Music Ministry
The musical tradition of the universal Church is a treasure of inestimable value, greater even than that of any other art. The main reason for this pre-eminence is that, as sacred song united to the words, it forms a necessary or integral part of the solemn liturgy. (Vatican II -Sacrosanctum Concilium no. 112)
Music plays an important role in the life of the parish, with concerted efforts to realise the basic liturgical music principles laid down by the Second Vatican Council. These include the participation of the people in the Liturgy, as well as the promotion of music that draws on the rich musical heritage of the Church, past and present.
The church houses a small, quality pipe organ by Laukhuff of Germany, which is used in the accompaniment of singing as well as the performance of organ music from many periods.
There are two musical ensembles: the Schola Cantorum and the Student Choir.
The Schola sings each Sunday at Morning Prayer (09h00) and Mass (09h30). Admission to the group is by audition. The Student Choir is responsible for providing the music at the Chaplaincy Mass on Sunday afternoons (16h00) during university term time. Membership of this ensemble is open to all students at any tertiary institution.
The Covid-19 pandemic has dealt a heavy blow to the liturgical life of the Church, and musical ensembles have also been adversely affected in the process. As restrictions are eased, with people being encouraged to return to the liturgy in person, the parish musicians are working hard to ensure that worthy music continues to occupy an important place in our worship. For any enquiries regarding any aspect of the music programme or if you would like to join the music ministry:
[popup_anything id=”52946″]
Music Staff
Cameron Upchurch
Cameron has been working at Holy Trinity since 2004. He holds a master’s degree in Music, with research focusing specifically on post-Vatican II liturgy and music. He trains the Schola Cantorum, plans the music and plays the organ for most Sunday morning liturgies, and is responsible for the general overseeing of the music programme. He has written much music for Catholic liturgical use, including 2 Mass settings and a complete three-year cycle of responsorial psalms for Sundays and Solemnities. Cameron is also a member of the Archdiocesan Liturgy Advisory Committee, and is currently engaged in setting the antiphons of the psalms of the Sunday morning Office of Lauds, for use in the parish.
Paul Nshima
Paul teaches music at the Lycée Jules Verne in Morningside. He holds a Grade 8 qualification in both Piano and Organ from Trinity College, London, and is currently engaged in studies towards a piano licentiate, also through Trinity College. He assists at the organ when necessary and deputises for the Director of Music when he is away.
Sheila Namutebi
Sheila joined the student choir in 2017 while pursuing an honours degree in architecture. She later obtained a master’s degree in the same field and is now a professional architect. Prior to this, she was involved in music preparation and choir conducting during her high school and undergraduate years. She is particularly proud of the effort that the student choir puts into promoting diverse representation in its music. She enjoys composing songs and psalm settings, as well as playing the piano and guitar.
Ebetsamang Thupae
Ebetsamang (Dondo) has been involved in music and church activities since childhood through his involvement in youth group, The Association of Catholic Tertiary Students, and choir associations. He is a baritone and also plays the piano, drums, tambourine and marimbas. Dondo believes that singing is both prayerful and therapeutic for everyone who participates in the Liturgy.
