This year on the first Sunday of Advent, I began my 12th year as the organist at Trinity. I continue to enjoy the ministry of music that Trinity has to offer. Through our choral scholar program, I work closely with many Marshall students, both at the church and at the university. Keeping a close tie with Marshall allows me to recruit new singers as others graduate and move on in their professional lives. One of these ties is being the accompanist for Marshall’s elite vocal ensemble, the Chamber Choir. Many of our choral scholars are a part of this very talented group.
In March of 2012, I have the chance of a lifetime; traveling with the Marshall University Chamber Choir on a twelve-day concert tour to France. As a member of this choir, I will get to see France’s beautiful Dordogne, the French Riviera, ancient Roman ruins in Arles, fortified cities, and remains of ancient civilizations.
Through a competitive audition, we have also been chosen to sing a service in the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris! This will be one high point in the trip, but there will be lots of others, too. We will share a concert with a local French choir; performing for them, listening to them perform, and having a chance to visit with them over dinner.
Many of our group has never been abroad. Some have never flown in an airplane. We are getting our passports in order, studying our French phrase books, learning some history, and preparing a concert with a mix of American music and international music to share with French audiences. Needless to say, we are incredibly excited.
Although the College of Fine Arts is providing meaningful support, I am asking for your help to make this trip possible for me. Many of us work part-time jobs, in addition to being full-time students, and carrying extra responsibilities. This trip is a big commitment, but it is one we know we will always remember. Other Marshall University students who have travelled or studied abroad have come back with so many wonderful stories, with their imaginations on fire, and their lives transformed. The cost of the trip is significant but the experience will be, as the TV commercial says, “priceless.”
On January 15, 2012, at 3:00pm, with the assistance of several of the choral scholars, there will be a concert presented as part of the Music at Trinity concert series. The program will include: classical, gospel, jazz, music theater, with piano, organ and vocal selections. There will not be a charge for this concert but donations are encouraged to assist with the trip. If you would like to make a donation by check, make it out to Mark Smith, with Chamber Choir Grant in the memo line. Donations will gratefully be accepted prior to the concert if you wish to send them in early to me at the church; 520 11th St, Huntington, WV 25701.
Thank you in advance for your assistance and consideration. I would enjoy the opportunity to tell you more about our group, our plans, and the great music we share. I will bring back as many pictures and recordings as possible for all to see and hear.
Sincerely,
Mark A Smith, Choir Director/Organist
Trinity Episcopal Church
