Tom Trenney
Speaker, Organist, Guest Conductor
Tom Trenney shares his passion as pastoral musician, composer, and teacher in worship with his home congregation, in the college classroom, and in performances, hymn festivals, choral and organ workshops and master classes all around the country. Since 2009, he has been blessed to serve as Minister of Music to First-Plymouth Church (United Church of Christ) in Lincoln, Nebraska, where he shepherds four adult choirs, accompanies the congregation on the Schoenstein organ, preaches sermons, and guides the Abendmusik at First-Plymouth Concert Series. In 2015-16, three of First-Plymouth’s choirs were honored to perform at conventions of the Nebraska Choral Directors Association, the Nebraska Music Educators Association, and the North Central American Choral Directors Association (ACDA). In March 2017, First-Plymouth’s chamber choir, Cantorei, sang two worship services at the national ACDA convention in Minneapolis.
Ben A. Spalding
Speaker, Conductor
Ben A. Spalding has been a church musician since the age of 15 serving many denominations both large and small. Spalding recently served as chair of the worship committee for the 2018 National Convention of the American Guild of Organists. He quickly established himself as an exemplary conductor, creative programmer, composer, arranger, keyboard artist, and arts entrepreneur whose skills are increasingly in demand. He has led the Spire Chamber Ensemble and Baroque Orchestra to acclaimed success, receiving rave reviews for his work with the music of contemporary American composers as well as historically-informed interpretations of Baroque and Classical repertoire. In addition to his work with Spire Chamber Ensemble, Spalding is Director of Music and the Arts at Trinity Lutheran Church in Mission, KS, where he has built one of the most prestigious concert series and arts programs in the region.
Schedule
12:30 – 1:00 pm | Fellowship and Snacks
1:00 – 1:50 pm | Workshop #1: From the Composer
Tom Trenney will about speak from the composer’s point of view to guide our musical interpretation.
2:00 – 2:50 pm | Workshop #2: The 21st Century Church Choir
Ben A. Spalding will share helpful insights for the 21st century church choir including rehearsal techniques, voice building, and tried and true repertoire suggestions for the church year.
3:00 – 3:50 pm | Workshop #3: ABRACADABRA – Discovering the Magic of Hymn Improvisation
Come to discover that there really is no magic to organ improvisation. Tom Trenney’s efficient and effective approach affirms all talents and challenges all inhibitions! This interactive and fun session will encourage wild creativity within specific guidelines, offer attainable models to inspire us, and affirm us all to celebrate the unique music that is within us.
4:00 – 4: 45 pm | Closing Plenary Session with Tom Trenney
So many workshops focus on the ‘how to.’ In this session, Tom Trenney encourages us to reflect upon the ‘why do.’ This inspirational conversation will refresh your commitment to your vocation and the purpose of your ministry.
4:45 – 5:30 pm | Break
5:30 – 6:30 pm | Ponder Anew What the Almighty Can Do Hymn Festival
Trinity Choir, Festival Brass, and Congregation
Ben A. Spalding and Tom Trenney, hymn festival leaders
Freewill offering will be taken