Association of Lutheran Church Musicians
February 1, 2016 e-newsletter

Greetings! I am excited to bring you an update from the ALCM Board's annual face-to-face meeting held in Chicago on January 18-20. Beth Burns, former Executive Director of the Lutheran Music Program, consulted with us regarding long-term strategic planning, including discussions about possible staffing patterns for the future. It was a rich and productive time, as we adopted our new mission statement: ALCM nurtures and equips musicians to serve and lead the church's song. We are awaiting Beth's final report and recommendations, and look forward to providing further information when we have these in hand. 

Additionally, the Board convened a task group to consider all of ALCM's publications, both print and electronic, in order that we might serve you better and more efficiently, through frequency and format of publications, the website, and the potential use of social media. This is an exhilarating time for ALCM! Stay tuned!

Anne Krentz Organ
ALCM President
Do we have your correct contact information?

In the past year did you move? Change churches? If so, did you notify us of the change? The new ALCM directory will be going to press soon. You can check your directory listing by logging in to the members area of the ALCM website. There is a link to the directory at the top of the page. If there are corrections to be made, send an email to office@alcm.org. The deadline for reporting changes is this Wednesday, February 3rd.

Having trouble logging in to the members area? Can't remember your password? Send an email to office@alcm.org.
Seeking Nominations

Would you or someone you know like to get more involved in ALCM? Later this spring we will be holding elections for regional officers (president, vice-president, member at large) as well as one national board position (director at large). If you might like to serve or would like to nominate someone for one of these positions, please contact Cheryl Dieter at office@alcm.org no later than Friday, February 19th. She will pass this information along to each of the nominating committees.
The American Guild of Organists (AGO) is proud to announce seven PIPE ORGAN ENCOUNTERS (POEs) for students aged 13-18, one POE (Advanced) for students entering grades 9-12; and one POE+ for adults in 2016. PIPE ORGAN ENCOUNTER is an introduction to the pipe organ through instruction in organ playing, repertoire, history, design, and construction. Complete contact information for each weeklong Pipe Organ Encounter can be found in The American Organist Magazine and online at www.agohq.org. 
 
Hymn Text Writing Competition

DEADLINE: MARCH 1
Go to www.LutheranArts.org and check out the Hymn Text Writing Competition. Tell your creative writing friends to take out paper and pen to join in honoring the Reformation Anniversary in 2017. We need new words for new music because.... Lutherans Sing!
Bach Tage

The Tenth Annual Bach Tage
at Mount Olive Lutheran Church
3045 Chicago Ave. S., Minneapolis MN
June 4/5, 2016
Registration opens soon!
Watch for additional information later in February. 
 
The Center for Church Music at Concordia University Chicago, in partnership with the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians, presents the new "Richard Hillert Award in Student Composition," which will be awarded every other year to a current student at a Lutheran university or seminary.