My name is Dan Hellerich, and I feel so fortunate to have attended Lutheran Summer Music the summers of 1997 - 1999. Like many of you, music had been a huge part of my growing up in church and school. My life in music has gone through many phases: numerous childrens’ choirs, piano, violin, small ensembles in high school, and large ensembles at LSM. In LSM Chapel Choir, Paul Bouman taught me that good church music was not always old, but that choral anthems, Psalm antiphons, and Gospel acclamations could be written each week - setting old words to melodies and harmonies that resonate in our current time and place. At college, I felt very prepared for my music classes because of LSM, and completed a minor in music.

Since then, even with a day job outside the world of music, the song goes on. My wife and I, who met in college choir, now enjoy church choir together. It keeps us musically challenged with repertoire for every Sunday. And, I’m thrilled to serve LSM as a member of the Advisory Council, to help what began 40 years ago continue to thrive and give thousands more students education and experiences like I received.

Back in LSM 1998, those of you who attended the orchestra concert might not remember hearing the Overture to Egmont. Those of us in the orchestra remember learning the piece, practicing and rehearsing it for four weeks, and it was one of my favorite pieces on the program. But, a storm came, tornado sirens sounded, and we had to shuffle off stage for shelter. While it was a disappointment not getting to perform the entire program for our families and friends, I still know that I learned that piece of music. It challenged me and I grew as a violinist and musician because I got to play what Beethoven wrote 200 years ago, even if mostly in fragments during rehearsal or in the practice room.

Dan Hellerich

LSM 1997-1999

Advisory Council Member