Reflecting in Gratitude

“We, the LSM alumni remain connected through faith and music. We lived the experience that grew from the mission and vision of our revered founding fathers and mothers. The founders are now passing the torch to us, trusting us to preserve that which most transformed our lives, fold it into the challenges and advantages of our present day, and enable the enrichment of further generations of the LSM community.”

– Jeanine Krause, LSM ‘89-’91

LSM is embarking on a gratitude campaign. Alumni will receive a monthly email containing a reflection from an LSM alum, alumni-related announcements, and a link to a short survey inviting you to share your personal LSM stories and what you are most grateful for.

All alumni are invited to participate. View the instructions> for writing your own reflection to submit in the 2021-2022 year!

Below are links to each month’s reflection, announcements, and survey link. We encourage you to join our email contact list to keep up with these emails and other news!

March 2021: Gratitude for…

“When I think of LSM, the first word that comes to mind is gratitude…”

By Michael Schaner, LSM 2005-2005, Advisory Council Member

February 2021: Alexa, Play Classical Music!

Former student and National Staff member Dietrich Jessen reflects on the power of listening—to music, to mentors, and to the call of vocation. He also offers words of tribute to the late Dr. Carl F. Schalk, whom he first met as a student at LSM.

By Dietrich Jessen, LSM 2009-2011, National Staff 2016-2018, Advisory Council Member

december 2020: christmas in july

“Lutheran Summer Music was the place where I found ‘my people.’ For all this and so much more, I owe LSM my deepest gratitude. I hope you will consider supporting our program so more youth can find this kind of joy… and even celebrate Christmas in July again.”

By Brita Moore-Kutz, LSM 2008-2010, Advisory Council Member

november 2020: a cloud of witnesses

For LSM to be what it is, it is important to give thanks for those whose encouragement, teaching, and witness prepared us for LSM before we even got there: grandparents, parents, teachers, choir directors, and mentors.

By Jennifer Baker-Trinity, LSM 1992-1994, Advisory Council Member

October 2020: One Perfect summer

 Seeing the campus, the students streaming about, moving in their belongings … it was thrilling, terrifying, and quite foreign. Suddenly, I was surrounded by 150 other students who not only wanted to be as engrossed in the music as I did, but wanted so much to be growing in the Word of God. I was astounded. By the end of that extraordinary month, there was immense definition and clarity on how I wanted my life to be.

September 2020: Gratitude amidst Disappointment

Back in LSM 1998, those of you who attended the orchestra concert might not remember hearing the Overture to Egmont. Those of us in the orchestra remember learning the piece, practicing and rehearsing it for four weeks, and it was one of my favorite pieces on the program. But, a storm came, tornado sirens sounded, and we had to shuffle off stage for shelter…

By Dan Hellerich, LSM 1997-1999, Advisory Council Member

August 2020: LSM and being a “grown up”

It is certain that LSM played an immeasurable role in forming my adult self: my commitment to my faith and the Church, my love of music, my leadership skills, and so many of my relationships.

By Liz Drotning Hartwell, LSM ‘92-93, Counselor ‘04, Dean of Students ‘05 and Advisory Council Chair

July 2020: A Lifetime of LSM

What we return to LSM could never match what it has given to us, nor what it has given, continues to give, and will give in the future to the church-at-large.

By Krista Bernthal, LSM ‘85-’96 and member of the Advisory Council

March 2020: Name the LSM Alumni Choir!