Association of Lutheran Church Musicians
February 2, 2015 e-newsletter
With apologies, the newsletter was scheduled to go out yesterday, which was the Presentation of Our Lord. Unfortunately, we were snowed out of the office, so this greeting is a day late.

Anne Krentz Organ

Greetings on this 40th day after Christmas! Today the church celebrates the Presentation of Our Lord, when Mary and Joseph took Jesus to the temple in accordance with Jewish law. There they encountered Simeon (Lord, now let your servant go in peace . . .) and Anna, who gave witness to Jesus, the light of the world. As church musicians, our primary role is to give witness to Jesus. The work that we do: preparing liturgies, hymns and psalms, anthems, preludes and postludes; leading choirs, instrumentalists, and assemblies; engaging in study and practice; all is done in order to proclaim the Gospel through music.

 

Blessings to each of you in this essential and life-giving vocation,

 

Anne Krentz Organ

ALCM President

 

 
ALCM Board Meeting Highlights


The Board of Directors met in Chicago January 19 and 20. We discussed all aspects of the Executive Director (ED) position. Before moving forward with another ED search, the board is reviewing the member survey to try to determine better the needs of our members. We have also been in discussions with some finance and development professionals, in the hope that we can continue on our current solid financial footing, thanks to our members and granting organizations. These preparations are essential groundwork before another staff person is hired. The board will continue to provide regular updates as we move forward.

 

Other highlights from the meeting:

  • The board reviewed preliminary results of the member survey. A written report of the results will be available soon.
  • Heard reports from regional presidents regarding progress on planning for the 2016 conferences. We look forward to announcements of sites and dates later this year.
  • Received notice that ALCM has been awarded a Metro NY Synod grant for this year. We thank the Synod for their financial support.
  • Reviewed the sponsorship of the Conference on Sacred Music. We agreed that this sponsorship opportunity is a good one that we would like to continue.
  • Heard ongoing plans for the national conference in Atlanta July 19-23. It looks like a great conference is store, and we hope many will be able to attend. There are tracks for those in all church bodies, and we are thankful for our partnerships that make that possible!
Have you registered for "Called to Be a Living Voice"?
Remember, prices go up April 20! 

Coming in February - watch your mailbox for ALCM's newest publication:


Sent out twice a year, this new publication provides practical suggestions for church musicians. The first issue includes resources for Lent and Easter. The second issue will cover the fall festivals and Advent/Christmas/Epiphany.
ALCM Region 4 Spring Newsletter Posted

The ALCM Region 4 spring newsletter is full of information about working with and ministering to the children and youth of all ages. Articles include:

  • Scott Weidler on the upcoming conference "Called to Be a Living Voice"
  • The Lutheran Summer Music program
  • Creating a strong children's music ministry
  • Working with a children's bell choir
  • Nurturing a youth choir
  • Choristers Guild: an invaluable resource
  • Children and youth choirs in Hawai'i
  • Working with the preschool choir

Even if you are not currently working with young people, I think you will find the articles informative and enjoyable. Each one of the musicians who wrote for this edition would be happy to answer questions or provide more information. They are each just like you, musicians working to create community and build skills with their singers. If you enjoy the newsletter, feel free to share it with a colleague and maybe talk with them about the benefits of being a member of ALCM at the same time.

 

Happy reading!

Darren Hochstedler, Editor

 


 

Lutheran Summer Music


  

For over 30 years, the Lutheran Summer Music Academy & Festival (LSM) has been a place where youth experience excellent music, the Lutheran faith, and a supportive community. The combination of these three values creates space for these young musicians to grow.

"I love the way music and worship are intertwined:

the two most important things in my life made one."

 

Invite the youth in your congregation to experience this personal growth. This summer LSM will be held from June 21-July 19 on the campus of Luther College, Decorah, Iowa. 

 

Email us at [email protected] if you have any questions 
 or would like additional materials, and visit our website at

www.lutheransummermusic.org to learn more.

The Saginaw Valley Chapter of the AGO and St. Lorenz Lutheran Church in Frankenmuth invite you to attend a concert of music composed by Dr. Scott M Hyslop on Sunday, February 15 at 4:00 pm. Works for organ, instruments, solo voice and choral music will make up the bill of fare. The choir from Concordia University, Ann Arbor will join the choirs of St. Lorenz under the direction of Dr. Brian Altevogt. All are welcome!! For further information please call 989.652.6141.

 
Lutheran Youth Choir International

Members of the Lutheran Youth Choir International in a joint concert with the Gospel Choir of St. Anna Lutheran Church in Eisenach, Germany in 2013.

 

The Lutheran Youth Choir International, a national ecumenical touring choir for high school youth founded in 2005, invites young people entering grade 9 through graduating grade 12 to participate in its third biennial Festival of American Vocal Music in Mansfeld, Germany, July 25-August 4, 2015. 

 

Students from throughout the United States will join German students for ten days to live in a real German castle; to rehearse and perform a variety of American sacred vocal music in Berlin, Leipzig, Wittenberg, and other German cities; and to tour important sites in the lives of Luther and Bach.

 

A registration fee of $3,500 includes round-trip airfare to Germany, all instruction, music, entrance fees, housing and most meals. All participants in the festival are eligible to apply for two scholarships through the choir's new Double Scholarship Program.  Parents are also welcome to travel with the choir on a parallel tour program offered through Travelex.

 

Application deadline for the 2015 Festival is April 1. For further information and application materials, go to www.lutheranyouthchoir.org.
      

Do you have a music endowment fund?

 

Do you have an endowment fund in your congregation that exists to specifically supplement your congregation's music ministry? If so, would you be willing to share any written guidelines or experiences to help a congregation who is researching the possibility of establishing one? Please send your insights to Steve Basselman, at St. Martin's Lutheran Church, Archbold, Ohio - [email protected]