MUSIC AT TRINITY

20162017

Erik Collins, Director of Music & Pianist

Rev. Lucus Keppel and Rev. Elana Levy, Co-Pastors
 HANDBOOK CONTENTS

Letter from the Director of Music

Information about Trinity Music Program

Membership Standards

Procedures and Practices

Fall 2016 Repertoire

Festival of Lessons and Carols

About the Repertoire

About Trinity Presbyterian Church

 LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR OF MUSIC

Welcome back to another exciting year with the Trinity Music

Program. As we begin this new church year, I would like to
thank the congregation of Trinity for the years of dedication
and support that you have given to our music program.

I always look forward to beginning each year through

fellowship. The annual Fall Choir Social & Dinner Party will
take place this year at the Hanson's in early September.
Beautiful autumn weather and coming together in
anticipation of a great choir year ... it just doesn't get any
better than that!

Our fall repertoire consists of many musical styles and genres

- everything from spirituals to traditional Shaker songs. I very
much enjoy selecting a diverse set of pieces for the choir to
sing and present in worship, and I have heard many times
the appreciation from the congregation on keeping the
choral music interesting. Of course, we will also continue to
sing music that is rooted in our Christian faith and that is
familiar to the congregation - hymn arrangements and new
tunes on traditional words.

As I begin my 6th year here at Trinity, I very much look

forward to a very successful and enjoyable year! I cannot
begin express what serving Trinity has done for my life and
love of music. I am wholeheartedly proud to call myself your
friend and music director.

In harmony,

Erik Collins
 INFORMATION ABOUT THE TRINITY MUSIC PROGRAM

Mission Statement
The mission of the Trinity Music Program is to connect with the
spiritual message spoken from the pulpit, becoming the living
sound of that message. We seek to uplift and inspire the
congregation through an eclectic mixture of musical offerings,
helping to raise the hearts and voices of all in praise and
thanksgiving.

Who We Are
The goal of the Trinity Choir is to enhance and enliven our worship
of God. The music program draws the congregation into the
music rather than leaving the congregation as spectators at a
performance. It offers the opportunity to learn great masterworks
of choral literature from all style periods. Over the course of the
year, our music reflects a broad diversity of musical styles
including folk, spiritual, jazz, gospel, and contemporary works from
our own American heritage, as well as works from many other
counties and languages. The teaching of diverse musical styles not
only enriches the knowledge and experience of the choir but also
promotes understanding of other peoples and cultures.

Other music opportunities

The choir goes on hiatus in the summer time. During this time
members of the choir and congregation are given the opportunity
to participate in worship by either singing a solo or playing a
musical instrument. This is what makes our choir program a
church-wide music program.

The music director does not hold regular office hours. However, an
appointment can be made at any time by contacting the director or
by calling the church.

If you have further questions regarding the music program and/or

are interested in participating, please contact the director at (918)
369-3690 or music@trinitychurchbixby.org.
 MEMBERSHIP STANDARDS

CHOIR IS A TEAM SPORT!

The choir season

Membership in the choir is for a complete season. Active participation
from mid-August through May is requested.

Sunday participation
The choir sings during all Sunday worship services (September-May)
unless otherwise stated by the Director of Music. Singing during worship
on Sunday mornings is the number one priority of the choir. Active
members in the choir are required to be present during at least 80%
of the Sunday services that the choir sings for. Singers are also asked to
remain in the sanctuary throughout the duration of the worship service.

Attendance outside of Sunday mornings

In addition to singing in worship on Sunday mornings, there may be
multiple times when the choir sings outside of the regular schedule.
These may include, but are not limited to: Handels Messiah presentation,
Christmas Eve, Maundy Thursday, etc.

Rehearsal schedule
Sunday mornings (weekly): 8:15 9:15 PM
Sunday morning pre-service warm-up: 10:00 AM

In accordance with the Sunday morning participation rate, active choir

members are required to be present during 80% of Sunday morning
rehearsals.

Mutual respect
The music director expects every choir member to contribute towards the
creating and maintaining of a healthy learning environment. Please be
respectful to your fellow choir team members.
 PROCEDURES & PRACTICES

Worship music
The weekly worship music can be found on the north wall in the
plastic music slots on Sunday mornings. After worship, please
remove the music from your folder and separate the pieces into
piles on the table in the choir room.

Respect the music

The cost of sheet music is perpetually increasing. Most publishing
companies sell their music somewhere between $1.80 and $2.50.
Please refrain from defacing, tearing or misplacing your music.
When making rehearsal marks in the music, PENCIL ONLY
markings are acceptable. If you wish to highlight your music,
please ask for a copy to be made from the original.

Choir robes
The choir robes are on the south wall of the choir room and are
dry-cleaned every other year. On Communion Sundays, the stole
should present the all white side. The robes are utilized every
Sunday in worship. The occasional free-dress Sunday may be
permitted at the discretion of the music director.

Procedures preceding choir rehearsals

IN ORDER TO SUSTAIN A HIGH-QUALITY MUSIC PROGRAM,
PLEASE MAKE AN EFFORT TO BE PRESENT AT ALL REHEARSALS.
Early is on time, on time is late! Please arrive five (5)
minutes prior to the rehearsal starting time.

Please bring only water into the choir room.

Set your cellular phone to SILENT during all rehearsal

times.

Please refrain from wearing strong perfumes and colognes

as they often cause other singers to tear or sneeze.
 FALL 2016 CHORAL REPERTOIRE

SEPTEMBER

SEPT 11 River in Judea arr. J. Leavitt

SEPT 18 Adiemus Karl Jenkins

SEPT 25 Jesus Christ, the Apple Tree Frank Sargent

OCTOBER

OCT 2 What a Friend We Have in Jesus arr. C. McCartha

OCT 9 All Things Bright and Beautiful John Rutter

OCT 16 Follow the Drinking Gourd arr. D. Davison

OCT 23 A Prayer for Humility Mark Patterson

OCT 30 There is a Season Greg Gilpin

NOVEMBER

NOV 6 How Can I Keep from Singing arr. G. Walker

NOV 13 All Good Gifts arr. J. Leavitt

NOV 20 We Gather Together arr. J. Carter

NOV 27 ***NO CHOIR - THANKSGIVING WEEKEND***

DECEMBER

DEC 4 The Holly and the Ivy arr. D. Powers

DEC 11 or 18 FESTIVAL OF LESSONS & CAROLS

DEC 24 Candlelight Carol John Rutter

DEC 25 ***NO CHOIR - WINTER BREAK ***

REHEARSAL WILL RESUME SUNDAY, JAN 8

 FESTIVAL OF LESSONS AND CAROLS

The Festival of Lessons and Carols is a format for a service of

Christian worship celebrating the birth of Jesus that is traditionally
followed at Christmas. The story of the fall of humanity, the
promise of the Messiah, and the birth of Jesus is told in nine short
Bible readings from Genesis, the prophetic books and the Gospels,
interspersed with the singing of Christmas carols, hymns and choir
music.

The format was based on an Order drawn up by Edward White

Benson, later Archbishop of Canterbury but at that time Bishop of
Truro, in Cornwall, for use on Christmas Eve in 1880. Tradition says
that he organized a 10 pm service on Christmas Eve in a
temporary wooden shed serving as his cathedral and that a key
purpose of the service was to keep men out of pubs on Christmas
Eve.

The original liturgy has since been adapted and used by other
churches all over the world. Lessons and Carols most often occur
in Anglican churches, but also in some Roman Catholic, Lutheran
parishes, and Presbyterian institutions. However numerous
Christian churches have adopted this service, or a variation on this
service, as part of their Christmas celebrations. In the UK, the
service has become the standard format for schools' Christmas
carol services.

The best-known version is broadcast annually from King's College,

Cambridge, on Christmas Eve. It features carols sung by the
famous Choir of King's College, Cambridge. Groton School of
Groton, Massachusetts, has performed the festival longer than any
institution other than King's, holding its first Lessons and Carols in
1928.
 ABOUT THE REPERTOIRE

River in Judea -arr. John Leavitt

This beautiful gospel-styled song, based on a secular text spun from
the river-is-life metaphor, is perfect for virtually any presentation. The
human's quest for moments of peace and inspiration translates into a
riveting choral statement, and this setting conveys its message with
great sincerity and eloquence.

Oftentimes I dream of music, of the river that freely flows. And it sings a song
sweeter than honey, one everybody knows. Late at night, I hear it singing.
Then again when I wake at dawn. And it fills me up with hope and goodwill,
the will to go on, go on.

There is a river in Judea that I heard of long ago. And it's a singing, ringing
river that my soul cries out to know.

Adiemus Karl Jenkins

The word Adiemus means "We will draw near." The sound of
Adiemus is generally identified with new-age or Celtic music. Jenkins
follows conventions of tonality up to a pointhis harmony is derived
from gospel and African music, decorated with functional dissonances
such as suspensions and with greater freedom of movement between
loosely related key areas. Karl Jenkins writes of his own work, I
conceived Songs of Sanctuary in the European classical tradition, but
it was my intention that the vocal sound should be more akin to
those heard in ethnic or world music."

Ariadiamus late ariadiamus da, Ari a natus late adua, Ara vare tue vate latea.

Jesus Christ, the Apple Tree Frank Sargent

The text for this selection first appears in an 18th century New
Hampshire hymnal. This delightful gem is a favorite of English choirs
and has been sung by the famous Kings College Choir in many choral
presentation. The text is more of a reflection than a sermon on the fall
of man in the garden and its implications for our life today. Our
redemption comes through the apple, which in this poem is the fruit
of Jesus himself, the tree of life. One important 15th century English
text says, blessed be the time that apple taken was. This idea, along
with the prominence of the apple in early American life, and the
hallowed stories of Johnny Appleseed makes this variation on an
English idea uniquely American.
 ABOUT THE REPERTOIRE

The tree of life my soul hath seen, Laden with fruit and always green;
The trees of nature fruitless be Compared with Christ, the apple tree.

His beauty doth all things excel: By faith I know, but ne'er can tell,
The glory which I now can see In Jesus Christ, the apple tree.

For happiness I long have sought, And pleasure dearly I have bought;
I missed of all but now I see, 'Tis found in Christ, the apple tree.

This fruit doth make my soul to thrive, It keeps my dying faith alive;
Which makes my soul in haste to be With Jesus Christ, the apple tree.

What a Friend We Have in Jesus -arr. Charles McCartha

This sensitive choral essay is inspired by two traditional hymns,
BEACH SPRING and CONVERSE, that are beautifully combined into a
lyric gem. Rich harmonies and a contemplative feeling give resonance
to the thought new interpretation by Charles McCartha. The delicate
setting reminds us to take our troubles to the Lord in prayer.

What a friend we have in Jesus, All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry, Everything to God in prayer!
Oh, what peace we often forfeit, Oh, what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry, Everything to God in prayer!

Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?

We should never be discouraged Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful, Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness; Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy-laden, Cumbered with a load of care?

Precious Savior, still our refuge Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee? Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms Hell take and shield thee, Thou wilt find a solace there.

Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised Thou wilt all our burdens bear;
May we ever, Lord, be bringing All to Thee in earnest prayer.
Soon in glory bright, unclouded, There will be no need for prayer
Rapture, praise, and endless worship, Will be our sweet portion there.
 ABOUT THE REPERTOIRE

All Things Bright and Beautiful John Rutter

This setting of All Things Bright and Beautiful, a hymn-tune and
anthem of the Anglican Church, was originally commissioned by
the Westminster Choir College for Helen Kemp. The words were
originally written by Cecil Francis Alexander (1818-1895), an
English poet and hymn-writer. This text has been set by dozens of
famous composers throughout history. The source of many of the
texts Rutter sets to music are taken from Christian scripture and
the Bible.
All things bright and beautiful, all creatures great and small,
All things wise and wonderful: the Lord God made them all.

Each little flower that opens, each little bird that sings,
He made their glowing colors, He made their tiny wings.

The purple headed mountains, the river running by,

The sunset and the morning that brightens up the sky!

The cold wind in the winter, the pleasant summer sun

The ripe fruits in the garden, He made them, every one!

He gave us eyes to see them, and lips that we might tell

How great is God Almighty, who has made all things well.

A Prayer for Humility Mark Patterson

This anthem combines a thoughtful, original text with a beautiful,
gentle melody. Written as a prayer, this anthem by Mark Patterson
creates a mood of reflection and introspection focusing on
humility and reliance on God.
Mighty God and gentle Lamb, Lord of all creation - How we long to know
you, how we strive to serve you - Help us now to love you even more

Give us humble hearts to praise you, and listening ears to hear your
voice, wiling hands to serve you, thankful spirits to rejoice. Lord of all, we
adore you, and we bring this prayer before you.

Create in us humble hearts when our thoughts turn proud, remind us of

the grace your freely give. When we lose our way, Lord find us, draw us
close to you. Amen.
 ABOUT THE REPERTOIRE

There is a Season Greg Gilpin

This stunning setting of an emotional biblical text (based on
Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8, 11) helps us understand that there is a time ...
a season ... for every purpose under heaven. The soaring melody
dramatically ebbs and flows throughout, eventually fading at the
thoughtful end. This piece is destined to become an annual
favorite for Stewardship Sunday.
There is a time, there is a season. A time for evry purpose under heaven.
A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to
harvest.

To everything, there is a season. A time to weep, a time to laugh. A time

to mourn, a time to dance! A time to love and a time to hate. A time for
war and a time for peace.

There is a time, there is a season. A time for evry purpose under heaven.
A time to receive, to lose, time to keep and to give away. And all is
beautiful. It is simply beautiful in its own time.

How Can I Keep from Singing? arr. Gwyneth Walker

How Can I Keep from Singing is an old Quaker hymn dating back
to the 1800's in the United States. This new arrangement by
Vermont-based choral composer Gwyneth Walker emphasizes the
celebratory and life-affirming aspects of the song. The reference to
prison cells, dungeon dark, etc., refer to Quaker (Friends) who were
often imprisoned -- for refusing to worship the King of England,
then refusing to bear arms. In her envisioning of this very unique
arrangement Walker changes the meter from the traditional triple
to duple.

My life flows on in endless song:

Above earths lamentation,
I catch the sweet, tho far-off hymn
That hails a new creation.
Through all the tumult and the strife
I hear the music ringing;
It finds an echo in my soul
How can I keep from singing?
 ABOUT THE REPERTOIRE

All Good Gifts arr. John Leavitt

The beloved Godspell song, All Good Gifts, becomes a sweeping
anthem of gratitude in this stunning setting. With a classic hymn
text and rich music by Stephen Schwartz, this piece evokes all in
the spirit of joyful celebration.

We plow the fields and scatter, The good seed on the land,
But it is fed and watered By God's almighty hand:
He sends the snow in winter, The warmth to swell the grain,
The breezes and the sunshine, And soft, refreshing rain.

All good gifts around us are sent from heaven above.

So thank the Lord, O thank the Lord for all his love.

We thank thee then, O Father, for all things bright and good,
The seed time and the harvest, our life, our health, our food.
No gifts have we to offer for all thy love imparts
But that which thou desirest: our humble thankful hearts.

All good gifts around us are sent from heaven above.

So thank the Lord, O thank the Lord for all his love.

We Gather Together arr. John Carter

We Gather Together is a Christian hymn of Dutch origin written in
1597 by Adrianus Valerius as "Wilt heden nu treden" to celebrate
the Dutch victory over Spanish forces in the Battle of Turnhout. It
was originally set to a Dutch folk tune. In the United States, it is
popularly associated with Thanksgiving Day and is often sung at
family meals and at religious services on that day. At the time the
hymn was written, the Dutch were engaged in a war of national
liberation against the Catholic King Philip II of Spain. "Wilt heden
nu treden," "We gather together" resonated because under the
Spanish King, Dutch Protestants were forbidden to gather for
worship. Although this particular arrangement by John Carter is
now permanently out of print, the choir enjoy singing this
rendition every other year.
 ABOUT THE REPERTOIRE

The Holly and the Ivy arr. Daniel Powers

The Holly and the Ivy is a traditional British Christmas carol. Holly,
Ivy and other greenery such as Mistletoe were originally used in
pre-Christian times to help celebrate the Winter Solstice Festival
and ward off evil spirits and to celebrate new growth. When
Christianity came into Western Europe, some people wanted to
keep the greenery, to give it Christian meanings but also to ban
the use of it to decorate homes. The prickly leaves represent the
crown of thorns that Jesus wore when he was crucified. The berries
are the drops of blood that were shed by Jesus because of the
thorns. Ivy has to cling to something to support itself as it grows.
This reminds us that we need to cling to God for support in our
lives.

The holly and the ivy, Now both are full well grown.
Of all the trees that are in the wood, The holly bears the crown.

Oh, the rising of the sun, The running of the deer.

The playing of the merry organ, Sweet singing in the quire.

The holly bears a blossom, As white as lily flower;

And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ To be our sweet Savior.

The holly bears a berry, As red as any blood;

And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ, To do poor sinners good.

The holly bears a prickle, As sharp as any thorn;

And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ, On Christmas day in the morn.

The holly bears a bark, As bitter as any gall;

And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ, For to redeem us all. Chorus

The holly and the ivy, When they are both full grown,
Of all the trees that are in the wood, The holly bears the crown.

The rising of the sun, And the running of the deer,

The playing of the merry organ, Sweet singing in the choir.
 ABOUT THE REPERTOIRE

Candlelight Carol John Rutter

Candlelight Carol is an absolutely stunning Christmas lullaby that
tells the Christmas story in a unique and sensitive way. A short a
cappella passage adds depth to this expressive work that has
earned a cherished place in the Christmas choral repertoire. This
piece has become a tradition every year on Christmas Eve.

How do you capture the wind on the water? How do you count all the
stars in the sky? How can you measure the love of a mother, or how can
you write down a baby's first cry?

Candlelight, angel light, firelight and starglow shine on his cradle till
breaking of dawn. Gloria, Gloria in excelsis deo! Angels are singing; the
Christ Child is born.

Shepherds and wisemen will kneel and adore him, Seraphim round him
their vigil will keep; Nations proclaim him their Lord and their Savior, but
Mary will hold him and sing him to sleep.

Candlelight, angel light, firelight and starglow shine on his cradle till
breaking of dawn. Gloria, Gloria in excelsis deo! Angels are singing; the
Christ Child is born.

Find him at Bethlehem laid in a manger: Christ our Redeemer asleep in

the hay. Godhead incarnate and hope of salvation: A child with his
mother that first Christmas Day.

Candlelight, angel light, firelight and starglow shine on his cradle till
breaking of dawn. Gloria, Gloria in excelsis deo! Angels are singing; the
Christ Child is born.
 ABOUT OUR CHURCH

Trinitys history is marked by a strong commitment to glorify

God and serve the world. With Gods help, we have been
able to develop a ministry that helps our members grow
spiritually as we serve others. Our South Tulsa church first
began meeting at Holland Hall School in 1981. The first
building was built on South Memorial Drive. It served the
congregation well until a change in demographics and aging
building made a new structure necessary. The current
sanctuary on 111th Street between Memorial and Mingo
contains many elements moved from the building on
Memorial. The cross, communion table, and baptismal font
were moved into the new church. The pulpit in the chancel
and the font in the narthex were given to Trinity from our
sister congregation, Second Presbyterian Church, Tulsa.

Trinity Presbyterian Church in Bixby is a Christian church

centered on a belief in Jesus Christ. Grounded in that belief,
we encounter the world and all its complexities with
integrity, authenticity, and a healthy dose of humor. How we
go about living that faith in the world varies greatly among
members. We believe a diversity of thinking, grounded in
Christ, is good for our community, good for the church, and
good for the world. How we live together amidst diverse
views is one of the greatest witnesses to our faith in Christ.
For over 30 years, the people of Trinity have been gathering
together to worship, growing together in faith, giving
generously to share the grace of Jesus Christ with others,
and engaging in Christian fellowship. We ask questions, we
are pushed to act and risk in the world, we are offered
forgiveness and love when needed, and we celebrate times
of new life and new beginnings together.
NOTES
The aim and final end of all music should be none
other than the glory of God and the refreshment of
the soul." -J.S. Bach

Trinity Presbyterian Church

9303 E. 111th St. S.
Bixby, OK 74008
(918) 369-3690

www.trinitychurchbixby.com