul Chandley and Sophia Pavlenko Chandley in Concert
An Evening with Two Pianos
December 18
7pm
FREE ADMISSION
Paul Chandley and Sophia Pavlenko Chandley have been a pro duo for 18 years. Characterized as “Two Pianos, Four Hands, Two Hearts,” they arrange all of their own music. Performances number a minimum of 24 concerts a year. The sounds that float from their two pianos have been called “virtuosic, beautiful, and very approachable.
Learn more about them at https://paulandsophiachandley.com/
Fall 2019 Startup Dates
Music Startup Dates
Adult Choir
Thursday, September 5, 7:00pm
Choir Room
Jr. Choir
Wednesday, September 18, 4:00pm
Children’s Choir Room
Choristers
Wednesday, September 18, 4:45pm
Children’s Choir Room
Handbell Choir
Tuesday September 24, 5:00pm
Cox Hall
Activities Fair
Sunday, September 8
Full choir resumes for 10:30 service
Commissioning of choirs and other ministries
Sunday, September 29, 10:30 service
Education Startup Dates
Bible Study
Wednesday, September 11, 10:30am
Peard House
Adult Forum
Sunday, September 15, 9:15am
Cox Hall
Children’s Chapel
Sunday, September 15
During the 10:30am service
Youth Sunday School - K- 5th Grade
Sunday, September 15, 11:30am
Other Events
Saturday, September 21
Men’s Breakfast 8:00am
Trinity Tables Kick-Off Dinner 6:00pm
Cox Hall
Saturday, September 28
Church Clean-up 9am-3pm
Music Together Classes for Children
A Note of Thanks
Dear Trinity Family,
I wanted to take this time to thank you for all of your support over the last 20 years. As a college student I had no idea that I would be in this position for this long of a time. I have been here through Robert Davenport, Martin Townsend/Jeff Patnaude, and Rob Banse. During those years you all have opened your hearts, homes and lives to me. I keep telling myself that I'm not getting older however after being involved with the graduations and marriages of many of your children over the years, I can no longer deny that I am in fact getting older. I also am beginning to realize that I'm not the same twenty-year old I once was. I would really like to see what else I can do with Labrador Entertainment before that window closes.
This year has been extremely difficult for me to keep the Thursday night choir rehearsal commitment as I had my opera debut with Maryland Lyric Opera and various other professional commitments throughout the year that I have had to keep. Although Christian has tried to work with me with those conflicts, we both have come to agree that because my professional career is blossoming, it was time to take a step back and get someone who can fully commit to the choir. We both feel that for the integrity of the choir and the integrity of the position, it needs to be filled by someone who can be present the majority of the time.
I have enjoyed my time immensely at Trinity Episcopal Church and it will forever hold a special place in my heart. I am the musician I am today because of Christian's guidance, your support and all of the opportunities that the church has given me and for that I am forever grateful! We have tackled many hurdles during my time at Trinity and it has been a valued learning experience throughout the years.
Please know that this is not the end, nor is it good-bye. Kyle and I do still plan to attend church at Trinity as our schedules allow. We do not plan on looking for another church. We are thankful to be part of a congregation that clearly cares about our concerns and well-being.
It has been an honor and a great pleasure to serve this congregation for the last twenty years and I sincerely appreciate the recognition during the church service on Sunday, June 16th. It was truly humbling and also a reaffirmation that Trinity was where I was supposed to be. Thank you again one and all. Kyle and I look forward to seeing you all in the future. Please continue to look out for one another. It is one of Trinity's strongest traits. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for everything!
Your Faithful Servant,
Jason J. Labrador
Chamber and Orchestra Summer Camp
Summer Chamber Music & Orchestra Camp 2019
Monday June 17th - Friday June 21st
1pm to 5pm at Trinity Church, Upperville
for intermediate and advanced students
Chamber music coaching sessions
Chamber Orchestra featuring music from the award winning movie, Bohemian Rhapsody
Soccer
Come for a week filled with great music, fun, and games! Concluding with a final concert on Friday June 21st at 4:00 pm. Hurry! Enrollment is limited- Registration deadline is June 5th !
Cost for the week is $300
Some financial assistance is available.
Register online at: piedmontmusic.org
Information or Questions?
Speak with your teacher or call 540-592-3040 or email: Piedmontmusic@aol.com
Creative Story Time with Music
Mon June 24 - Fri June 28
10:am-noon
Clara Gerdes in Recital
Friday, March 22, 2019
7: 30 PM
Musicians and the general public alike have a special opportunity on March 22 at Trinity Episcopal Church in Upperville to hear an outstanding performer on an outstanding pipe organ. CLARA GERDES, the award-winning organist, will play works by Reubke, Hakim. Dupre and others. The program is designed to feature the talent of this exceptionally gifted virtuoso and to feature Trinity Church's recent tonal revision and regulation of the Aeolian-Skinner pipe organ.
The recital is free with a suggested donation of $10. Inquiries should be made to Dr. Steven Cooksey at scooksey@su.edu or to the chapter's web site at WAGO. org
Ms. Gerdes website is www.claragerdes.com
CMSP 12th Annual Candlelight Concert Fundraiser
Clara Gerdes, Organist
Music Notes December 2018
This Christmas is the 200th anniversary of “Silent Night”. Here is a brief history accord-ing the great source of all wisdom, Wikipedia.
The song was first performed on Christmas Eve 1818 at St Nicholas parish church in Oberndorf, a village in the Austrian Empire on the Salzach river in present-day Austria. A young priest, Father Joseph Mohr, had come to Oberndorf the year before. He had written the lyrics of the song "Stille Nacht" in 1816 at Mariapfarr, the hometown of his father in the Salzburg Lungau region, where Joseph had worked as a co-adjutor.
The melody was composed by Franz Xaver Gruber, schoolmaster and organist in the nearby vil-lage of Arnsdorf. Before Christmas Eve, Mohr brought the words to Gruber and asked him to compose a melody and guitar accompaniment for the Christmas Eve mass. It is unknown what inspired Mohr to write the lyrics, or what prompted him to create a new carol.
According to Gruber, Karl Mauracher, an organ builder who serviced the instrument at the Obendorf church, was enamoured with the song, and took the composition home with him to the Zillertal. From there, two travelling families of folk singers, the Strassers and the Rainers, included the tune in their shows. The Rainers were already singing it around Christmas 1819, and once performed it for an audience that included Franz I of Austria and Alexander I of Russia, as well as making the first performance of the song in the U.S., in New York City in 1839. By the 1840s the song was well known in Lower Saxony and was reported to be a favourite of Frederick William IV of Prussia. During this period, the melody changed slightly to become the version that is commonly played today.
Over the years, because the original manuscript had been lost, Mohr's name was forgotten and although Gruber was known to be the composer, many people assumed the melody was com-posed by a famous composer, and it was variously attributed to Haydn, Mozart, or Beethoven. However, a manuscript was discovered in 1995 in Mohr's handwriting and dated by researchers as c..1820. It states that Mohr wrote the words in 1816 when he was assigned to a pilgrim church in Mariapfarr, Austria, and shows that the music was composed by Gruber in 1818. This is the earliest manuscript that exists and the only one in Mohr's handwriting.
As we do every year, we will sing some version of Silent Night at each of our Christmas Eve Services. However, at the 11:00 service we will sing it with guitar accompaniment just as it was written 200 years ago. We may even throw in a verse in German.
Music Notes
One of the catch phrases I often use both verbally and in print is that “Trinity Church has a long history of excellent music”. As I enter my 20th year as Trinity’s music director and my 28th year on the staff, I am reminded that my seemingly lengthy tenure here is really not that unusual. My dear friend and colleague, Betsy Crenshaw has been here a year and a half longer than I have. And before the two of us were Mary Holsinger and Jim Laster, each of whom began work here in the early 1970’s and served Trinity Church for similarly long periods of time. Mary was the Parish Administrator and Jim the Organist/Choirmaster when Betsy and I started, and we overlapped with both of them for several years.
Dr. James Laster came to Winchester and began work on the faculty of Shenandoah Conservatory and Trinity Church in 1973. He retired from Trinity in 1999 and from the college in 2000. Dr. Laster is an accomplished organist, choral conductor, author, and composer. Throughout his 25 years at Trinity he built and maintained a reputation for excellent music which we still benefit from today.
After almost 20 years of active retirement in the Winchester area, Jim and his wife, Madlon, are moving to Delaware to be near their son and grandchildren. As a parting gesture and in recognition of his significant contributions to the artistic life of this community, the Winchester Chapter of the American Guild of Organists is sponsoring a concert of Dr. Laster’s compositions, many of which were written for or at Trinity Church, on Sunday, October 21 at 4:00, at First Baptist Church in Winchester. Our own Richard McPherson will be providing much of the organ accompaniment and the combined choir will include members of the Arts Chorale of Winchester, and the Cantus Singers from Shenandoah Conservatory.
During this time of transition, as Trinity Church continues to grow and move forward, it is important to remember those who came before us and on who’s work our successes are built. We are grateful for the many years of service Jim Laster dedicated to our church and hope that many of you might pay tribute to him by attending this wonderful concert.
- Christian
