The Gift of New Music: a Commission for LSM 2018

This summer at LSM, students will have the exciting opportunity to premiere a brand new piece, commissioned and gifted to us by LSM Band Director, Dr. Jeff Doebler and his wife, Karen Doebler.

This year, all three large ensembles will come together to premiere a setting of O God, our Help in Ages Past by Michael Boo.

Dr. Doebler details how he came to commission this work:

My good friend Michael Boo is a composer, percussionist, church musician, and writer from Chesterton, Indiana, which is just north of Valparaiso. I have had the privilege of premiering more than 60 of Mike's compositions and arrangements all over the world. Audiences will remember Mike's For the Victims of Sichuan last summer with the LSM Concert Band. Mike visited Lutheran Summer Music several times when we were in residence at Luther College, and is a strong supporter of the program. Mike also understands how to write artistically, functionally, and respectfully for school ensembles, professional ensembles, and the church.

We could not be more grateful for this incredible gift, and for the many years of service and friendship that Dr. Doebler and his family have given to all of us at LSM.

"I have been involved with LSM in most years since 1994. I have served in many roles, including summer program director, handbell choir director (and founder), and concert band conductor. LSM is important. LSM matters. LSM is a model for what should be happening in our world. And LSM is a great example of music education in action. I am honored to have the privilege of serving LSM."

-Dr. Jeffrey Doebler

Visit LSM or tune in to the Facebook Live Stream to hear this new work!

LSM Half Session Concert
July 14th, 2018
7:00 PM
Chapel of the Resurrection
Valparaiso University