Summer Music at Trinity June 6 – July 18
Our wonderful choir takes a break during the summer. While they are away, we invite some special summer musicians to join us for worship. Below is the schedule for this summer.
Brian and Katie Shiplov (June 6)
Brian Shiolov has been a Trinity member since 2008. Brian works by day as a veterinarian (in fact he treats many of the beloved pets of Trinity) but he loves to sing and play the guitar, and is a favorite contributor to our worship services throughout the year. Joining him is his daughter, Katie who has grown up here at Trinity and is an active member of our youth and PraiseKids.
John Mark Solomon (June 13)
John Mark Solomon is Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and provides psychotherapy services for Veterans at the VA in Plano, TX. John Mark is a native of Texas, graduate of Austin College in Sherman, and has a MSW from University of Oklahoma. John Mark has been involved with youth ministry and music in local churches and conferences for over 30 years. He is a 5th generation Presbyterian PK.
John Mark lives in Wylie with his wife Lynette who is a Presbyterian minister and Hospital Chaplain at Baylor Scott and White. They have two adult children Luke (28) and Kay (23).
Kellen Robertson (June 20)
Kellen has been a member of Trinity since 2001. He started playing guitar and singing with the youth praise band and music has become an integral part of his life. Now, Kellen works as a civil engineer at RLG Consulting Engineers in Dallas and enjoys spending time with his girlfriend, Courtney, and their two blue(tiful) heelers, Jamie and Reagan.
Cody Henry (June 20)
Cody is currently an intern at the music therapy clinic at Texas Woman’s University as he completes his degree in Music Therapy. He has played the piano and keyboards for several different bands over the years, and has taught piano lessons as well. Cody is currently engaged to his wonderful fiancé, Trinity member Kaleigh Tennant.
Eric Mize (June 27)
Eric began his piano studies with his mother at the age 5 and continued upon his high school graduation. He is a graduate of Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, La. Although he did not major in music while attending Louisiana Tech, he continued studying private piano under Dr. Sue Holder – Chairman of Piano Studies and private voice under David Wylie. He was also a member of the concert choir and performed in many musical stage productions. His most notable role was that of Lun Tha in the King and I. Upon his graduation from Louisiana Tech, Eric enjoyed a successful career in corporate finance, spending 23 years working in the financial district of San Francisco, Ca. He was also pianist for his local church in Alameda, CA. Since 2016, Eric and his husband Jim have enjoyed early retirement living in McKinney, Texas. He has been an active member of Trinity’s choir since 2016 and a member of the church since 2017. He spends his time accompanying the various local choirs and accompanying vocal and instrumental high school musicians during competition season.
Adrian Balansay (June 27)
Adrian is a Fort Worth native and currently a senior at the University of Texas at Arlington, majoring in Music Education. His hobbies include swimming, and playing tennis, writing lyrics, playing guitar, and singing in the band Little Hearts, which has been together since 2019.
Adrian plans to become a high school choir director and give back to the youth and the singers of tomorrow. He is most looking forward to performing with the Turtle Creek Chorale in a benefit show at New York City’s famed Carnegie Hall in 2022.
E-Flat Porch Band (July 11)
E-Flat Porch Band is named for the porch in McKinney, Texas where the members first practiced – it resonates to the key of E-Flat. Duane Brown and Rudy Littrell are the Blues duo, entertaining with their unique blend of acoustic “porch music,” including traditional and original Blues, along with some rag tunes and some jazz. As “angst-free” acoustic musicians, they take their music seriously without taking themselves too seriously. Trinity Presbyterian Church is one of their favorite places to play. This “Porch Music” is played on acoustic instruments and pays homage to our varied Texas musical roots. It is influenced by Country Blues, Texas folk music, Jazz and swing standards, and Depression Era country songwriters. Guitar playing styles include finger picking and slide guitar. Other instruments include the acoustic bass, harmonica, cymbal, and a drum-like instrument of their own design made out of a wooden soda pop box. This is a small band with a big sound. They have been playing together for over 20 years, and have four CDs. You can read more about E-Flat Porch Band at their website and their Facebook page.
Benjamin Roberts (July 18)
Benjamin Roberts, the son of Don and Carol Ann Roberts, has been involved in music since childhood, and holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Hardin Simmons University, as well as a Masters in Music Education and a Masters in Vocal Performance from Southern Methodist University. He lives in Oak Cliff with his husband Bill, owner of Oak Cliff Realty. Benjamin has taught choral music for 12 years and is currently the choral music director at James Coble Middle School in Mansfield, Texas. He is a member of the Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church Sanctuary Choir in Dallas, and he and Bill recently returned from touring with the choir in northern England and Scotland.