Music

Sanctuary Choir

The Sanctuary Choir is made up of adults and students who enjoy leading worship through hymns, special anthems and songs of faith.  In addition, Trinity has several small ensembles:   mixed quartets, a men’s quartet, and a women’s group.  The choir and the ensembles generally rehearse on Sunday mornings and sing regularly for worship.

For more information, contact Mary Voigt.

11:15am Contemporary Worship Band

We are blessed with a group of talented musicians that lead our 11:15 am contemporary worship service.  We are always on the lookout for skilled musicians or vocalist who have a passion for worshipping God.  If you are a musician or vocalist looking for a church home, please contact John Foster.

Trinity Bells

The Trinity Bells have the opportunity to play 5 octaves of handbells and 3 octaves of handchimes. Beginners and experienced players work together using a variety of techniques to create a beautiful and exciting music to enhance worship. Adults as well as high school and college students are welcome. Trinity Bells rehearse twice a month on Sunday mornings from 11:15-12:15 and play one Sunday a month for worship.

For more information, contact Mary Voigt

Trinity Lutheran Church (downtown) is home to one of only three traditional carillons (bell towers) in Houston (16 in Texas and 171 in US). A traditional carillon has at least 23 bells played from a “keyboard” of batons or clavier; fewer bells are known as a “chime of bells.” In 1954, Trinity dedicated the original 12 bells. Then in 1957, 13 more bells were added to make the existing 25-bell carillon. In 2015, a major refurbishment of the bells and its framework was done, as well as the installation of a state of the art digital automated bell-ringing equipment and a master control system. This affords incredible versatility including playing songs from a catalog of more than 200 pre-programmed music selections, recording new songs and chiming the quarter hour!

Historically, the earliest bells (late 13^th century) were associated with public clocks. During the 1600’s, the art of bell casting improved to produce well-tuned bells in a chromatic series that would create a harmonious sound. Many carillons were destroyed during WWI or confiscated during WWII. However after WWII, the market grew and by the early 1950s, carillons were being imported to North America by Taylor, Paccard and Petit & Fritsen. One of those carillons came to Trinity from Petit & Fritsen (Holland firm founded 1660). The bells are made of bronze and vary in weight from nearly 90 pounds to 900 pounds and in diameter from about one foot to three feet. Only the largest bell swings, but all are struck by a clapper operated by the carillonneur from a clavier. The clavier (keyboard) consists of wooden pegs or batons and pedals connected by wires to the clappers, so that the bells are rung by either pushing the batons down or striking them with the fist, or pressing down the pedals with the feet. The entire system is mechanical, which has not been altered by the automated bell-ringing equipment.

Robert E. Stueber, who was one of the carillonneurs at Trinity for several decades prior to 1990, handcrafted a practice clavier to the exact measurements of Trinity’s clavier. It uses an electronic keyboard to produce the appropriate pitch sounds. His wood workmanship shows his expert craftsmanship and provides an indispensable means for carillonneurs and students to practice. The only other practice clavier in Houston is at the Spring Branch Bell Tower. Mr. Steuber graciously donated this clavier to Trinity in the 1990’s.

The bells are played at Trinity throughout the day and on special occasions—each Sunday as a call to worship, playing hymns of praise to God following church services, joyful sounds ringing out for weddings, and songs of remembrance and gratitude to God for souls at rest during funerals or memorial services. This is another way that Jesus Christ is proclaimed in downtown Houston.

Pastor Donald Black tells the story about a man who was serving time in the Houston jail in the police station/court complex adjacent to the church. While hearing the hymn tunes played from the Trinity bells, he made a commitment to return to church once released. “So my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you.” (Isaiah 55:11-12) “It is good to praise the Lord and make music to your name, O Most High, to proclaim your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night.” (Psalm 92:1-2)

• Herbert Garske
• Mickey Gross
• Michael Held
• Kathy Hern
• Steve Morby
• M. Jackson Osborn
• Mike Ryan
• Robert Steuber
• Rebecca Roschke
• Jack Westmoreland
• Lesley Paulus
• Carla Barrows (2011 – current)