Music Ministry
The parish recognises the integral role of music in worship and takes very seriously the injunction of the Second Vatican Council that the Church’s musical heritage be “preserved and fostered with great care.” Every effort is made to strive for good standards of musical performance within the liturgy in order to aid people’s prayer and devotion. A wide range of musical styles is used; Languages that can be heard in the music of the liturgy include English (most often) as well as Latin and South African vernacular Black languages. The organ occupies a prominent place in parish liturgies, with repertoire drawn chiefly from the many style periods of the Catholic musical tradition. The practice of organ improvisation can also be heard on a frequent basis.
Organist and Director of Music
Cameron Upchurch was born in London and grew up in KwaZulu-Natal. He holds a Master’s Degree in Music and is a full time member of the music staff at St John’s College in Houghton. His work at Holy Trinity includes the overseeing of the music programme, which focuses principally on the celebration of the Office and Mass on a Sunday morning and on other Solemnities. He is responsible for training the Schola Cantorum, planning the music of the liturgy and preparing the weekly orders of service. Cameron also shares organ duties with the assistant organists. He can be contacted via email: music@trinityjhb.co.za.
Assistant Organists
Paul Nshima hails from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He holds a Grade 8 in piano and Grade 6 in organ from Trinity College, London. He is studying part-time for a BComm degree through UNISA and also teaches music at the Lycee Francais Jules Verne in Morningside. His parish duties are to assist at the organ during liturgies as well as to participate in the activities of the Schola Cantorum.
Schola Cantorum
The Holy Trinity Schola Cantorum is a group of eight regular singers that lead the singing of the Office and Mass on a weekly basis, usually on Sunday mornings. Their focus is on Gregorian chant and chant-style vernacular music. From their ranks are also drawn the cantors who sing the psalms and lead congregational singing when the full Schola is not present. Admission to the group is by audition and a firm regular commitment is expected.
Student Musicians
During the university term the music at the Sunday evening Mass is led by a group of students. The focus of this group is on contemporary styles of liturgical music. All students are welcome to join this ensemble, which is coordinated by Mr Dondo Thupae. They practice every Friday evening at 5pm-6pm in the Church.
Music Resources
Please visit our archives of Mass Music for the 09h30 and 18h00 Masses, as well for the Divine Office and our Revised Grail Psalms project.
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