20 July 2024 6.30 PM The Trinity College Choir’s Mind Your Music concert can be considered as a modest attempt to present the Choir’s wide variety of repertoire, incorporating a broad array of music of different styles, genres and eras. This traditional concert itself is recorded to have had its inception in the ’70s, while continuing through the ’80s, ’90s and ’20s as a regular well loved house-full event. In ‘Classics to Chart Hits’, we will celebrate those pieces that are considered Classics, which have earned much respect from the time of their composition but don’t really fall under the modern idea of ‘pop’ songs, all the while managing to remain ‘evergreen’. From Classics we make our way to songs that reached the Top Ten in music charts that still remain in our hearts as Hits.

Reviewed by Chaniru Senhas (Web Content Team) Annually, Trinity College, Kandy, celebrates the beginning of the Church year with tremendous fervour; unfolding the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, a spiritual pilgrimage to welcome Christmas.  Integrated with music, insightful biblical lessons demonstrate gratitude to God.  Blessed with months of preparations and meticulous planning, the Trinity College Choir is at the pinnacle of this revered event.   The heart and soul of TCK, the candle lit Chapel is a sight to behold as night falls. Choral singers of the choir, with candles in their hands, lead in a procession from the Principal’s bungalow, down the curvy drive to the Chapel. The gentle peal of the Chapel bell contributes to this ethereal ambiance.   Like every year, the Chapel ground was tastefully decorated with glowing clay-lamps representing The Star, on the green grass and, an enlarged creation of the illuminated manger by the pond. This creative interpretation brought the Nativity story to life. The beautifully curated display invited reflection and appreciation of the story of Christmas.   Symbolizing the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem, the cradle played a significant role in this celebration.   Light is symbolic of the banishment of darkness in both physical and metaphorical sense.  The choir and clergy processed from the West Door to the Chancel while “Once in Royal David’s City,” the processional hymn, opened the service. Then came the Bidding Prayer and the choir’s performance of “Of the Father’s Love Begotten.” The hymn blended in with “All My Heart This Night Rejoices,” after a chorister read the First Lesson, which described God’s message to the sinful Adam about the loss of Paradise and the hope of salvation through his seed. As the choir began to sing “Veni Veni Emmanuel,” the congregation stood in reverence.   A College Prefect read the Second Lesson, which enunciated   God’s promise to faithful Abraham and the blessing of all nations by his descendants. This lesson was accompanied by the hymns,  “Dev Kumaru Ipadunu” and “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen”.   The singing of “See Amid the Winter’s Snow”, which the first verse was sung solo by a young chorister and the second verse was sung by an older chorister which was later followed by the soothing voice of an old boy chorister which was then later followed by a guest reading the Third Lesson, which contained an Isaiah prophecy of the birth and kingdom of Christ.  The Head Mistress of the Middle School, read the Fifth Lesson, while the Headmistress of the Junior School read the Fourth Lesson.   Readings of the sixth and seventh lessons were alternated between the Vice Principal and, the Co-Vice Principal.  Following the reading of the eighth lesson by the principal, Rev. Fr. Araliya Jayasundara OSB, the choir sang “Jesus Child.” The Bishop of Kurunagala read the last section of the ninth lesson. The biblical stories of the day then came to an end with the recessional “O Come, All Ye Faithful.”  The College Art Circle, under the direction of Mr. Saman Rathnayake and his team, made a pleasant visual contribution to this year’s Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, along with the teachers of the junior school who contributed much of their time towards the wonderous interior decorations inside the chapel.     After the much-anticipated dinner presented to the Trinity College Choir by the Principal, Rev.  Araliya Jayasundara, and the choir thanking him for his generosity, A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols for the year 2023, came to an end.  

For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. Romans 12:4-5 The annual Bishop’s visit and feast of the Holy Trinity Chapel was observed on the 13th of June, 2023. The most significant aspect of this holy day is the confirmation of candidates as they enter into the sacramental body of Christ, making a firm commitment to live and work as a disciple of Jesus Christ.  The service commenced with the traditional processional “Holy, Holy, Holy” by Bishop Reginald Herber, where he perfectly describes the beauty of the Trinity without encroaching upon its mystery. Interestingly the tune of this hymn, “Nicaea” by J. B. Dykes reminds us of the Council of Nicaea, where the nature of the Trinity was shaped theologically.  The service was presided over by Rt. Rev. Nishantha Fernando: the new Bishop of the Diocese of Kurunagala of the Church of Ceylon. Former and present Archdeacons of the Diocese of Kurunagala Ven. George Melder and Ven. Anton Williams and Rev. Jayanath Pandithratne a former Chaplain of Trinity College graced the occasion with their presence. While the Bishop led the acceptance of candidates for confirmation, the choir sang අති ශුද්ධ (Athi Shudda), and the confirmation candidates dipped their hands in the water in the font and made their foreheads symbolically as a sign of their baptism. The Old Testament reading was done by a confirmation candidate and was followed by a sung “Psalm 8” and Epistle reading. The Bishop delivered the homily where he elaborated on the meaning of the Trinity based on three points. Trinity – complete equality of persons Though we say three persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, work equally. Therefore, as the Triune God teaches us, respect each other, respect others and accept others’ dignity. Trinity – teaches us unity in diversity God the Father has one task, God the Son has another task, and God the Holy Spirit has a different task. Trinity College has practised the concept of plurality from its very inception. As Trinitians, unity in diversity should be a part of your daily life. Trinity – teaches us fellowship and self-giving There is a great fellowship among the Trinity. Practicing equality and unity in diversity leads to greater fellowship through self-giving. My dear Trinitians, when you are around there must be fellowship and friendship. That should be the hallmark of Trinitian quality. The clergy fulfilled the rite of Confirmation and affirmation of faith. The choir sang the invocation of the holy spirit, “Come Holy Ghost, our souls inspire” and the confirmed students were greeted by the principal and lay officers. The clerical procession recessed towards the West door as the final hymn, “Lead us Heavenly Father Lead Us” was sung in unison by the Choir and congregation. The annual Bishop’s visit and service of confirmation allowed us to offer our praises and thanksgiving to God almighty for his grace and providence and keep alive the memory of the sacrificial mission of our missionary forefathers who ministered to establish our Church to build Christ’s Kingdom in this heathen land. The service manifested the pinnacle of the vision of Trinity, which is to bring the good news of Jesus Christ into the lives of Trinitians so that they may become Christ-like and harvest the riches of salvation and grace through a life in Christ. Review by Samiru Bandara (Web Content Team)

Hark! how the heavenly anthem drownsAll music but it’s own:Awake, my soul, and singOf him who died for thee,And hail him as thy matchless KingThrough all eternity. “The Cross and Triumph of Christ”, a Lenten meditation and Easter reflection in music, lessons and prayer, was held on Palm Sunday, the 2nd of April 2023. As another Lenten evening approached the Trinity College Chapel, the Choristers eagerly awaited the pealing of the chapel bell to bring in the remembrance of the selfless love Jesus showed by laying down his life for us through words of the Bible and works of music. The choir processed from the West door singing the classic Palm Sunday hymn “Ride on Ride on in Majesty”, bearing palm leaves, connecting the story of Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem, when people laid down palms and branches in front of him as a sign of honour. “O thou Cross”, an adaptation by Richards Dubra, was sung as the first unaccompanied work which spoke of the meaning and sacrifice on the Cross, in the words of Isaiah and was followed by “O Love, How Deep” by Benjamin Webb, harmonised by J.S. Bach, which was sung with solemnity following the 2nd lesson. This hymn reflected on the story of salvation from the pure wonder and joy at the mystery of the Incarnation – a rare scope for a Hymn. This year’s service was fortunate to welcome back Ms Dhilanthi Fernando, former Choirmistress (1973-1974). The third lesson was read by her and was followed by the singing of “The Servant King” by Graham Kendrick, accompanied by Piano, Guitar and Cello. Next, “Fling wide the gates” from John Stainer’s “The Crucifixion” was sung. Above his head, they placed the written charge against him: THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS. Two rebels were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left. Jesus is crucified – St. Matthew 27:37-38 Reflecting on the fifth lesson, a well-known Afro-American Spiritual was sung a cappella by the choir. The first verse was sung as a Baritone solo, which questioned everyone soulfully in song: “Were you there when they crucified my Lord?” together with the choir. The well-known motet, “Ave Verum Corpus” by W. A. Mozart, was sung in a manner to capture the essence of the sacred words and befitting music. Following the Seventh lesson: Christ is risen from the dead, Ola Gjeilo’s “The Ground”, from one of his works, “Sunrise Mass.” was sung. Gjeilo describes this piece as a conclusion, and he “wanted to convey a sense of having ‘arrived’ at the end of the service; to have reached a kind of peace and grounded strength, after the long journey of the service, having gone through many different emotional landscapes.” The Bishop Emeritus of Kurunegala delivered the final lesson, prayer and blessings, and the congregation joined the choir in the singing of the recessional hymn “Crown Him with Many Crowns”, which was followed by G.F. Handel’s glorious “Hallelujah Chorus”, conducted by the Principal which triumphantly proclaimed the glory of the risen Lord of Lords and King of Kings, marking the conclusion of the evening’s worship. Well-loved congregational hymns like “There is a green hill far away.”, “It is a thing most wonderful”, “When I survey the wondrous Cross”, and “In the Cross of Christ I glory” were sung in the meditation of the Cross and Triumph of Christ. The centre of the service was meant to be found by those who would ‘go in heart and mind’ and consent to follow where the story led. The congregation was led through words of Meditation and Prayers following relevant Lessons and Music. The evening focused on the inner search for self and a solemn appreciation of God’s infinite grace to mankind by sending his one and only son who died on the Cross to redeem the world and Triumphantly rose again. Review by Samiru Herath (Web Content Team)

After a lapse of 4 years, it came time for the School on the Hill to meet their brethren at the School by the sea. The traditional Trinity-Thomian weekend took place this year on the 25th and 26th of February at S. Thomas’ College, Mt Lavinia. The tradition dates back to the 1950s when Gordon Burrows of Trinity and Rev’d Roy Yin of S. Thomas’s started a joint service for a time of fellowship and a yearly renewal of brotherhood between the two prestigious schools of the Anglican Church of Ceylon.  On Saturday, the Thomians extended a warm welcome to the Trinitians. Following lunch and a session of cheering at the cricket match, the Choir joined the combined practice at the College Chapel. After the fellowship tea, Trinitians and Thomians spent the rest of the evening at the Big club grounds engaged in an enjoyable session of various games.  The Cricket Match – 1st XI The match was played at the Big Club Grounds of S. Thomas’ College on the 24th and 25th of February. Following the two sessions, the teams scored as follows, Trinity College, Kandy – 209/10 80.4 overs S. Thomas’ College, Mt. Lavinia – 290/8 102 overs The Ranil Abeynaike memorial trophy was presented to both teams as the match concluded in a draw.   The Debate  The debate has been a long-lasting tradition between the two schools, which always takes a friendly approach. This year’s debate revolved around a timely and interesting topic where the motion was “This house to take a blue pill over a red pill.” In elaboration, You are offered a red pill that will take you out of the Matrix into the real world and a blue pill that will make you forget the realization together and return to your virtual life as though nothing happened. S. Thomas’ proposed the motion while Trinity opposed it.  The teams were as follows, S. Thomas’ College  Trinity College Even though the two teams passed on friendly jokes across the floor, the camaraderie and the fellowship formed were unmatchable. At the end of the day, the warden Rev’d Marc Billimoria welcomed the Trinitians to the traditional dinner hosted by him. The acting Chaplain, Rev’d Bro Lionel Peiris SSF, and the two Choirmasters were present at the occasion. The well-fraternized Thomians and Trinitians were seen enjoying the dinner while reflecting upon the day’s proceedings.  Holy Communion Service The traditional joint Holy Communion service was held on Sunday morning at the Chapel of Transfiguration. Consecrated in 1927, along the lines of the High Church Anglo-Catholic tradition, the Chapel adorns an evocative mural of the Transfiguration of Jesus Christ painted by the renowned artist David Paynter OBE. It was a sensational experience for the Choristers to witness and take part in the High Church service, contrasting with the CMS Low Church tradition at Trinity but united by the same Anglican choral tradition. The Chaplain of Trinity College, Rev’d Shelton Daniel, delivered the sermon on dealing with temptation during the season of Lent. A special anthem, “Thou Knowest, Lord, the Secrets of Our Hearts” by Henry Purcell was sung with expression and solemnity, which showed aptness on the 1st Sunday of Lent.  The fellowship breakfast followed next, where the Warden and Principal of the two Colleges delivered speeches stressing the importance of continuing this glorious tradition for years to come.  The Trinitians bade farewell to the Thomians after successfully effectuating the founding motive behind the Trinity Thomian weekend and with high hopes to welcome them next year in the hills. The reassurance of shared values, traditions, and cultures and the profound friendship and brotherhood once again rekindled, the Trinity Thomian weekend of 2023 allowed us to offer praises and thanksgiving to God for the gift of our two great institutions, which carries forward their mission of building Christ’s Kingdom for the greater glory of God.  Review by Samiru Herath (Web Content Team)

As the Trinity College Chapel gilded with the morning skies on the 17th of January 2023, the Trinity family gathered at the heart of the College to give praise and Thanksgiving on the 151st founders day marking the conclusion of the Sesquicentennial anniversary year of the College. With the pealing of the Chapel bell from the John McLeod Campbell bell tower, the clerical procession led by the National Drum and Dance troupe entered the chapel, and the choir rendered the befitting processional hymn “Holy Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty” and was followed by the bidding prayer by College Chaplain, Revd. Fr. Shelton Daniel. A Chorister and Revd Fr. Wilson Gnanadass read the Epistle reading and the Gospel respectively. Following the Ministry of the Word, “Our Father By Whose Servants” was sung as the gradual hymn. At one point, the school hymn, the story of “Our Father By whose servants,” lies in our CMS roots, a hymn that reminds us to feel grateful for this grand inheritance that we are blessed with and to carry forward the mission that it was built. The Co-Vice Principal, Mr. Ananda Marasinghe, adduced the commemoration of the service where he stated, “The real strength of Trinity has lain over the years in the long line of remarkable men and women who have served as teachers. The dynamic, remarkably outstanding characters of those founders are embedded into every aspect of Trinity today. All Trinitians around the world owe a debt to our founders and the core values they embedded in them.” The Principal Revd Fr. Araliya Jayasundara OSB delivered the homily where he elaborated on meekness and humility through Jesus Christ’s eloquent preaching of the “Sermon on the Mount” and how these values form a vital part of the building of a Christ-like character that Trinity College has always given precedence. The Vicar General of the Diocese of Kurunegala, Rt. Rev Keerthisiri Fernando led the greeting of peace and presided over this service of Thanksgiving. The service marked momentousness as it was the last service he presided over as the Bishop of Kurunegala. The Bishop-Elect for the Diocese of Kurunegala of the Church of England of Ceylon, Revd. Fr. Nishantha Fernando, carried out the rite of the Eucharist. Marking the conclusion, “O God Our Help in Ages Past” was sung with dignity as the clergy solemnly recessed towards the west door. The 151st Founders Day service wasn’t merely for Thanksgiving but a revered remembrance of the sacrificial mission of numerous men and women who have served as a part of building Christ’s kingdom and gone before us and the fruits of whose labours we reap today. The solemn conclusion service of the Sesquicentennial year of Trinity College, Kandy, allowed the Trinity fraternity to offer their heartful praises and thanks to our Triune God for his grace and providence for the past 150 years. The service carried a gentle reminder to see by faith and manifest our witness, in word and deed, of the riches of a life with Christ, in the name of the Holy Trinity, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Before the hills in order stood,Or earth receive her frame,From everlasting thou art God,To endless years the same.-Psalm 90- Review by Samiru Herath (Web Content Team) Photographed by the Trinity College Media Unit.

On Saturday the 13th of August, the Trinity College Choir once again took a lucky audience of musicophiles on a musical journey of reminding and minding their music, through time and places. The Choir of Trinity College, Kandy, staged yet another exclusive and spectacular rendition of its hallmark show, “Mind Your Music” this time under the theme “Jingles to Jazz”. After a three-year interlude, amidst the difficult times, the Choir successfully winded up Mind Your Music 2022 strengthened by the enormous commitment of the Choristers, the Musicians and the Grace of God. In a cool evening of August breeze, the packed audience in Trinity College main hall eagerly awaited to experience the promise of an entertaining 2 hour at the end of a busy week. The Show, as usual, began with the Mind Your Music Theme, which is an abstract of the theme of the famous British Sitcom “Mind Your language”. The Choir moved along the theme of the evening, starting from the BBC News Jingle, the well known “Lilibulero” – an SATB arranged by the late Choirmaster, Mr Ronald Thangaiah. The Choir rendered a resembling performance of the original work, awakening the familiar tune in the minds of many. The 1970 and 1977 Radio Ceylon News Jingles followed next with a special appearance of a Chorister, who is also a member of the Trinity College Drum and Dance Troupe, with a ‘Geta Bera’ to accompany the jingle. The Choirmaster’s amusing explanation of the two Radio Ceylon News Jingles and their association with Sri Lankas’ political history was well received with laughter by the audience.  The Choir performed the Kings Singers’ arrangement of “My Grandfather’s clock”, originally composed by Henry Clay-Work. The Choirmaster made it interesting by inviting the audience to monitor the accuracy of the timing using a clock as the Choir kept to time.  Getting closer to jazz, next choice was an Afro-American spiritual about Moses of Egypt. “Go Down Moses”, arranged by Robert Latham that brought the first strains of jazz progressions perfected by the versatile singing dynamics of the Choir and two soloists, with a light backing by the Jazz drum.  An exciting performance of the theme of “Top Cat”, a much-loved American children’s cartoon, followed next. The Choir sang close harmonies with only the bass line being played on the piano with a touch of drums getting the Choristers and the audience to a swingy mood. “I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing”, popular as a jingle associated with Coca-Cola was performed next, led by four trebles in the style of the “New Seekers” . The Harmony from the Choir accompanied by the Piano, Jazz Drum, Guitars, and Keyboard led the audience to clap and snap their fingers creating a spirit of joy.  Burt Bacharach is a name that the Choir never leaves out. Next in line was “Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head”. The flamboyant soloist, complete with an umbrella, and the Choir did a justice to the original sung by B. J. Thomas, getting the audience into the rhythm of the evening.  In the vast sphere of jazz, the connection to varieties of pop/rock is inevitable. The Beatles, , another of the Choir’s favourites was represented with a song arranged in Rag Time by Bob Chilcott. A smaller group of Choristers melodiously performed A Cappella the Lennon-McCartney composition “Penny Lane” as sung by the ‘King’s Singers’. Next was a display of the musicality of the Tenors and Basses (introduced as TTBB Boys). The Tenors and Basses transformed themselves into a Barbershop Style Chorus in the performance of “Sh-Boom”, arranged by Chorister and “Java Jive” by The Manhattan Transfer. The swingy Jazz beats, close harmonies and blending chords created the perfect environment for the intermission with a cup of coffee that followed. “If lots more of us loved each other, we’d solve lots more problems. And then the world would be a gasser.” As the voice of the Jazz luminary Louis Armstrong echoed through, the robust voice of the bass soloist followed the soothing music of “What a Wonderful World”. The roaring cheers that followed were a reaction to the heartwarming nature of the performance Next was one of the greatest hits of all time from the 70s and still enjoyed by many, “How Deep is Your Love” by the famous pop-rock band, Bee-Gees. Going by the original format sung by the three Gibbs brothers, the Choir harmonized with a Trio of singers. The diverse audience immediately got toes-a-tapping, joined in clapping, singing and cheering, extending their joyfulness to the Choir. “Yellow Bird” by Mills Brothers followed next with the winsome and mellow calypso beats from the late 1950s emerging from the congas. The Choir joined the lead Quartet of singers in their tranquillizing voices creating an exotic Caribbean aura.  One does not very quotidianly find the western Choral tradition blending with oriental music. The Trinity College Choir, displaying appreciation and interaction with a diverse music range, sang “Tharuda Nidana Maha Rae” by Nanda Malini in four-part harmony along with a lead of a Trio of singers, emulating the original accompaniment of a unique combination of Congas, Piano, and Guitar. As the Wind Controller interlude of the next song began playing, the hall filled with synchronized clapping as it was the popular timeless hit “Kingston Town” by the band UB40. Soloist with his mellifluous Alto voice captivated the audience with ease, whilst the Choir efforted in singing and action to bring out the spirit of Reggae. Then came another spectacular solo performance with the Choir and instrumentation. The jazzy mood of the audience was proliferated with “Blue Moon” by the famous Richard Rodgers, in the style of Rod Stewart, as the Soloist flowingly eased the words. The jazzy sound from the piano and guitar and the coincident sense full moon evening created a truly, mesmerizing ambience. The culmination of all the Jazz songs in the repertory was the “Dreamer’s Ball”, an ideal of the Rock-Jazz genre, was originally sung by the lead vocalist Freddie Mercury of the eminent 90s British rock band, Queen. The performance was a dance

On 19th August 2022, we commemorated 100 Years in Laying of the Foundation Stone of our College Chapel with a special Communion Service held in the Chapel at 08.00am. The Service was graced by Rt. Revd. Keerthisiri Fernando (Bishop of Kurunagala and the Presiding Bishop of the Church of Ceylon), Rt. Revd. Dushantha Rodrigo (Bishop of Colombo and Chairman of the Board of Governors), and Rt. Revd. Kumara Illangasinghe (Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Kurunagala). The Foundation Stone TO THE GREATER GLORY OF GOD THIS STONE WAS LAID BY THE MOST REVEREND FOSS WESTCOTT D.D. LORD BISHOP OF CALCUTTA AND METROPOLITAN OF INDIA AND CEYLON19TH AUGUST 1922 A reflection of the Mission and Purpose of the Chapel Excerpts from the writings of J. McLeod Campbell and Dedication of the Chapel – 1935 On August the 19th on the occasion of the College Jubilee, Dr. Foss Westcott Metropolitan of India and Ceylon laid the foundation of the Trinity College Chapel. It was built to carry out the mission of helping the sons of Christian parents to understand, appropriate and apply their faith, and to present the message and Character of Christ to the sons of Non-Christian parents. To quote Rev. John Mcleod Campbell, “I do not underrate the witness of life and work; the daily influence of a strong and united staff by itself creates a permeating Christian atmosphere. Nor do I underrate the witness of the spoken or uttered privately in friendly counsel, uttered in the classroom in the teaching of subjects ‘secular’ as well as ‘sacred’, uttered in the pulpit and assembly hall. But neither do I underrate the Witness of Worship”. A beautiful Chapel is no mere appendage, but it is valued as an integral part of the corporate life and equipment of all places set apart for sound learning; this is no mere concession to and inherited tradition, but is found to correspond to the needs and living experience of the present. The Chapel in its beauty was meant to have an evidential value of its own, a power to reflect and reveal and bring home to the hearts of people the character of the God we worship. Rev. Fraser chose the most commanding site in the compound and set to work to build for posterity, to build a thing of beauty. The Chapel was dedicated with a covenant made with God: “that hereafter no man should enter therein except he be on worship bent, intent to seek God’s presence, to meditate upon His Holy Word, or partake of His Holy Sacrament.” “That this place shall be for ever sacred, inviolate unto the Lord.” The Commemoration Service was attended by many students, members of the staff and well-wishers. The Service was followed by a fellowship breakfast held on the Chapel lawn. We are honoured to publish a video message from the Archbishop of Canterbury, The Most Reverend and Right Honourable Justin Welby, in connection with the commemoration of 100 years in laying of the Foundation of the Trinity College Chapel. A special event took place after the Service when the Unamboowe Family of Gampola presented the School, a few original architectural drawings of the Chapel: Floor plan of the Chapel on a scale of 1’’: 4’, Section Drawings of the Chapel Pillars, Full size elevation of a Pillar, and a Cross Section of Chapel. Another valuable architectural drawing of a famous Trinity College Kandy building was also found with these Chapel Drawings; the Architectural Drawings of the “Gaster Block” also prepared in 1924 by Clement Unamboowe and signed off by the new Principal Rev Mc Leod Campbell. Photo album by the Trinity College Media Unit (Photographed by: Yasassvi Wijesekara and Linuka Mallikaarahchi)

The year was 1966, and a day scholar who sang treble in the Choir and had arrived early for the 6.30 pm practice was standing by the main entrance to the Trinity College Chapel when a man who could not have been more than 15 years his senior, climbed up the steps to the Chapel, bade him good evening, and exchanged a few pleasantries. Once practice began, Mr. Brown who at the time was the Choir Master, invited this young man to the Choir stalls. The choristers, out of curiosity, watched as he walked in with a slight limp. Mr. Brown introduced him as the soon-to-be Choirmaster of Trinity College Kandy. His name was Ronald Thangiah. Ronnie, as he was fondly known, was an affable and charismatic young character who had joined Trinity College merely to take up a job but he soon fell in love with the Chapel and the homely welcoming environment of the school. As an Old Boy of S. Thomas’ his consistent teasing of the school was soon gotten accustomed to. Mr. Ronnie Thangiah, who was a passionate, versatile musician, was suitable to be the Choirmaster to resume Maj. Gordon Burrows’ work at Trinity College. Besides training the Choir, as an outstanding hockey player at S. Thomas’ College, he was invited to be coach and acting Master-in-charge of Hockey for the under- 13 and under 15 teams of Trinity shortly after his arrival. Mr. Thangiah’s post as MIC was temporary. But even through the course of his old age, his love for the sport of hockey remained unchanged.  In addition, Mr. Thangiah was also House-Master of Alison and a drama fanatic, producing plays for the Choir to perform including cast members like Lt. Col. Leonard de Alwis who was a chorister at the time. His enthusiasm for drama played a vital role in Trinity’s Centenary Celebrations when the Choir performed a 3-night show of the famous West Side Story. He was also in charge of the TCLA at one point. This combination of roles committed him to the life of Trinity—one that could never be forgotten. In addition to the Choir and hockey, his contribution to the forming of the Glee club was also an important part of his life at Trinity which then led to the beginning of Middle School singing groups. Mr. Thangiah also worked closely with the Principal Mr. C. J. Oorloff as the Principal’s Secretary and continued most of his work after Principal Oorloff left in 1967. Mr. Thangiah was remembered fondly specially during Choir trips when he would strum his guitar and sing many classical and popular tunes in his gravelly voice. His ability to play by ear came in handy and the boys would sing their hearts out with cheek-to-cheek smiles. Though the room was filled with the unbearable deafening tones of hoarse voices from all over from singing for hours, it brought out the little children in them and livened up the room with ecstatic energy and fun. His deep love for Trinity brought a new sense of passion and excitement into the Choir, and the bond he shared with his fellow choristers did not stop at the end of Choir Practice but also in the bus rides with some of his choristers in the initial years. Next to S. Thomas’ Mount Lavinia, he considered Trinity as his second home especially after he was appointed Alison House Master and lived in the quarters attached to the dorm with his family. Mr. Thangiah loved the community life that living on the premises provided, and he became especially attached to the Chapel as Choirmaster. The brotherhood in the boarding drew him to spend his time with the boarders. Mr. Thangiah’s life at Trinity was a complete and full one, experiencing every part of college. His love for Trinity grew so deep, that he composed the “The School on the Hill” to express it, as it so wonderfully does, all-encompassing “Trinity” in one scene.  The Choir performed it at the farewell of another icon of Trinity, Mr. G.Y. Sahayam. The Choir continues to sing it at the end of its last practice of a Term. As many might remember him, Mr. Thangiah was faithful to where he was called to serve. He never hesitated to speak up for what was right, so much so, he was known to walk up to the principal’s bungalow to make his point if participation at Chapel events was neglected. This he did not forget to teach the Choristers. He was one of the rare stalwarts who upheld good traditions and passed them on to the next generation. He taught not only singing and music to the boys, he taught them life!  Joining School in 1966 and leaving in 1973 and rejoining later in 1986 to serve 27 years, Mr. Ronnie Thangiah had his last practice at the Chapel, at the end of September 2006.  As a chorister recalls: “It was his last day of practice, I’m not sure what we would have practiced, but afterward we went to our usual spot by the pond, had chocolate cake and sang “Stand by me”. Then he said goodbye and walked out to his car and left. And we cried.” Mr. Thangiah had a special place in his heart for the Choir and the choristers; they held each other in a mutual respect. He is well remembered as a person who cared for and helped the choristers in every way he could. In the later years, he would go out of his way to drop choristers who had no transport after Choir Practice. His home was always a welcoming place where many a chorister would go to seek his counsel.  Naturally, bringing the Choir to a high standard with an enjoyable array of music was his mission, but he considered the time he spent with these young boys as the highlight and the most beloved moments for him. He was a fascinating musician, mentor, and a friend to