New Organist Started September 10

A Note from Mother Tanya

Dear friends,

As you know, in March we celebrated Dr. David Kennedy, our beloved music director of many years, and wished him well in his retirement. It has been a joy that he has continued to be part of our community and has continued to share his gifts with us during our interim period.

Since March, we have welcomed many supply organists, and we have been blessed by their gifts and talents. I am so grateful to each person who was willing to join us as in worship. Michael Bahmann and Diana Norton Jackson have been our longest-serving supply organists, and I know you share my gratitude for them and the way they have amplified our worship. Diana is with us this Sunday, September 3rd, and I hope you will join me in thanking her for her time with us.

On September 10th, we will welcome our new Minister of Music, Michael Kelly. You may remember him from our July 31st worship service. When I first met with Mike, I found him to be thoughtful, kind, talented, and enthusiastic about joining our community. He shares my gratitude for the anchors of our choir and my hope that we can continue to grow choir participation. Another of my hopes is that we will have a musical opportunity for our children and youth, and as a teacher Mike is uniquely positioned to consider how to best make this a reality. Our choir had the final say, and after their unanimous yes, I was delighted to invite Mike to join us!

He’s written an introduction below so that we can get to know him, and I know that you will join me in welcoming him to Trinity Church. I’m excited that he will be part of our faith community and look forward to what our future holds!

Faithfully,
Mother Tanya

A Greeting from Mike Kelly

Greetings…As of September 10, I’ll be taking on the role of Minister of Music at Trinity Church, and I’m looking forward to getting started!

I’m originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, where I grew up, raised my two beautiful (and now grown) children, and received my degrees in music from the University of Cincinnati (music education, composition, and theory). I’ve taught music in public schools and at the college level and have served as a church and theatrical music director throughout my adult life, both in Ohio and–more recently–in southern Vermont.

I’ve seen a lot of changes in the past year: I’ve just been hired as a public school music teacher in Fall River, and am in the process of moving to Federal Hill in Providence. In my spare time, I like hiking, writing, composing, and spending time with my amazing partner.

I’m truly thankful for this opportunity to join the Trinity Church community. Take care, and I’ll see you all soon.

Mike Kelly