Inaugural Step Up LSM Exceeds Goals

Thursday, April 20, 2023 was Step Up LSM, LSM’s first day of giving scholarship fundraiser. In an outpouring of generosity and enthusiasm, over 140 alumni, parents, and friends Stepped Up and supported LSM students, raising over $30,000 in scholarship support. Applications have doubled from this same period last year. LSM 2023 is on track to be the largest class in over a decade. With this significant increase, the need for scholarship and match grant funds is in high demand.

Despite the geographic diversity of the LSM community, the energy and momentum of the day represented a shared passion for music and faith that has no bounds. Thanks to the help of a team of 22 alumni, over 400 people were individually contacted, welcoming 48 new donors into the LSM support family. Alumni participation was remarkable, with almost half of the donations coming from former LSM students wanting to pass on the joy of LSM to future generations.

The significant generosity shown during Step Up LSMwill ensure all incoming students the opportunity to fully experience the transformational power of LSM, and will make a profound impact on the next generation of musicians, teachers, and leaders. Describing their hope for LSM, a student applying from Pennsylvania wrote,  "What strikes me about LSM is not just the music, but the collaborative rather than competitive spirit, boosted by the faith life that is such a big part of LSM." Thank you for making the hope of LSM a reality for so many. For more information on LSM, visit https://www.lsmacademy.org.

Eugene and Mary Sukup Church Music Program

Lutheran Summer Music is pleased to announce the creation of The Eugene and Mary Sukup Church Music Program through a grant from the Sukup Family Foundation of Sheffield, Iowa.

The Program will renew LSM’s focus on preparing the next generation of church musicians and organists and expand LSM’s curriculum and educational offerings. In its 2023 inaugural summer, the program’s initiatives and priorities include:

• Provide scholarships for organ students. LSM 2023 is seeing a 300% growth in applications from organ students compared to 2022. Many of these high school students are already serving their home congregations as organists and filling in with local churches as substitutes when needed.

• Fund a guest artist residency by nationally known church musician Paul Vasile, who will be immersed with the worship team and community during week three of LSM 2023

• Create a new Liturgical Composer-in-Residence position, with Anne Krentz Organ serving during this inaugural year

Of particular significance will be Anne Krentz Organ’s new position. As a widely published composer and versatile church musician, Anne will work to enrich the worship experience during LSM 2023. LSM has also commissioned Anne to compose two new compositions to be premiered, recorded, and published during LSM and then shared widely for congregations to use throughout the year.

One of Anne’s compositions will be a liturgical piece, which could be sung by a congregation as the table is set for communion or as a gospel acclamation. In other settings, it could be sung as a call to worship, to frame prayers, or as an offering is received. The piece will be flexible enough to be used in a myriad of ways. It is inspired Colossians 3:15-17, with the following text:

May the peace of Christ rule in our hearts.

Be thankful.

May the word of Christ dwell in our hearts.

Be thankful.

May we sing with joy, giving thanks to God,

Alleluia, Alleluia.

May we sing with joy, giving thanks to God,

Alleluia, Alleluia.

Anne’s second commissioned work will be written for solo instrument and keyboard in a theme and variations format. The solo line will be printed in versions for all instruments and transpositions so that any student will be able to play the piece. The piece will be based on the American folk tune Holy Manna. Holy Manna first appeared in William Moore’s Columbian Harmony (1825) and now has wide ecumenical usage. It is found in over 200 hymnals today, including both LSB and ELW. The piece will be able to be used in worship or a secular recital format.

Both compositions will be published by LSM and freely shared after the summer session. LSM students will be able to perform these compositions in their home congregations, schools, and recitals, and church musicians will be able to incorporate the works into services throughout the year. The Holy Manna arrangement will serve as an ideal way to get young musicians to participate in worship at their congregation, as the piece is set up to be flexible in its usage and instrumentation.

Charles and Mary Sukup

Additional support from the Sukup Family Foundation underwrites LSM’s annual Bach Cantata Service, ensuring the tradition of young musicians embracing Bach’s music on a deep level continues each summer.

Charles Sukup, a former Lutheran Music Program board member, shares that “Worship is the grateful response of the living Church. The deep faith of my parents and the importance of worship have been a blessing to us.  Church music and particularly organ, the king of instruments,  can nurture spiritual growth as well as provide mountain-top experiences.  Lutheran Summer Music is an extraordinary program that focuses on Christian faith, musical excellence, and mutual care to inspire young people in the glories of worship.”

The Eugene and Mary Sukup Church Music Program advances LSM’s strategic goal of establishing LSM as a laboratory for the creativity and innovation that fuels the future of sacred music. LSM is committed to articulating the ongoing work of reformation in the church through a Lutheran lens that embraces a holistic understanding of music. LSM will continue to be a prominent national organization that inspires, educates, and trains the next generation of church music leaders and advocates.

Step up LSM to Support Scholarships

Lutheran Summer Music 2023 is fast approaching! Joyfully, we will soon welcome the largest student body to LSM in over a decade.

Through the year, these students have spent countless hours preparing to attend LSM. They have written personal statements in their applications, practiced and recorded their auditions, coordinated with their families, coaches, teachers, and bosses for the ever-important summer schedule, arranged travel, raised funds, and maybe have even looked at the suggested packing list. They are ready to join the LSM 2023 community, but they need help.

With applications nearly doubled from this time in 2022, requests for financial aid have substantially increased. The stories and backgrounds from these student applicants are diverse and unique, but each family’s need for scholarship support is deeply felt. At this time, we must raise $25,000 to ensure that our accepted applicants are able to attend LSM this summer.

On Thursday, April 20, we are launching “Step Up Day.” We invite all members of the LSM community to STEP UP and donate to our student scholarship fund. Any gift you make during this day of giving will be matched 100% by the Mundt Foundation, and a few other generous individual donors.

 Your gifts directly fulfill each and every student’s eager desire to attend LSM. Here’s what just a few of our 2023 applicants expressed about why the wish to be part of Lutheran Summer Music:

A student from Pennsylvania:

"For me, music and church simply belong together, whether that is in the sonatas or concertos of J.S. Bach, in a simple hymn, or in more modern worship music. What strikes me about LSM is not just the music, but the collaborative rather than competitive spirit, boosted by the faith life that is such a big part of LSM."

A student from Minnesota:

"I want to attend LSM because I would learn a lot from intensive music study. I love music because it expresses feelings in a deeper way than just words."

A student from Virginia:

"It is not often I am part of a group where I feel like I truly belong, and I hope LSM is the place I can find that."

A student from Washington:

"I want to attend LSM because I am truly happiest when I make music alongside other people. I also hope to learn a little more about my faith, and how I can serve the church with my musical gifts."

A student from Texas:

“I want to attend LSM for three primary reasons: to improve my musical skills, to make new friends, and to devote four weeks of my summer to self-improvement and faith. Aside from the obvious goal of musical improvement, I hope to use this opportunity to discipline myself and find more ambition to be productive in my day-to-day life. I also hope that my time away from home will allow me to spend more time reflecting on God.”

We thank you for your help in welcoming these and many other extraordinary young musicians into the affirming community of LSM, which we know will serve as a life-long source of joy for our incoming students, and will make a profound impact on the next generation of musicians, teachers, and church leaders.

Students Find Success Crowdfunding Tuition

The road to LSM can be a journey for students. Many seek financial support from their communities for their tuition through church groups, local civic organizations, school music boosters, or by performing for a church event or benefit recital.

A growing number of students are finding newfound success in earning their tuition through crowdfunding—that is, raising small amounts of money from a large number of people. LSM creates an online fundraising page for the student, and the student shares the link within their community, inviting individuals to contribute toward their LSM attendance.

One first-time student received 13 different donations from friends and extended family through their page and raised the needed financial assistance in only one week. Another student performed a benefit recital at his church, and shared a link to his page in the recital program. Another student sweetened the deal, offering to bake a dozen cookies for any person who contributed.  

“It is so inspiring to see the effort that students are making to attend LSM, by committing their time, arranging complicated cross-country travel, and through fundraising efforts, too,” says Dean and Director of Admissions MaryLynn Mennicke. “When I also see students supported by people who cheer them on, that’s really special. It is so heartening to see communities rally to support their youth!”

Above and beyond their financial gift, supporters often share messages with their donations, encouraging each student on their path to LSM. Two anonymous crowdfunding donors recently wrote: “Never stop reaching for your dreams to come true, no matter the obstacles. You will succeed because you want to. Enjoy this opportunity and remember to always have fun,” and “Dreams don't work unless you do. With that said, sometimes it takes a little money as well, and so our hope is that our contribution is enough to help make it all happen! Good luck!”

LSM has matched tuition contributions from churches, clubs, and other organizations for many years to incentivize this tuition assistance. LSM will now also match contributions from individuals through these LSM-created crowdfunding webpages. This makes it easier than ever for families to take advantage of the LSM Match Grant incentive.

While fundraising has been a successful way for many students to afford the LSM experience, it is not a viable option for all students. Mennicke shared, “Not all students are able to take advantage of the opportunity to fundraise. Some of our students simply do not have a community of extended family or friends they can draw on for support, or their church and social circles don’t have the financial means to assist. That’s where our scholarship budget is so important. But if fundraising is a good solution for a family, that helps everyone, as it allows us to direct larger scholarship funds to those who need it the most.”

Through scholarship support, and incentivized fundraising, Lutheran Music Program strives to provide multiple solutions to ensure all accepted students are able to take part in the transformational LSM experience. If you are interested in financially supporting LSM 2023 students, you can give at: lsmacademy.org/support

Through the Song the Church Goes On

Cantor Chad Fothergill steps forward and invites the room to open the “cranberry hymnal” and turn to a page in the front. He intones the psalm and explains the pattern of responsorial singing, of matching the accent to the change in pitch. With rapt attention, over 100 high school musicians sing and follow along to the drone of a shruti box. When morning prayer and announcements have concluded, students disperse for musicianship classes and chamber music rehearsals, followed by elective classes. Hannah Koby, the ALCM-sponsored associate cantor, leads an “Intro to the Pipe Organ” elective for eager pianists looking to do more with their feet. Anne Krentz Organ meets with twenty-six students for her “Composition” elective class; today, they collectively compose a psalm refrain. In the “Church Music” elective, worship intern Joel Stoppenhagen leads the group on a hymnal scavenger hunt, then Chad and chaplain Nathan Baker-Trinity lead a discussion: how do pastors and musicians plan worship music together? How can theological ideas influence musical choices? How do hymn choices support and illustrate Scripture? How can the church musician encourage the assembly through musical enhancement and build confidence for a congregation of singers?

In the late afternoon, Hannah and organ fellow Ezechiel Daos rehearse with the Chapel Choir, while Chad and organist Karen Eddinger practice their organ duet, and Nathan and sacristan Brittany Barkus meet with the student volunteers who will be cantor, readers, and assistants at evening worship. That night, Anne and the composition class lead the psalm during Evening Prayer, singing the refrain and accompanying with hand chimes. The assembly of students, fellows, staff, and faculty open the “chocolate hymnal” to “The Day Thou Gavest” (LSB 886) and fill the chapel with four- part harmony.

This is a Tuesday at Lutheran Summer Music Academy & Festival (LSM).

For forty years, high school musicians from across the country have gathered on a Lutheran college campus to grow as musicians, live in community, and explore the depth of worship through music. Many go on to become music teachers, pastors, performers—and yes, church musicians. But for this time—those suspended four weeks in a bubble of liturgy and symphony—these students simply experience a concept of music that elevates the joy of worship and glory of God.

The primary experience at LSM is music education: becoming a stronger singer, instrumentalist, conductor, or composer through instruction from nationally recognized faculty. Students do so with private lessons, performing in chamber ensembles, taking elective classes, and playing or singing in festival ensembles: choir, band, and symphony orchestra. But this is all in the context of a connection to the church, through daily morning and evening prayer services and Sunday eucharist—over forty services in the course of a month! Over its history, LSM has evolved and grown in its offerings, and partnership with ALCM has fostered many exciting advancements and connections.

Music is our tool for building relationship and community, for articulating the story of Jesus and the church, and—more directly—for supporting the coming generation of church musicians and passing forward the musical heritage of the Lutheran church. Our mission extends to future musical lay people as well; in helping young people grow in their own musical proficiency and participation in worship, our intent is to inspire a deep love for the music of the church in all LSM students.

Deacon Ryan Hostler (LSM 1997–98), who attended the overlapping ALCM conference and the LSM 40th anniversary alumni reunion this past summer at Valparaiso University (IN), shared this comment: “Recommending students to LSM is vital for the future of the church. Whether or not these students turn out to be like myself, who went into church music because of LSM, they’re coming out of LSM with a love for music of all kinds and are being instilled to nurture the song of the church and the song we sing together.”

As a five-time alum myself (LSM 2001–2005) who now works on the LSM national staff, I have seen and felt the impact of LSM personally. Church music is in my blood—in fact, I probably had a prior critical mass (pun intended?) of familial heritage and history, with pastor and church organist grandfathers and a music professor and church musician parents. Growing up, I had no shortage of musical opportunities nor of access to and experience in both ELCA and LCMS congregations. But it wasn’t until I attended LSM that I felt a real ownership and devotion to the music of the church. Singing an Evening Prayer setting, or a four-part harmony with the words of Paul Gerhardt or Susan Palo Cherwien, felt divine. And then doing so in communion with my peers, with musical professors and professionals I admired, and with worship leaders who emulated and appealed to my own love of music? It’s powerful stuff.

In my current LSM role, I witness the immediate effect of everything LSM offers for students who attend. Remember, these are kids! Last summer, the transformation of LSM students was astonishing. I saw looks of trepidation and anxiety morph into laughter and friendship. Fear about being musically “good enough” turned into confidence and applause. I heard the tentative first notes of the Magnificat grow into strong acclamation. And after several years of COVID-19 disruption and isolation, I saw young people build a community of welcome—all informed by and sustained through the music of the church.

This is an impact that lasts. In my work to welcome new students, I reach out to and hear from so many church musicians across the country—and so many are alums with their own impassioned stories of finding their vocation at LSM, or are leaders who have welcomed students back to their home congregations to see them invigorated in worship.

Omaldo Perez, director for music and worship at Grace Lutheran Church in La Grange, IL, has recommended several students to LSM. In his words, “Every time they come back, they come with more confidence and are willing to share their gifts with the congregation. I want young people to develop their chops and not only see their gifts from the perspective of their local churches but with an expanded sense of the world in terms of their roles in worship. LSM can only make their growth and their process better and make their participation richer.”

LSM creates an intentional community of growth and belonging, surrounded by music and centered in faith. This is what so many of you work to build and support week after week in your congregations and in your worship. Through LSM and ALCM together, the music of the church is growing, evolving, and being renewed by the next generation. Through the song, the church goes on. Soli Deo gloria!

MaryLynn Mennicke is the dean and director of admissions for LSM. She graduated with a degree in music from Concordia University, St. Paul (MN), with emphasis on vocal performance and choral conducting. She previously served as the director of music at Peace Lutheran Church in Bloomington, MN. In addition to her current work with LSM, she freelances as a church musician in the Twin Cities and volunteers with Voices of Hope prison choirs at correctional facilities in Shakopee and Stillwater, MN

Now Hiring: Seasonal Staff & Fellowship Positions

Seasonal Staff Positions

Interested in working at LSM 2023? LSM is now hiring for seasonal staff positions! Spend a rewarding summer immersed in music within a caring and supportive environment at LSM. If you or someone you know would make an excellent candidate for one of these roles, apply or share this information today!

Open seasonal staff positions include:

Residence Counselor

Associate Cantor

Sacristan

Health Director

Health Counselor

Broadcast & Visual Media Creator

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Fellowship Positions

LSM Fellows serve as teaching assistants to LSM’s nationally renowned faculty members and mentors to students, have ample performance opportunities, and contribute to the administrative and academic operations of the festival. These prestigious and tuition-free positions are open to full‐time undergraduate or graduate students or recent college graduates in strings, winds, brass, percussion, voice, piano, organ, composition, musical theatre, and orchestral conducting.

Fellows Receive:

• Two private lessons per week with LSM faculty

• Chamber music groups with other Fellows

• Solo and chamber music performance opportunities

Musical Responsibilities: as teaching assistants, Fellows act as musical leaders and supporters within the student body, playing/singing alongside and supporting the learning process of high school LSM students. Musical responsibilities can include and are not limited to:

• Teach secondary or extra lessons to LSM students

• Play in and/or coach student chamber ensembles

• Play or sing in at least one large ensemble: Band, Orchestra, or Concert Choir

• Act as section leader in large ensembles and be responsible for leading sectionals when needed

• Lead studio classes

• Teach or assist in elective offerings such as music theory, music history, jazz ensemble, musical theatre, or other areas of interest

Learn more at: lsmacademy.org/fellowships.

2022 Year In Review

2022 was a monumental year for LSM and all of us as we celebrated 40 years of this beloved and transformational program. This year was full of joyous celebrations and innovative achievements, from a growing community to an alumni reunion to connecting virtually around the country.

We invite you to relive your favorite moments from 2022 in these pages and gain an even deeper insight into the impact of LSM from first-hand accounts of students, faculty, fellows, families, and supporters.

LSM Bolsters Faculty Expertise

Dr. Shannon Gravelle

LSM is excited to continue to build upon its nationally renowned faculty with the addition of Dr. Shannon Gravelle as the Phyllis and Richard Duesenberg Endowed Festival Choir Director for LSM 2023. Having previously served as Dean of Students (2007 & 2008) as well as a counselor (2005 & 2006), Dr. Gravelle knows and understands the LSM community well.

“I’m thrilled to welcome Dr. Shannon Gravelle back to LSM as The Phyllis and Richard Duesenberg Endowed Festival Choir Director Chair,” states Thomas Bandar, LSM’s Executive and Artistic Director. “I’m confident that Dr. Gravelle will instantly connect with the LSM community and provide exacting and positive leadership for the LSM Concert Choir.”

Dr. Gravelle is committed to equity work within her field and higher education, with music education advocacy as a centerpiece of her community building. Her conducting mentors including Timothy Stalter, Jonathan Talberg, Tim Peter, Sandra Peter, and Weston Noble and she has been an adjudicator, clinician, and guest conductor for choirs in North Carolina, Minnesota, Maryland, Nebraska, Iowa, Wisconsin, Arizona, and Illinois.

“I am ecstatic to return to LSM to create meaningful music and build impactful community,” states Dr. Shannon Gravelle. “I look forward to supporting the musical and spiritual growth of the LSM students and am honored to join a faculty of such high caliber. The LSM program, supported by the staff, students, and friends, has shown incredible resilience, and I am honored to join as it continues to flourish in the summer of 2023.” 

Dr. Gravelle is the Director of Choral Activities University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. She received her Doctor of Musical Arts in Choral Conducting and Pedagogy from the University of Iowa, Master of Music from the Bob Cole Conservatory of Music at California State University - Long Beach, and an undergraduate degree from Luther College where her areas of study were music, music education, and religion. 

“Dr. Gravelle joins us with a deep understanding of LSM’s mission and vast experience building communities and trust through music,” notes Thomas Bandar. “Her advocacy for students aligns with LSM’s commitment to cultivating a sense of belonging for every member of our community.”

Remember & Rejoice: LSM's 40th Anniversary Alumni Reunion

Over 80 alumni from every year of LSM joined the students, faculty, and staff during LSM 2022 Festival Week for their first reunion. As alumni shared memories, connected with old and new friends, and made music together, the 40-year history of LSM was brought together through each person’s unique experience.

Said former counselor and dean of students Stef Fiser Kleven, “What a respite it was to attend the LSM reunion—to socialize with friends old and new, to attend student recitals and concerts, and to worship together daily. I'm grateful to have spent time here in my past, and for the opportunity to return and experience the same beauty and kinship. My heart is full.”

A particular highlight for many at the reunion included the alumni choir rehearsals under the inspirational leadership of former LSM chapel choir director Zebulon Highben. Serving both during Evening Prayer on Saturday night after the Festival Orchestra Concert and during Festival Worship on Sunday morning, the alumni choir provided key congregational leadership for the entire LSM community.

Other highlights from the reunion included:

• “Alumni Corner” in the open area of Harre Union, that was complete with bottomless coffee and cookies for reconnecting

• A rousing game of “Alumni Bingo” during the opening mixer, with remarkably popular squares including “Met Spouse at LSM,” and “Sent a Child to LSM”

• Post-concert, post-Evening Prayer receptions, beautifully catered with a tended bar with space and scope for late-night relaxing

• A “State of LSM” luncheon during which LSM Director, Tom Bandar shared the current status and trajectory of LSM while giving John Lunde, Jeff Doebler, and Dottie Burroughs opportunity to reflect openly on what has changed and what has persisted for LSM through the generations

• The inaugural Alumni Recital, which was as a light-hearted, amusing and joyful affair

• The Advisory Council, comprised mainly of LSM Alumni, was able to meet together in person for the first time

“Far from being an “add-on” the alumni, spanning many generations, found themselves fully integrated as contributing members of the 2022 LSM community,” remarked Jeanine Krause. “I can’t wait for the next reunion and the opportunity to once again remember and rejoice with fellow alumni as we support the next generation of students.”

LSM would like to extend a special thanks to Joy Greco, the reunion coordinator, for her excellent preparations. Additional thanks to the dedicated members of the 40th Anniversary and Alumni Reunion planning committee for their matchless creativity and vision in the conception, preparation, and execution of this first of many alumni reunions to come: Evelyn Zimmer, Michael Schaner, Chad Fothergill, Liz Drotning Hartwell, Jeanine Krause, Jennifer Baker-Trinity, and Stefanie Fiser Kleven.

Commissioned Choral Work

This 40th anniversary year, the LSM Choir has the honor of premiering the piece “The Lily and the Bird,” composed by LSM’s composer-in-residence Dr. Benjamin Krause and commissioned by the David Krause family. The work will be performed at the Festival Choir Concert on Friday, July 22 at 7pm CDT.

Ben is LSM’s composer-in-residence. And although on sabbatical this year, he also typically teaches the composition elective at LSM as well as one-on-one private composition lessons, which culminate in the Fresh Ink concert of new student pieces by the end of the four-week session. Additionally, Ben coordinates and instructs in the musicianship area. “Lily and the Bird” is the second piece he’s written specifically for LSM—the first was also for choir, in Summer 2021. He has also had other pieces performed in faculty recitals in previous summers. 

Describing the newly commissioned piece, Ben says:

"The Lily and the Bird," as the title suggests, is based largely on Christ's words in Matthew and Luke: "Behold the birds of the air…consider the lilies of the field…". These lines formed the basis of the piece, in which I also draw upon texts from Kierkegaard (his own reflections on "the lily and the bird"), the German Lutheran theologian/pastor Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and Medieval Christian mystic Hildegard von Bingen. I assembled each of these text excerpts into one overall poetic structure, hoping to create a web of meaning that begins with Christ's words as a point of departure, then moves into Kierkegaard's own interpretation of these words, with Bonhoeffer and Hildegard as interpolations that echo some of the main themes. I don't want to comment too specifically on the meaning here, as I feel it arises somewhat poetically and spiritually in the interconnections between these sources, in a way that I hope illuminates the Lutheran heritage in its value of individual human worth and dignity, and the immediacy of the relationship between us and God.

The work is scored for mixed choir, oboe, and string quartet, which is somewhat a nod to the cantata tradition of Bach. Musically, there's another Lutheran allusion - the oboe, near the end of the piece, quotes the German chorale "Aus tiefer Not schrei zu dir” (“From Depths of Woe, I Cry to Thee”), where it appears to complete the foreshadowing of various themes used up until that point. In other words, this chorale tune is hinted at throughout the piece but doesn't emerge until the end. Otherwise, my main musical concern is to have the music embody, mirror, and amplify the meaning of the text throughout, so that the music itself becomes my own interpretation of the text's meaning. "Peace" and "joy" are two prominent themes throughout, and each gets its own associated music.

LSM’s choral director, Dr. Nancy Menk, adds:

In my three years at LSM, this is our second commissioned work. Last year we sang a shorter, a cappella work, also by Benjamin Krause. It's going to be fun this year to sing another piece of his that is more extended...it's about eight minutes, and is accompanied by string quartet and oboe. It's a beautiful piece, and the choir is excited about giving another world premiere. I'd really love it if LSM could continue this practice of commissioning new works—maybe one per year, for various voices, alone or combined.

The LSM community is grateful for the generous donation from the David Krause family for making this new work a reality. Long-time supporters of LSM, David Krause comments:

It is a joy for our family to demonstrate our thanks for the ministry of Lutheran Summer Music over the past 40 years. I have served as a consultant to LSM and as board member and chair over the last few years. My daughter Jeanine began her LSM journey as a student in 1989. She is a professional musician and is currently serving on the LSM Advisory Council. My son Paul also attended LSM as a violin player.

Music has bound our family together. LSM has been a joyful rallying point for us through the years and certainly is today!

And a fun surprise to note, Ben and David’s family recently learned that they in fact are related! Says Jeanine Krause:

Yes! We are related! Ben and I have the same great-grandfather. That great-grandfather had seven sons. Our grandfathers were brothers, son number six was my grandfather, and son number seven Ben‘s. 

Dad and I did not know Ben until the summer Ben was hired to teach composition at LSM. Dad was chair of the board and a few of the staff or faculty thought it was interesting that both men pronounced their last names in two syllables. A short conversation revealed all. 

All of this confirmed a theory I have that in my family the generations rotate from teacher, pastor, and musician. Maybe not always in the same order. Ben and I are holding up the musician part. 

To learn more about the composer Dr. Benjamin Krause, visit here. To hear a sneak peek of the piece, visit here.

Bach Cantata Tradition

Performing a Bach cantata within worship is long-standing tradition and special treat for the LSM community every summer. Bach cantatas provide a wide range of musical challenges and delights, from beautiful chorales to energetic fugues, as well as poignant texts sung enthusiastically in their original German. This experience connects LSM to generations of the church dating back to Bach’s first known cantata in 1707.

While cantatas have long been a part of LSM, it was in 1997 that Paul Bouman mounted LSM’s first full-scale Bach cantata performance, and from then until 2005 one was performed each year as the centerpiece of a vespers service. Since 2006, the cantata has been included on LSM’s third Sunday within the liturgy.

LSM’s choir director Dr. Nancy Menk remarks, “The fact that high school and college students have the opportunity to participate in a cantata as originally intended is absolutely amazing—this exposure truly can’t be found anywhere else! And with the choir composed of students, counselors, fellows, and faculty, it’s a wonderful mix of individuals who journey together to learn and perform the unique style of the baroque era.”

Seth Hartwell, a former LSM student and counselor, is currently fulfilling the role of Academy Director and is participating in his sixth cantata. “I think for those who want a challenge, the Bach cantata is a foretaste of the collegiate choral experience,” says Seth. “As someone on staff this year, the cantata gives me an opportunity to learn a part that can feel technically challenging and musically enriching when combined with the rest of the ensemble. Our schedules are very busy throughout the week, but this is a reminder why we work so hard—to give God the glory.”

A current LSM fellow agrees, saying “I really enjoy the collective effort of both students, staff, faculty, and fellows in the performing of this Bach. It encompasses the community aspect that LSM represents so wonderfully.”

Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) is widely considered one of the greatest composers of all times. But at the heart of who he was as an individual was a church musician. Bach served as a cantor for a number of years, and during that time wrote more than 300 cantatas—though sadly over 100 have been lost. Inconceivably, Bach composed a new cantata weekly during his cantor days, and the text always centered around the theme of that Sunday's gospel reading. 

Says Chad Fothergill, LSM’s cantor and organ instructor, “Bach cantatas show that music can carry a theology and sense of faith and craft. The experience of performing a cantata affirms to students that music can come uniquely close to equal footing as theology when you hear the music in its original context.” 

This year, LSM will perform Cantata 172, "Erschallet, ihr Lieder, erklinget, ihr Saiten!" which translates to, “Resound, you songs; ring out, you strings!” It is centered around the first day of Pentecost reading with Acts 2:1-13 and John 14:23-31 for text.

“We chose Cantata 172 this year because it is truly celebratory with timpani, trumpets, and an opening chorus that Bach repeats at the end—it pulls out all the bells and whistles,” explains Menk. “Since LSM is in our 40th anniversary season and we are once again together post-Covid, we really wanted to make this year special.”

“We think this was one of Bach’s favorite cantatas,” echoes Fothergill. “There is a C major version from 1714, a D major version from around 1722, and at least four other different versions that are known. One of the challenges was making sure we found the right version and key to make all the logistics work well for LSM—and I think we have done just that.”

LSM’s Bach Cantata Eucharist Service will be held on Sunday, July 17th at 10am in the Chapel of the Resurrection. Livestream and further information on remaining concerts and recitals can be found HERE. Learn which cantatas were performed previously at LSM HERE.

The 2022 LSM Bach Cantata is underwritten by Charles and Mary Sukup.

Student Concerto Audition

Every year, a student concerto audition is held during Week One of LSM. Prior to the audition recital, interested students first submit a recording for consideration before moving along in the audition process. Seven students performed in the concerto audition recital this year.

Said MaryLynn Mennicke, Dean and Director of Admissions, “I’m so proud of all of the students who performed in the concerto audition recital—the determination and guts to play such difficult pieces for your peers is laudable, and every player demonstrated skill and stage presence through their performances.”

LSM is pleased to announce that Mayci Cornaby was selected to perform with the LSM orchestra. Mayci will perform the first movement of Violin Concerto No. 22 in A Minor by Giovanni Battista Viotti at the Festival Orchestra Concert on July 23rd.

“I’m thrilled for Mayci, as playing with the LSM Orchestra is a huge opportunity and honor, exclaims MaryLynn. “Her performance was poised and polished. It was a pleasure to listen to her and to all the concerto players!”

Giovanni Battista Viotti, 1755-1824, was an Italian violinst who composed 29 violin concertos. Violin Concerto No. 22 is widely considered to be his most endearing work.

“Viotti’s concerto was a gem of the classical era, full of flair and virtuosity,” said LSM’s orchestra director Dr. Kevin Sutterlin. “I'm so thrilled to showcase Mayci as one of our many incredibly talented students at the final orchestra concert. This is a fantastic opportunity for us to learn about historically informed performance practice and proper stylistic playing in the classical style.”

Dean Dot's LSM Blog

Dottie Burroughs, “Dean Dot” was there at the beginning of LSM, calling Dr. Carlos Messerli and asking where she could help in 1981. Throughout her time, she has served in a variety of roles—from counselor to Dean of Students to an instructor. Now, Dean Dot has returned to LSM for the 40th anniversary season. Follow along as she shares her thoughts on LSM 2022! (And check back often!)

September 24, 2022

The Transformational Experience of LSM

Forty years, and it’s still changing my life!  Lutheran Summer Music – 1982 - I called and asked to be a part of it. 2022 - I called and asked to be a part of it again.  In between it has taught me how to build a musical worshipping community.  It was integral to my Lutheran teaching ministry of 43 years and now in my “retirement,” God calls me via LSM to retake the mantle and serve Him. When I got home this summer, I struggled with putting the “LSM-reenergized” me back into contact with opportunities of service. By the end of this month a new “schedule” has emerged:  working with new middle school band students at one school, teaching music to the youngest students in early childhood classrooms, visiting folks who can’t get out and about and sharing videos of the choir songs from the previous week’s services. The woodwind quintet that I play in has set a monthly schedule of performances for the folks who live in my husband’s assisted living home. Conducting our community band also was added when the conductor faced some medical issues.  Cheryl Lemmons’ practice hints did not fall on deaf ears. Playing nearly every day makes oboe playing all the better. Channeling Jeff Doebler as I conduct the band gives me a new drive.

This is an accounting of what LSM gave me permission to do. Permission, and a reawakening of living in a tightly bonded community, relishing the grace of God.  Thank you for the opportunity to be present and soak in the spiritual waters, resplendent in tunes of delight.

1986 - Dean Dot, morning announcements
Augustana, Rock Island, IL

2022 - Dot’s LSM office
Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, IN

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August 11, 2022

LSM Music Education Elective 2022

The Music Education Elective that I taught this summer at LSM included interviews of five of the LSM Faculty to give a wide range of the potential roles a person could take as a music educator. Along with those, we spent time singing, playing and experiencing music so that some basic teaching skills were demonstrated and evaluated. For my students, my hope is that your passion for children and music-making has been reinforced and that you have a better idea what it will take for you to become the music educator that you want to become.

Below are some of the resources we used and summaries of the interviews:

The Richards Institute – Education through Music

Bonnie McSpadden Blog: New Music Teacher Club

Education Through Music - Song Experience Games

• Oh, here we are together

• Rig-a-jig-jig

• Oats Peas Beans

• I gave my love a cherry

• Rain Rain

• Kitty Kitty casket

• Going down the railroad

• Clickety clickety clack

• Fly away little birdie

• Someone’s wearing

• Penny

• Tallis Canon

• Good King Wenceslas

Elements of music

• Melody

  • Volume

  • Expression

• Harmony

• Rhythm

• Timbre

• Form

Passion

• Love Jesus

• Love kids

• Love music 

Strategies

• Repetition with variations to maintain interest

• Experience before declaratory

• Sound before sight

• Story songs’ movement is derived from lyrics

• Movement starts when the song starts and stops when the song stops.

Interviews With Faculty

Bruce Atwell – LSM Horn Instructor

1.   What do you wish you knew before you started teaching?

• The give and take in the classroom

2.   What is your favorite part about teaching now?

• Figuring out how students learn, personal learning style

3.   What is your most important thing to communicate or model?

• curiosity

4.   What keeps you returning to the classroom?

• I love teaching

5.   What is the skill you wish you had spent more time developing?

• Intonation

• Just intonation – tuning to the harmonics vs. even temperament

• Instruments for Liberia

• Lessons – be specific and goal oriented

6.   What practices have you adopted so that children know you like them, but mean business?

• Set rules

• Calm down

• Play all the time, minimal talk

7.   Private lessons – other skills needed

• Business skills

• Finances

• Taxes

• Scheduling

Nancy Menk – LSM Festival Choir Conductor

1.   Introduction

• Taught all levels and ended up with 37 years collegiate level

2.   What are important things to do with a new choir in your first rehearsal?

• Sort by matching voices

• Sing Happy Birthday (used to do My Country tis of Thee, but no one knows it)

• Small groups, solos, move around till the voices match

• Put the better readers on the outside

• Heavier voices back farther

3.   Demonstrate your favorite choral warm up.

• Use head voice - high ooooh down to aaah and then dmsd’

4.   What is your favorite part about teaching now?

• I love conducting and teaching conducting

• Commissioning new music

  • $1,000/minute is the going rate

5.   What is your most important thing to communicate or model?

• Respect for what is on the page

• Bring music to life

• Process of birthing a performance.  Conductor is the conduit.

6.   What keeps you returning to the classroom?

• Love the students

• Love conducting

7.   What is the skill you wish you had spent more time developing?

• Figuring out middle schoolers, voice changes

Paul Morton -  LSM Jazz Leader and Trumpet Instructor

1.   When I was 10 I told mom I was going to be a professional trumpet player

• Al Hirt LP – trumpet called to me

• Vitally important if you want to be a music educator

• Find out your passion, talk about, feel about, think about all the time

  • You give your passion away

• Get paid for it

• Get up every day and do the work – best music ed student, best….

2.   How did jazz capture you?

• NC visiting artist, brass clinics in schools

• Paisley’s restaurant – play jazz every Tuesday – pf, bass, drums, guitar

• Just start

3.   How do you start a jazz program? Junior high or high school?

• Why –

  • It’s fun

  • Why music – focus, consistency, fulfillment, community, ensemble working together, conceptual thinking, listen and model, recognize beauty, meet deadlines

  • Creativity, higher level of conception, quintessential American music

    • Fusion of African and European elements

    • Most democratic art-form

      • No conductor – rhythm section leads it

      • Chamber music

      • Traffic cop

      • Improv

      • Everyone has a role to play

• Improvise every rehearsal

• Swing – style, lexicon (riff=ostinato, head=melody,) repetition/contrast

• Rough sound – ghosting notes

• I real pro – app with play along and chord changes

Chad Fothergill – LSM Cantor

1.   Introduction

• Lives in Birmingham AL

• Supports church musicians

• His instrument is the gathered assembly- “equipping the saints”

2.   How is music education a part of what your role as cantor – leading the church in song?

• Ways to teach

• Music is communal – people oriented

• Teach them things they don’t know they need yet

3.   What skills are specific to congregational work?

• Rhythm – tacktus- broader pulse -maintain through phrases and stanzas

• Gesture – tension and release

• Text

• Lead so well that you are unnecessary

• Plan like crazy and be flexible enough to throw it all out depending on need of people or space, low barometric pressure, German perfect vs. community

4.   What do you wish you knew before you started teaching?

• Guitar techniques, percussion tech, psych classes, family systems

5.   What is your most important thing to communicate or model?

• Love the people more than the music; openness to just being

6.   Other info:

• No meters in hymnal - Minimal notation in hymns, poetry to be sung -allows for variety

Jeff Doebler – LSM Festival Band Conductor

1.   Tell us a little about your background and what you do in non-LSM time

• Music ed Valpo U prof, band director

• Involved in church music since 6th grade

• Adult community bands, professional level group (Windiana), Michigan City Muni band, clinics

2.   Why should a school have a band program?

• So we can participate in art and create music, create beauty each day

• Many other performance opportunities in school – doing music

  • Guitar ensemble

  • Ukulele ensemble

  • Piano ensemble

  • Drumming groups

  • Jazz groups

  • combos

• 1838 Lowell Mason - Boston

3.   What skills are critical for a new band director to have?

• Love people and working with people

• Musical and leadership skills – study the music and teach the music

• Organization and communication

4.   What is your favorite part about teaching now?

• 40 years of teaching/30 years at Valpo

• Working with people achieving beauty and artistry

5.   What is your most important thing to communicate or model?

• Respect and kindness, cooperation

6.   What keeps you returning to the classroom?

• What we do in music ed. matters

• Always more to learn

7.   What is the skills are you continuing to develop?

• Always ready to learn more, keep going,

LSM – learn more about music, share that with others in church or community, bring that level of artistry to others

Kevin Sütterlin – LSM Festival Orchestra Conductor

1.   Tell us a little about your background and what you do when you’re not at LSM.

• Born in Germany

• Some awful music teachers

• Only become a music educator if you are passionate about it

• How to work together with each other

• Not just a “fall back” career

• Conduct orchestras – live in that sound world, repertoire

• Effort, determination and grit, not just talent

• Degree in wind ensemble conducting

• While already working on master’s degree, was accepted into orchestral conducting at Memphis State

• Role model as an educator – generous, respect, grace, dignity, pay things forward

• I am a successful teacher if my students surpass me

• Teaches

  • Orchestra 4 days a week

  • Conducting – gestural work

  • Private lessons

  • Classes –

    • Music appreciation

    • Performance practice

    • German art song

2.   What is the function of a string program?

• They are rarer in schools (compared to band or choir)

• Demographics, budgetary considerations

• Music for sure should be offered every day

3.   What is your favorite part about teaching now?

• Seeing recurring success in students

Never underestimate the power of a good bad example

Be aware of conducting lineage

Score study before listening to other recordings

Observing string players, be able to speak like one

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July 23, 2022

Day 28 of LSM 40: Alumni – Part 1

Speech I gave at morning announcements on Saturday, July 23:

You are one day away from becoming alumni of LSM. That is an honor that many people in this room have been called, some for up to 40 years. Yesterday I heard story after story of how their life changed by being at LSM- college choices determined, course of study decided or a new one considered, faith life enhanced, significant friends made, and I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the romances begun which culminated in marriage. 

For me, this month has reinforced the value of patterns, collaboration, and encouragement.

Patterns-embracing the rhythm of the day—getting up at the same time every day, worship, learn stuff, eat, mix with folks, worship, go to bed.

Collaboration- as Cheryl put it to me yesterday, co-laborers with Christ, working together to achieve beauty in music, relationships and worship.

Encouragement- lifting up each other with a word, a smile, a hug, a prayer

When I talked with my husband on Wednesday, he said to me, “Have a good time and make the most of it.”

After you are home and have caught up on your sleep, think about the good times that you had and how you made the most of it, how LSM has changed you. 

Then make the most of being alumni:

• Sign up to come again next year

• Tell others about your experience

• Encourage others to attend

• Make a financial commitment to support LSM

• Pray that God will continue to bless LSM in the years ahead, from generation to generation

Welcome to the LSM alumni!

Dot at morning announcements on 7/23/2022. Photo Credit: Michael Schaner

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July 20, 2022

Day 25 of LSM 40: From One Generation to Another

Barry & Donna Bobb, Dot, and Steve Wente

Dot and Tom Schmidt

Psalm 145:4 & 7—One generation shall commend your works to another and shall declare your mighty acts. They shall pour forth the fame of your abundant goodness and shall sing aloud of your righteousness.

This week the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians (ALCM) is having their conference on the Valparaiso campus. Worshipping with two hundred additional voices has increased our collective joy. The gathering of both constituencies encourages the ALCM attendees to see LSM as a vital link in the nurturing of new church musicians. 

Greeting friends, former colleagues, and making new connections is certainly fun, but also enlightening. Having lunch with Barry and Donna Bobb (representing CUC’s Center for Church Music) included reminders of college days at CTC, River Forest, and learning that the Sunday School curriculum that I had taught for 13 years (Twos and Parents together with Jesus) had been written by Donna. Steve Wente, retired chair of the CUC’s Music Department, and also my classmate, soaked up the musical presentations and reveled at the chance to see how the next crop of students will impact the church. 

Tom Schmidt was one of the piano faculty in the early LSM days. He is so delighted to be back in the LSM community and feels right at home, encouraged that what was started in 1982 continues to impact the community and the church in so many of the same ways – faith, musical excellence and community. 

Yesterday I hosted a session on Education through Music for the counselors that are music education majors. (https://new.richardsinstitute.org/) This gave me the opportunity to share how play, connected through music, movement, and language, can promote strong cognition and social/emotional stability.  Finding joy in taking a train ride via Clickety Clickety Clack opened up new possibilities for budding educators. Learning how to calm reactive children with the structure of the song experience game is something they will definitely use.

Telling the story of Jesus, whether through a puppet named Chippy to two-year-olds, or in Bach motets auf Deutsch from Calmus, the church’s song goes on. Sung from the organ loft with Zimblestern pealing the Three in One and One in Three, we sing the Word to the world yet to come. 

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July 20, 2022

Day 25 of LSM 40: Fellows

One of the biggest changes to LSM since my early days, has been the addition of the Fellows Program. LSM began as a training ground for high school students.  With the addition of the Fellows, it now includes college-aged musicians and recent graduates. The Fellows function as mentors, section leaders, teaching assistants, instructors, and administrative support.  Each Fellow auditions for the position and indicates areas of musical expertise and interest. Working with the faculty, Tom Bandar selects those who will be the best fit for each instrument and voice part.  Specifics about the program can be found on the LSM website:  https://www.lsmacademy.org/fellowship

For some of the thirty-one Fellows, this is their first exposure to LSM. Natalie, voice Fellow, is teaching lessons, studying voice, and enjoys performing in an unpretentious and noncompetitive environment. She sees LSM as an extension of her studies.

Olivia, another first year Fellow, was recommended by first year faculty flutist Elise Blatchford, from Memphis State University. LSM has exceeded her expectations. She has been able to teach a variety of levels of flute students, play in the orchestra, perform solos, and ensembles with other fellows and students.

Abby, Violin Fellow, is so thankful to be able to learn and perform at LSM – orchestra, string quartet, solo works, make connections, and learn from so many different people at camp.

Jessica and Sam are the conducting fellows. They have been working with Dr. Kevin Sütterlin and the LSM Orchestra. Talk about intensive study! Every day they are able to work with the orchestra, discuss rehearsing strategies, get immediate feedback, and grow immensely in skill and delight in leading an orchestra.

Matthew, trombone fellow, participated as a student in 2017 and 2018, and then as a Fellow for the last two years. Being able to follow the experience his parents had at LSM (yep, he’s one of those 2nd generation LSMers) makes his time at LSM all the sweeter.  

Teaching Musicianship gave several the opportunity for additional classroom teaching experience. Since face-to-face teaching opportunities during their college experiences were limited by the COVID pandemic, the intimacy of a supportive and collaborative cohort has been a boon.

From the reaction of the students at the Fellows recitals, it was obvious that the impact of the Fellows on the LSM community is a huge plus!

I caught sight of the saxophone dynamic duo of Dr. Stacy Maugans and fellow, Sophia in animated lunch time conversation. The regard between them was palpable from across the dining hall. 

Fellows – they learn, they teach, they help others grow.  They, too, get captured by the community of LSM.

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July 14, 2022

Day 19 of LSM 40: A Strong Hymn is Marinated in the Scriptures

Marinating—I usually think of vinegar on cucumbers, onions, and tomatoes, that I have to shake up every few hours in order to develop the right tang of not quite pickled veggies. Marinating the text of a hymn through the lens of God’s Word doesn’t lead to pickles, but a deeper infusion of what the Spirit brings to enliven the text. When the composer connects the music solidly with the text, even greater understanding can emerge.

On Tuesday, I sat in on the Church Music Elective, led by Chaplain Nathan. He focused on hymn lyrics and had us take an in depth look at The King of Love, My Shepherd is (ELW 502, LSB 709). While the obvious source of the text was Psalm 23, with greater scrutiny, we found Jesus’ “I am” statement from John 10:11-18, “I am the Good Shepherd,” followed by Luke’s account of the Lost Sheep in Luke 15. So, it turns out not to be just a paraphrase of Psalm 23 but enriched by the additional pictures of Jesus as the Good Shepherd, who seeks those who are lost, and lays down His life for the sheep (us).

We were then asked to identify our favorite hymn.  Now that’s a task…what to pick of so many. I went with the blessing hymn that we used last Sunday, Go, My Children, with my Blessing. As it turned out, both Nathan and I had used this hymn at our weddings. I also used it in the closing concert when one of my schools closed. It is a lovely blessing that we used here to send off the 2-week students. Below are the texts that I found.

Scriptural references in Go, My Children, with my Blessing 
ELW 543          LSB 922

Stanza 1

Go, my children, with my blessing  
Numbers 6: 24-26 The Lord bless you and keep you...

Never alone                                        
Matt. 28:20 I am with you always

You are my own       
Isaiah 43:1 I have called you by name, you are mine.

In my love’s baptismal river              
Matthew 3:6 Jesus is baptized in the Jordan river

Stanza 2

Sins forgiven                                      
Matthew 9 Your sins are forgiven

Here you learned how much I love you         
John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son

Here you touched him                       
John 20:27 (Jesus to Thomas) Put your finger here

Saw his glory                                      
Mark 9:2 And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became radiant, intensely white, as no one on earth could bleach them.

Stanza 3

Go, my children, fed and nourished  
Matthew 26:26-28 Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.”  And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sin.

Grow in love and love by serving      
Luke 10:30-37 Story of the Good Samaritan

Here my Spirit’s power filled you      
Acts 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit

Here my tender comfort stilled you  
Psalm 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God

Text:  Jaroslav. J. Vajda 1919-2008
Music:  Welsh traditional; arr. Ralph Vaughan Williams, 1872-1958
Text © 1983 Concordia Publishing House
Arr. © Oxford University Press

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July 11, 2022

Day 16 of LSM 40: Accommodations–What You Have To Do To Make Things Work

Sometimes I think of accommodations as crutches, other times the words in my head are “tools for success.”  Back in 2014, I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease (PD).  For a conductor, this meant dealing with an ichthus that was bouncing all over when I didn’t want it to.  As an oboist, when the fingers don’t move when they should, or do when they shouldn’t, it makes it tricky to play with confidence.  Learning to live with PD does take some planning and some help.

Let me explain about the accommodations. When Chaplain Nathan asked if I would be Assisting Minister for worship on July 10, I said yes, and then wondered what it would entail. Could I hold the bowl of bread to distribute communion and be able to pick apart the bread from the loaf to hand out? Could I hold the book for the Chaplain without shaking? Would I trip down the stairs because the alb was too long? Could I turn the pages of the bulletin to be able to read the prayers at the right time? Would my voice be loud enough?

To each of these questions, a solution was found. The bowl was light enough. Brittany cut the loaf for ease of distribution. Brittany held the book for Chaplain Nathan and he found a different folio for me to use that was lighter and could be held easily. I found an alb of the right length so I could go up and down stairs without it getting in the way. I turned the corners of the pages, so my fingers could turn without fumbling. Joel controlled the microphone so I could be heard. 

Did you notice I didn’t have to do it alone? I had help. I had support and encouragement so that I could do the assigned job of helping to lead worship without getting in the way. The worship could be about singing praise to the One who has come to us, to pull us wounded ones from the side of the road, to heal us and to be with us every step of the way.

Have you noticed who you depend on for help? Your counselors, your teachers, your friends, your parents, your Lord? Who can you help today?

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July 8, 2022

Day 12 of LSM 40: Musical Family Joy

When I taught beginning band students, I would tell their parents that they would listen to the world differently because their child was playing an instrument.  I told them of how my mother would call me on Sunday nights at 9:00 p.m. to recount the latest oboe solos played by the Chicago Symphony the night before.  She’d listen for the flute, bassoon and oboists because that is what her daughters played.   We often played a Vivaldi trio for family events – birthdays, funerals, weddings, family reunions.  It is a great source of joy for the three of us to reconnect with that piece of music through the years.

The last couple days have had some shining delight in the “family” music making genre.  On the Omega String Faculty Recital on Wednesday, violin fellow Aria Beert played along with her faculty parents, Michael Beert (cello) and Rachel Handlin (violin) on Tchaikovsky’s Souvenir Di Florence.  On Thursday, the proud parents cheered Aria’s performance at the Fellows Recital.

While Dr. Cole Burger was performing on stage, his son was making music in the lobby.  The Beatles’ Yellow Submarine was given a rousing performance, sung and conducted by his young son, followed by a purposeful bow and a big grin.

Following that recital, Evening Prayer had all kinds of surprises.  We had a chance to revel in Mary’s joy in being the mother of our Lord, while Elizabeth felt John leap for joy in her womb.  Chaplain Nathan leapt into action to play a jazz setting of the Magnificat on trombone, along with his son, Thomas, on trumpet. 

Rachel, Nathan and Cole all attended LSM as students.  Now two of their children are attending LSM.  That generational music making is something to celebrate here in LSM Year 40.

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July 5, 2022

Day 10 of LSM 40: Freedom Within Structure

Lowell Goecker was my high school theology teacher and years later, my principal at St. Mark Lutheran School in Houston. He told the story of a school yard that had no fencing. When the children came out for recess, they didn’t do much more than cluster in the middle of the yard. However, when a fence around the perimeter was added, the children ran freely throughout the yard, willing to spread out to make use of the whole area.

When my COVID confinement ended this morning, I was able to “run freely throughout the yard.”  It made me think about traditions that have developed in LSM that give structure to the community and allow it to flourish. 

Morning and Evening Prayer

• These moments of worship bookend each day.  We have used them since 1982.

• Daily singing Carl Schalk’s setting of Luther’s Morning Prayer adds a lovely gift beginning around 2011.

• Cheryl Taylor Lemmons’ Practice Tip of the Day, given at the end of Morning Announcements (since about 2014), adds a specific musical focus to the tone of the day.

Oh God, Our Help in Ages Past

Anticipating the Half-Session Concert on Saturday when this hymn will be used for Evening Prayer.  Dr. Jeff Doebler explains: 

In 2016, we implemented the LSM Half Session Concert. In an excellent example of music education in action, the Half Session Concert also allowed us to combine the LSM choir, orchestra, and band for the closing work. To further this tradition, my wife (Karen) and I commissioned our good friend Michael Boo (1955-2020) to create a finale selection that would reflect Lutheran Summer Music. O God, Our Help in Ages Past (St. Anne) is a favorite hymn of ours, and one that is published in each of the Lutheran hymnals I own (ELW 632, LSB 733, LBW 320, LW 180, TLH 123, SBH 168, LH 556). It is also a hymn that is associated with Valparaiso University. We process to it each year in our opening convocation, and the hymn was described by former VU administrators Richard Baepler and Roy Austensen as the unofficial anthem of Valparaiso University. Since Lutheran Music Program and Valparaiso University share the pan-Lutheran tradition, it seemed an ideal choice. I asked Michael Boo to create an arrangement that would work well for the combined groups, and that would allow strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion, organ, student voices, and congregation to be featured. Karen and I hope this arrangement will serve the church by joining other long-standing traditions at Lutheran Summer Music.

Paul Morton – Jazz Band

Paul has directed the LSM Jazz program for 24 summers since 1996.  He shared his passion of teaching trumpet and jazz band with the music education elective today. While sometimes it might seem that “they play anything,” there is in fact the structure of the harmonic progression, and the scales that fit with those chords that determine the shape of the improvisation. Learning to live and flourish within those parameters is a large part of being a “jazzer.”

What other traditions give you the freedom to explore and create?

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July 3, 2022

Day 8 of LSM 40: Day 4 of COVID Isolation

Today I decided to change my perspective. I couldn’t worship with the LSM community, so I watched the livestream from my home congregation, Trinity Downtown, Houston. New members were welcomed, youth were consecrated for service at the upcoming Youth Gathering (held in Houston). Memories of a 3rd grade Patriotic sing-a-long were evoked from all the songs and organ works. Bible class worked through Romans 12:1-8. Verses 4-5 stood out: “For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.” 

How do we live that out here at LSM?  How do we build that “oneness?” It’s been tough changing from being a part of the body, and then being apart through COVID isolation. And yet, I was able to watch the concert livestreams, relive Evening prayer via DropBox, and receive encouraging texts and emails from faculty and staff. I pray for each of you. I ZOOMed into my classroom to teach. I rested and recuperated. While all those are good things, I can’t wait to be really WITH you, experiencing all those individual members, experiencing the different functions in which each excel.

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June 30, 2022

Day 5 of LSM 40: Pajama Day

I am thankful that the LSM Student Council declared today Pajama Day.  I can feel no guilt sitting around my room in my PJ’s after discovering that I had tested positive for COVID-19 yesterday afternoon.  While I would have much preferred to be out and about in my PJ’s, this morning I spent my time in my room, looking out over the traffic flow of Lincolnway from my balcony, snacking on fruit leftovers from breakfast.  It’s amazing how many drivers think that having a really loud muffler is an advantage!  I suspect there are better ways to call attention to oneself.  Last night I saw a few fireworks from the balcony shot off from behind the pawn shop. 

A friend wondered what lemonade I can make out of such a “sour” situation. I’ll be looking!

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June 28, 2022

Day 3 of LSM 40: Change

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.  Hebrews 13:8

Oh no!  It’s a different room, a different class level, a different building!!  After waiting three days to find out what I would do “for real” at LSM, the class lists and schedules arrived at bedtime. Initial hysteria and panic settled into, “Peace, be still.”  Students arrived the next morning with willing hearts to sing and dance and play.  Listening for changes in Grieg’s In the Hall of the Mountain King helped us talk about changes in the rhythm of our lives.

What has changed at LSM compared to 40 years ago? 

Dot and Carl Schalk—September 2, 2018

• Singing Carl Schalk’s setting for Morning Prayer. Having worked with both Carl and Dieter Nickel, a retired board member for whom it was commissioned, it is a joy to be able to sing it now with the LSM community.  (CLICK HERE to hear Dr. Schalk tell the story of how the setting was first presented.) 

• What do we do with the alumni?  A question we asked the second year (1983). How to use the experience and expertise, and yet shape a new community with returnees and newbies together. The process continues as a new iteration is formed of both new and old, steeped in what is best and made better with age and experience.

• Giving an extra day to figure out ensembles, auditions, and classes for the faculty, while the student life staff proactively spends time with students to get them an opportunity to get settled before throwing the full gamut of the schedule at them.

What hasn’t changed?

• The focus on music, worship, and community

• Enthusiastic and gifted faculty

• Student life staff that care deeply for their campers

• Jesus Christ – He is the same yesterday and today and forever.  Hebrews 13:8

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June 26, 2022

Day 1 of LSM 40: Dean Dot Returns to LSM

Dottie with Nathan Baker-Trinity, who was a camper in 1994 when Dottie was a counselor.

How strange to have no assignment on the first day of camp:

• No running shuttles

• No signing students into camp

• No auditions to finish

• No making sure all the lists were made and the details finished

Instead, I had the freedom to:

• Pray with the leadership staff before they headed out of the office to meet the day

• Talk with parents of new students who were anticipating leaving their child behind for a month

• Listen to Fellows about what brought them to LSM for the first time, or the fifth

• Watch faculty collaborate to make functional large and small ensembles after listening to many auditions

• Practice oboe and piano to help my fingers and chops regain some functionality after multiple days getting from home to LSM

Dottie Burroughs with Rachel Handlin, who attended LSM in 1986 and 1987. Dottie was Rachel’s counselor.

Then there was Evening Prayer:

• Led by Nathan, a camper from when I was Dean, who is now chaplain

• Joined by Rachel Handlin, who was on my floor when I was counselor, who is now teaching violin, joined at camp with her cellist instructor husband, and violin fellow daughter

• Singing “let my prayer rise before you as incense” knowing that it had been sung every summer for the last 40 years, touching the hearts of countless LSMers

• Sharing Mary’s joy in being chosen – she to be the mother of our Savior, and me to be able to return to LSM to revel in music, worship, and community once again

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About Dottie:

Back in 1982, I heard that Lutheran Summer Music was starting up.  My former college band director (Roger Gard) was supposed to be on staff, and I wanted to work with him again.  I contacted Carlos Messerli and asked what I could do to be a part of LSM.  He thought I might work out as a girl’s counselor.  As it turned out the first year, I was counselor, oboe instructor, and jazz band director.  The second year I was counselor again, and Mr. Gard actually came.  By 1984, I was the assistant dean of students and then took the post of Dean of Students from 1985 to 1989.  I returned once more as counselor in 1994.

The years and job titles don’t really tell the story of LSM’s impact on my life.  I was a young music educator (7 years out of school) when LSM started.  The influence of being on so many campuses (St. Olaf, Valpo, Luther, Wittenburg, Augustana, Rock Island, Concordia Moorhead, Augustana, Sioux Falls), working with band, orchestra, and choir directors such as Frederick Fennell, Weston Noble, Fred Nyline, Dale Warland, Paul Bouman, Carl Schalk, Craig Helle Johnson and Steve Amundson, made huge impressions on me.  Seeing how music and worship support each other enriched how I viewed my ministry in my congregation and in my teaching of middle school bands.  Week-long summer band camps that I ran looked like mini LSM’s, opening with morning prayer, taking “caravans” (field trips), working in small ensembles and large.

When I interrupted my LSM career in 1990 to work on a Master’s in Music at the University of Houston, former camper Vanessa Kusilek showed up at the U of H to participate in the first Texas Music Festival.  Since I was going through serious LSM withdrawal, we got together and played every Sunday at different churches while she was in town (oboe/bassoon duets).

Students of mine attended LSM and then went on to become music educators at all levels.  Other staff ended up being colleagues, working together in Houston. 

The lure of the 40th Anniversary celebration enticed me to contact Tom Bander to see if I could come again to be part of the LSM community.  He said YES!  So, this year I’m teaching Musicianship and an elective, “So, you want to be a Music Educator?!”  I am reveling in finding connections from previous years, impact on current student/alumni, and seeing the delight of those newly discovering what LSM has to offer.   It is a blessing to my faith-life, my social and emotional self, and my (retired) professional life, living still in musical service to my Lord.

The First Few Days of LSM 2022

Excitement fills the air as LSM 2022 begins! Students, faculty, fellows, and counselors have arrived on the campus of Valparaiso University to form this year’s LSM community and kick off the 40th anniversary celebration.

As students arrived on campus, MaryLynn Mennicke, Dean and Director of Admissions, greeted each person at the registration table with a warm smile. With four busy hours of registration, MaryLynn saw a wide array of emotions ranging from eager anticipation to unsettled nerves…and even a few tears, though mostly from parents. “It was wonderful to put a face to so many students and parents that I have been talking with over the past few months,” said MaryLynn. “Hope fills the air for the weeks of growth ahead, and I know it’s going to be a fantastic year!”

Counselors were nearby the registration table, eager and ready to assist students with the move-in process. Many of this year’s counselors have been students themselves, and understood the complexity of nerves and elation in the room. When asked why she loved LSM, counselor Emma Murphy was quick to state, “Because it’s fun! And of course, hard work… but mostly super fun!” With great joy, the counselors were ready to jump in and introduce the students to a welcoming LSM community.

Many fellows could be found helping with the audition process, with students and fellows collectively participating in almost 300 auditions in two days! At the welcoming table, the fellows enjoyed seeing the excitement on the student’s faces, understanding their nerves as they auditioned and met their faculty teachers. Said oboe fellow Bryan Tucker, “It is amazing to see all the talent that is here at LSM this year! I feel immensely honored to be at LSM as a fellow, having the privilege to help students along in their journey.”

For faculty, the first two days of LSM are filled with meeting students. Many facilitated auditions for hours at a time, and with thoughtful expertise worked to place students in large ensembles, chamber music, and studios. Executive and Artistic Director Thomas Bandar also fills the role of viola instructor at LSM. Said Tom, “LSM has seen significant enrollment growth this year! As faculty we are ready to meet each student where they are in their musical development and guide them on a summer of discovery and learning.”  

As the sun set on day one, the LSM community entered the awe-inspiring Chapel of the Resurrection for the first evening prayer service. With the opening bell chime of evening prayer, the familiar pattern of worship at LSM began for another year. And as the sound of the organ filled the space and our voices combined in the first harmonies of the summer, the 40th LSM community was officially formed.

With opening convocation just a few short hours away, LSM is thrilled to begin anew! Join us over the coming weeks for behind the scene moments on our social media platforms, as well as by participating in our concerts in person or online. Information and details can be found at: https://www.lsmacademy.org/2022

John Lunde, LSM’s 2022 Dr. Carlos Messerli Service Award Recipient

John Lunde, 1983

LSM is pleased to announce John Lunde as this year’s recipient of the Dr. Carlos Messerli Service Award. This award is given each year to a deserving individual who follows Dr. Messerli's example of outstanding service to the mission of Lutheran Music Program. John served the LSM admissions office from 1982-1997, primarily as the first Director of Admissions. Throughout the 15+ years he worked for LSM, John recruited approximately 2,690 students. During John’s last three full years, LSM enrollment was 241, 240, and 238 respectively.

1) You were there at the beginning of LSM. In your eyes, how have things changed and how have things stayed the same now in our 40th year?

The basic plan for LSM that Carlos had designed was in many ways like a “Lutheran Interlochen.” He had studied and visited Interlochen when planning major features of LSM such as the large ensembles of concert band/concert choir/symphony orchestra, small chamber ensembles for all students, student and faculty recitals, and private lessons at 2 half-hours per week with optional lessons in a second concentration.

What made LSM different from Interlochen was the focus on liturgical worship that included morning and evening prayer, Sunday services that incorporated student musical performances, worship leadership, and a chapel choir. Additionally, LSM worked to foster a supportive Christian environment rather than intensive competition. I’m sure there have been minor adjustments throughout the years, but the basic model has proven to be sound.

The original challenge for LSM recruitment was offering a new program with no track record of quality to engender confidence among parents, teachers, and prospective students—this had to be achieved the first few years. The present environment in society for recruitment is remarkably different. Sports has grown immensely in popularity and participation, and there is pressure for whole teams to participate in summer leagues and camps.

Additionally, recruiting methods have shifted away from mail, printed materials, and phone contact—replaced by websites, e-mail, texting, and social media. Higher cost for college and for LSM may have increased competing pressure for earning and saving money for college. On the other hand, high school students have had more opportunities for musical development as well.

2) In 1982 you made phone call after phone call and 100 or so students attended that first year. What are some of your favorite memories when LSM first began? What was it like recruiting students to a program that was new?

I was not asked to help with recruiting until mid-April of 1982, when only 24 applications had been received. The feasibility study, as I recall, had projected a potential enrollment of up to 350 students. With only 24 students, there was no realistic prospect of LSM as it was envisioned.

Initiating contacts for LSM via phone became the only option. It takes numbers to fill out a symphony orchestra, concert band, and full choirs—not just numbers, but more importantly, the right numbers in the right musical specialties. Carlos and I worked out ratios of numbers of players by instrument and voice that became recruitment targets to be maximized to establish, in part, the musical quality of LSM.

To work with, we had a prospective student pool of about 800 students recommended by music teachers and church music directors, as well as mail-in cards from a massive distribution of posters. The problem—the cards did not request phone numbers, so I had to get all lacking phone numbers from Directory Assistance. Long-distance phone rates were very expensive, and particularly high on weekday working hours. However, money was not our greatest problem.

With the limited number of prospects and no time to locate many more, I felt pressure to achieve success with every contact. All evenings and weekends were spent on calls, and workdays were spent receiving any incoming contacts (mail or phone) and responding with information. There was no choice but to plunge ahead as LSM was to begin June 18th. Fortunately, we were a lot younger then, but the pressure and fear of failure were immense! Carlos and I drove to Saint Olaf in Northfield, Minnesota, with all our stuff two weeks before the start of LSM. I immediately resumed recruiting every available hour until opening.

The final results that first year were 133 students, enough to survive without total embarrassment. With no reputation to run on, Carlos, with great help from his assistant Sandie Anderson, secured some outstanding faculty with which to project confidence in musical quality. Initial location at Saint Olaf, the Lutheran college with the largest music program, undoubtedly established a recruiting advantage along with its location in the most Lutheran region of the country. A focus on incorporating musical performance with Lutheran worship brought support from parents for their teenagers’ attendance in a secure environment with a chaplain, adult counselors, and a safe campus setting.

At the end of LSM, Weston Noble said to Carlos, “I believe you have established a successful program!” Coming from Noble, with his world-wide renown as a conductor of all-state bands, choirs, and orchestras, Luther Nordic Choir, and guest conductor at countless camps and festivals—that was an enormous compliment and stamp of approval!

Looking back, I am almost amazed that we lived through it—especially Carlos who had all the responsibility as the person in charge and was nine years older than I was. Fortunately, Sandie Anderson, for the two years leading up to LSM and for many years following, assisted Carlos with great competence, spirit, and grace. She deserves much credit for the success of LSM.

3) Why should young students attend LSM today? What encouragement would you offer someone who is on the fence about attending?

I would argue that a month at LSM, though a major time and financial commitment, is excellent preparation for a successful start in college. LSM has established a track record of high-quality musical instruction and leadership. The chance to study with an outstanding faculty of college professors, for many student prospects, is an opportunity many have never had. For students who have had great opportunities, it is an excellent idea to get new perspectives from other outstanding teachers.

A native of North Dakota, John Lunde attended Concordia College (Moorhead, Minnesota), where he received his bachelor's degree with a triple major in political science, philosophy, and history, and a minor in music. Additionally, John sang in the Concordia Choir under the direction of Paul J. Christiansen. After receiving a master’s in political science at the University of South Dakota, he completed coursework and spent five years in dissertation research and writing in the Ph.D. program in international politics at Indiana University. For the next several years he taught at various colleges and universities in Indiana, Kentucky, Illinois, and finally South Dakota where he met his future wife Joyce Povlacs. Joyce became a tenured faculty member at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and they were married for thirty-five years until her death in 2021.

Meet the 2022 LSM Fellows!

Meet LSM's 2022 Fellows, who have been selected for these prestigious musical leadership positions after a rigorous application and audition process. LSM Fellows serve as teaching assistants to faculty and musical mentors to students, with some responsibilities including:

• Teaching secondary or extra lessons to LSM students

• Playing in and/or coaching student chamber ensembles

• Playing or singing as a section leader in at least one large ensemble

• Leading studio classes

• Teaching or assisting in elective offerings

The Impactful Gift of LSM

Lutheran Summer Music (LSM) is the nation’s premier faith-based music academy for high school students. Since 1981, this unique and immersive program has helped students develop an appreciation for the outstanding music that becomes an integral part of their life’s journey.

The value of the LSM experience and its transformational impact are immeasurable. LSM is committed to ensuring that all students, regardless of their financial circumstances, can be part of the transformational community of music and faith. And thanks to the support of generous alumni-donors such as Leigh-Anne Hemenway Pou, Dr. David Shaw, and Paul Georgeson, the hope of making the academy and festival affordable to all is becoming a reality.

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Leigh-Anne Hemenway Pou

Leigh-Anne, a young mother of three, first attended LSM in 2002 as a sophomore in high-school. A voice student from Florida, her youth director advised her to attend LSM as she had a knack for choir. Says Leigh-Anne, “I had no idea what LSM was prior to my first summer, but when I arrived my world was blown wide-open! LSM was different than any other summer program I had attended, and I made wonderful friends, gained confidence, and my love for music was nurtured in a way I had never experienced before.”

Attending LSM for a total of five summers, three as a student and two as an intern, Leigh-Anne could not wait to go back each year. Some of her greatest friendships developed in the LSM community, and the college preparation obtained from LSM’s nationally recognized faculty helped her feel ready step out into the world post-high school on her own.

Leigh-Anne’s life-changing experience at LSM continues to have an impact on her today, and as such she wanted to make sure others could experience the academy and festival as well. “LSM was an extremely important time in my life,” shares Leigh-Anne. “My parents took advantage of scholarships for me to attend, and in turn I want to make sure others also have the opportunity to participate. I choose to give to LSM to pay it forward, and make sure the invaluable experience is offered to all deserving students.”

Dr. David Shaw

David, a primary care physician from St. Louis, MO, attended LSM the summers of ‘84, ’85, and ’86. A French horn player, he participated in both band and orchestra, and also sang in the choir. Says David, “The two things I loved the most about LSM were the music and the people. My high school years were a difficult time for me, but LSM was one of the best experiences I had. It was truly outstanding.”

While David did not continue his musical endeavors at college, his passion for music was cemented during his three years at LSM. For that, he is forever grateful.

“I may not have continued on in music, but I can tell you that during my three summers at LSM I can’t find one negative thing to say about my experience…. which says a lot, coming from a teenager’s perspective,” laughed David. “I donate to LSM today because I feel it’s worthwhile to pass on the favor of an amazing opportunity to someone who may otherwise not be able to attend.”

Paul Georgeson

Paul, a project engineer from Seattle, WA, spent eight summers with LSM. He sang in the choirs as a student from 2008-2010, served as an intern in 2012 and 2013, and was a counselor 2014-2016. Paul thoroughly enjoyed his time at the academy and festival and looked forward to it every year.

Encouraged to first attend LSM by the youth choir director at his church, Phinney Ridge Lutheran in Seattle, Paul found his experience life-altering. “I was at a place in my life where I could have gone down two paths—music, or drugs,” explains Paul. “LSM met me where I was at and gave me an identity. And the LSM community provided the greatest friendships when I needed them the most. I look back at my time fondly, knowing it sent me on the path to success.”

Paul continued on to obtain his undergraduate and masters degrees in music, and today he serves as the part-time youth choir director at Phinney Ridge Lutheran where he helps send other students to LSM. Says Paul, “I financially give to LSM because I would not be where I am today in my life without it, plain and simple. LSM is invigorating as everyone wants to perform at a high-level, and I grew exponentially as an independent person and musician. My hope is for others to experience this amazing, life-altering community.”

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The transformational experience of LSM that Leigh-Anne, David, and Paul found are only three of countless other individuals who credit their time at the academy and festival with guiding their lives as young musicians and the starting place for their future careers and vocations.

Thank you to all our donors who make an impact on the LSM community. Your gift ensures that ALL students, regardless of their financial circumstances, are able to confidently dedicate time to building genuine relationships, pursue excellence in music, search for meaning, explore vocations, prepare for college and young adulthood, and obtain a sense of belonging and renewed faith.

Dr. Zebulon Highben to Conduct the 2022 Alumni Choir

Dr. Zebulon Highben

LSM Chapel Choir Director
2005-2014

With great anticipation, LSM is excited to announce the appointment of Dr. Zebulon Highben as the 2022 alumni choir director! Dr. Highben served as LSM’s Chapel Choir Director for nine years, and we are thrilled to welcome him back to LSM as we celebrate our 40th anniversary.

Says LSM’s Executive and Artistic Director Thomas Bandar, “Dr. Highben’s experience as a choral conductor, church musician, and music educator is vast and extensive. He brings with him a knowledge and passion of the Lutheran musical heritage that is contagious and inspiring, and I’m elated to have him conduct our alumni choir for the 40th anniversary reunion.”

A conductor, composer, and scholar of sacred music, Dr. Highben serves as director of Chapel Music at Duke University Chapel. He conducts the Chapel Choir and oversees the Chapel’s extensive music program, which connects students, community members, staff singers, instrumentalists, and professional colleagues in myriad worship services and sacred concerts.

In addition to his role at the Chapel, Dr. Highben is an associate professor of the practice of church music at Duke Divinity School.

Prior to his appointment at the Chapel in 2019, Dr. Highben was associate professor of music at Muskingum University and director of music at Trinity United Methodist Church in Columbus, Ohio. Choirs under Dr. Highben’s leadership have performed at numerous choral conferences and festivals, and have toured domestically and internationally. In 2015, he won The American Prize in Conducting in the College/University Chorus Division for his work with the Muskingum choirs. In 2016, he was selected as the Central Division Fellow for the American Choral Directors Association’s International Conductors Exchange Program with South Korea.

Dr. Highben has taught courses and given lectures on topics such as choral literature, conducting, rehearsal techniques, and the musical heritage of the Reformation. His scholarly output includes two sacred choral anthologies, numerous articles and essays on the practice of church music, and more than fifty published choral and liturgical compositions.

Dr. Highben earned an undergraduate degree in music education from Ohio State University, a master of sacred music degree from Luther Seminary with St. Olaf College, and a doctor of musical arts in conducting from Michigan State University. He is an ordained deacon in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

To join us for the 40th alumni reunion, visit: https://www.lsmacademy.org/2022-alumni-reunion

To explore Dr. Highben’s work, visit: http://www.zebulonhighben.com/

MaryLynn Mennicke appointed LSM Dean and Director of Admissions

LSM is thrilled to announce the appointment of MaryLynn Mennicke (LSM 2001-2005) to the new role of Dean and Director of Admissions. MaryLynn will be the primary advocate for LSM to students, families, and the many people who champion LSM throughout the year including teachers, alumni, church musicians, and others. MaryLynn will lead LSM’s strategy, management, and growth of the LSM admissions pipeline, student enrollment process, and overall student experience that surrounds the LSM summer program.

MaryLynn Mennicke comes to LSM with over a decade of experience as a musician, theatre artist, and communications specialist. Most recently, she has worked at The National Theatre for Children, leading communications outreach and facilitating educational programs at K-12 schools nationwide. A singer and choir director, she also previously served as the Director of Music at Peace Lutheran Church in Bloomington, MN, and since 2019 has worked as a freelance church musician. As an LSM alum, she has experienced firsthand the profound impact of the beautiful community that is Lutheran Summer Music, and she is excited to invite new students to join in the fun!

Of her appointment, MaryLynn shares: “I am overjoyed to rejoin the LSM community in this role. Like so many LSM alumni, I will attest that LSM has had a profound and lasting impact on my life — socially, musically, spiritually. I look back on my LSM summers as some of the happiest times of my life. This is a place you can find your people, grow your passions, and be welcomed as part of an affirming community that connects through music and faith. I can't wait to spread the word and invite new students to become part of this truly special and life-giving community.”

Executive and Artistic Director Thomas Bandar is enthusiastic about MaryLynn's appointment: “MaryLynn will be a strong advocate for LSM, guiding many students and families to the program. Her vast experience both as an LSM alum and as an education leader will provide tremendous value for the entire LSM community. I’m thrilled to welcome her back to LSM in this new role!”

You may contact MaryLynn at mmennicke@lutheransummermusic.org