Who’s Who in Trinity’s Music Ministry

Trinity has a longstanding tradition of music excellence, thanks to many musicians who are responsible for leading this ministry. This month, we’ll focus on four behind-the-scenes musicians who are passionate about music as well as sharing it to enhance worship every week.

Colby Gochanour
Trinity’s Director of Music Ministries, Colby Gochanour, shares that most of his work is behind the scenes. “I step in to play organ or direct the choir as a fill-in when needed. My goal is to let others’ talents shine through and to support them as they lead worship.”

Music has been his lifelong passion. Gochanour says, “I studied music formally and have directed choirs in various settings. I’ve also worked as a pianist and accompanist for events and services, and I’m starting to teach middle school choir this August.” He continues, “I believe music is one of the most powerful ways we encounter God. It has a unique ability to carry scripture, prayer, and praise directly into our hearts. Music can give voice to emotions we don’t always have words for, whether joy, grief, or wonder, and it unites us as a community when we sing together.”

Gochanour’s goals for Trinity’s music ministry include helping “prop others up and give them a space to share their musical talents, whether that’s service playing, cantoring, choral, or even small ensemble opportunities.” He is “always happy to talk with anyone interested! If you love to sing, we would love to have you in the choir! No formal training is required. You can also share instrumental gifts or help with special music opportunities.” In fact, his greatest joy is helping others discover their voice and offer it in worship. “Music at Trinity is not just performance—it’s participation. Whether you sing from the pews, the choir loft, or play an instrument, you’re part of something that lifts us all closer to God.”

For someone who grew up in Iowa and has always been rooted in both music and community, Gochanour immerses music in his everyday life. He shares, “I’m also a middle school choir teacher, so music fills both my weekday and Sunday worlds. Outside of work, I enjoy reading, exploring bookstores, and finding good coffee.”

Dennis Lee
Adult choir director, Dennis Lee, says directing the adult choir “involves working with other staff members to coordinate themes and scriptures for each Sunday the choir is going to sing, finding music that will enhance the theme/scriptures, preparing the choir to sing, and then leading the choir in a Sunday morning service.”

Lee has a music degree from Iowa State University and has led church choirs and community choirs for 35 years. He is also the artistic director for Una Vocis Choral Ensemble, which just completed its 20th season. He feels that “music is an expression of emotion and an act of service.”

When preparing and presenting music for worship, Lee stresses a couple of significant facets. The first is fellowship of the choir members. “We grow to love and care for one another as we work toward the common goal of preparing our minds and bodies for sharing our musical talents with God and the congregation.” Next is a facet that seems to also be a core belief: “I’m a firm believer that words put to music and sung can be more impactful and memorable than spoken words alone.”

Plans for the choir include singing in church services on the first and third Sundays of each month, as well as special services. December will certainly be special with a cantata. Lee said, “Anyone who is high school age and above can join in the adult choir ministry by coming to 6:30 PM Wednesday rehearsals. Everyone is welcome!”

Besides his love of music, Lee’s “day job” includes working from home as a software consultant. He is also an active bicyclist, and rides the mountain bike trails in our area several times a week all year.

Camille Lee
Trinity’s choir accompanist, Camille Lee, works extremely well with choir director, Dennis Lee, as they are married. Camille says music has “always been a part of my life.” Her grandmother and aunts were all music teachers and choir directors, and her parents were also musicians. Her love of the piano began at the age of seven when she started piano lessons, continued when she accompanied choirs and solos through high school and college, and church choirs since 1991. It only follows that Camille has been teaching piano for many years and currently has 28 students.

Camille also feels strongly about the use of music in worship. “Music, in my opinion, should be an integral part of a service, helping to weave the liturgy and sermons together. It helps set the tone.” Besides enjoying the collaborative aspects of playing for choirs, she is “always up for a challenge with the time to prepare it.”

Camille’s background includes growing up in Spirit Lake, and graduating from Iowa State University with a BFA in studio art, “all the while being very involved in the music department in Iowa State Singers and piano.” In fact, she began as a piano major for her first year of college.

Following her love of music led her to finding her love in life. She shared: “Dennis and I met in choir at ISU and were married in 1990, moved to Seattle for five years and then came back to Iowa.” She and Dennis began the Una Vocis Choral ensemble in 2005. Camille owns Prairie Aromatics/Soyphisticated Candles in Mason City and is about to open again for the fall with 23 years in business. And those piano skills come in handy as she also teaches piano from their home in the afternoons.

Marta Eenhuis
Trinity’s hand bell choir director, Marta Eenhuis, says, “I have truly enjoyed meeting and working with the very dedicated and talented groups of ringers!”

Eenhuis grew up in Britt, and was very active in the music program through high school. She was also very active in the Hancock County Little Theatre, “with some very fun lead roles!” Eenhuis attended Waldorf College, sang with the “New World Singers,” and received a degree in Music there.

Her enthusiasm about music is evident. “I have sung with various choral groups for over 50 years. While we lived in western Nebraska, I directed all ages of handbell choirs for 25 years, and introduced handbells to various schools. I have also directed all ages of vocal choirs for 50 years.”

How does she feel about using handbells in worship? She shared: “I feel handbells are great for learning unity, cooperation and musicality. They are definitely a very valuable addition to the music worship of the Trinity services. I am super excited to begin rehearsals in September, so we ringers can share our gifts with the congregation.”

The next time you hear the choir sing or listen to the melodious handbells, make sure to notice the people who make it possible…the members of Trinity’s Music Ministry. †