As we embark on a new church year, we reflect on all the “new” that is happening right now with ALCM. We reflect on the past two years as we have all experienced new ways of leading dynamic worship.

More recently, we faced the sad news of Bob Hobby’s resignation as President-Elect. (See Bob's message immediately below.) We thank Bob for his faithful service, and we wish him love and support in the new chapter he and his family now face. This opens a new chapter for ALCM as well as we look to fill the President-Elect office.

Your Board of Directors has been diligently working on looking at new ways to expand the voices represented on the Board in order that we might be as inclusive and thoughtful as possible in our work. We have a new proposed structure, unanimously endorsed by the Board, that we are excited to present at a special called meeting of the ALCM membership on Monday, January 17 at 8:00 p.m. Eastern. We will have new changes to the Bylaws to accompany those changes to the Board structure.

The 2021 Annual Fund appeal has been issued. Your contributions are so important to continue to explore and implement these new things that have been percolating!

What is old has become new...new procedures, new music, new structures, new people. New steps we take together to become stronger, and better support one another as we blaze a bright path to our future.

As you minister to others during this season of hope and expectation, please remember that ALCM is here to help ensure that you have the opportunity to experience that same hope, expectation, and joy.

Kevin Barger

President

Dear ALCM Colleagues,

Some of you may be aware that my wife, Jenny, recently had a brain tumor removed; shortly, she will begin radiation and chemo treatments. Desiring to offer Jenny and our family my full support through this medical journey, and, mindful of the time and energy required to make a meaningful contribution to the leadership of ALCM, I have submitted my resignation as President-Elect. Although saddened that I am not able to fulfill my term, I am so grateful for my brief experience in this office which permitted me to witness, firsthand, the creativity and dedication of ALCM's board and staff. As an ALCM member since the constituting convention, it is rewarding to observe what a strong position our organization is currently in. To that end, I believe recommendations from the board, which will be forthcoming later this year, will further strengthen the effectiveness of ALCM's mission in the days and years to come. God has blessed ALCM since its creation in 1985, and I believe God has much in store for us as we seek to "nurture and equip musicians to serve and lead the church's song." To the extent that time and opportunities permit, I will eagerly be present and participate with you in every manner to support that calling.

With gratitude for your trust,

Robert A. Hobby

Director of Music

Trinity English Lutheran Church

Fort Wayne, IN

In November 2020 over a thousand singers and instrumentalists participated in the creation of a virtual hymn setting of "Angels We Have Heard on High" in a new arrangement by Anne Krentz Organ. You are invited once again to include this virtual hymn recording in your Christmas celebrations.

Don’t miss experiencing the featured conference musicians from GERMANY and the UNITED STATES.

“Early, Early Bird” Conference Registration Discounts available through January 15, 2022.

Donations received after those dates will be considered 2022 gifts. If you have any questions about what you have already given in 2021, feel free to contact us at [email protected].

Introducing the New WELS Hymnal: Christian Worship

Looking for a gift for a fellow church musician or pastor? Consider the gift of membership in ALCM. If your gift recipient is already a member of ALCM, their membership will be extended by one year. If it is a new member, they will receive a new member packet filled with a wonderful assortment of materials to introduce them to ALCM. Because members receive publications and other benefits throughout the year, this is a gift that truly keeps on giving! To give a gift membership, complete the online gift form or print and mail the form with your check.

Webinars in 2021 were offered in four separate series, three paid and one free. Through December 31, 2021, you may purchase any or all of the three paid series at the original reduced prices. Beginning January 1, 2021 webinars will only be available individually at the regular per webinar price of $25 for members and $39 for non-members). Order now to beat the price change! Just click the "Register" button to order the recorded series.

ALCM seeks a high achieving contract employee to fill remote responsibilities as editor of CrossAccent, the journal of the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians. Volumes explore helpful topics for today’s Lutheran music directors including the areas of theology, musicology, hymnology, sociology, liturgy and history. The editor is responsible for complete development and production of the three issue per year publication. Essential qualifications: detail oriented; excellent written and verbal communication skills; successful project management and time management track record; proven ability to meet deadlines; proficient knowledge and ability to use standard telephone, computer and other technology reasonably necessary in a 21st century nonprofit organization. Exceptional candidates email cover letter and resume to [email protected] with "CrossAccent APPLICATION" in the subject line. Please indicate potential interest/availability as an interim editor. Position available immediately to begin production on the Spring 2022 issue. View job description.

Kyries (prayer concerns) and Glorias (thanksgivings) are posted in the members area and on this page on the ALCM website. Kyries and Glorias for the following people have been recently posted:

Edgar Krentz

James Machan

Glen Zobel

Anne-Marie Bogdan

Susan Cherwien

Jenny Hobby

Tim Guenther

Margaret Zobel

Marty & Barbara Schaefer

Kari Files

ALCM members are invited to submit Kyries and Glorias following the link in the members area of the website. Non-members may contact the ALCM office at [email protected] with information for posting.

CrossAccent, Spring 2022

Essays on the topic of “The Abiding and Enduring Word” are welcomed for the spring 2022 issue of CrossAccent, the first issue of the journal’s thirtieth-anniversary year. Click here to read about this issue’s theme. Manuscripts are due on January 1, 2022.

In Tempo, ALCM's practical resource publication, invites article proposals for these two topics:

1. Your "Worst and Best” story. The best and worst experiences or advice regarding playing, conducting, singing, hymn introductions, worship planning, technology, resolving conflict, any and everything church music and Lutheran worship. Which strategies turned into train wrecks? Which have you absorbed and made standard practice? Your stories of “bumps along the way” as well as successes can teach, cheer, and encourage us. If you would be willing to share your hard-earned wisdom and practical tips, please send an article proposal to [email protected].  

2. Contemporary, folk, or alternative music in worship. “Contemporary” spans a variety of interpretations and practices, as does “folk” and “alternative” - what are your “best of the best” music and resources from these broadly defined categories? If you’d like to share your suggestions (especially with musicians of modest congregation size and budget), email [email protected] for more information and writer guidelines.

LSM is thrilled to offer this fully online session to help young musicians tune up their playing and singing with private lessons, explore exciting topics in music, connect with peers from all over the country, and get to know the incredible LSM Faculty.

 

If the standard tuition rate of $99 is out of reach for any reason, students can select one of three Financial Aid options, ranging from $0-49 on the Enrollment Page. There is also a Gift Tuition option for individuals or congregations who wish to cover the cost for a young musician to participate. 

The Hymn Society in the United States and Canada is pleased to present a four-episode series of videos celebrating the role of young organists in encouraging, promoting, and enlivening congregational song. Each video includes an interview conducted by Dr. Nathaniel Gumbs, Director of Chapel Music at the Yale Institute of Sacred Music. Each episode opens with the featured young artist performing a hymn accompaniment or a hymn-based organ work. The videos may be found at https://thehymnsociety.org/the-organ-congregational-song/

In October Chorus America launched #RediscoverHarmony, a social media campaign that puts a spotlight on the value that choral organizations bring to their communities. As we begin to emerge from the isolation and dissonance of the past year and before, there’s no better time to celebrate the way that choruses, choirs, and singing groups bring us together. #RediscoverHarmony encourages the public to support choral organizations through attending, listening, singing, and donating. Read more about the campaign here.

Adding your group to the searchable #RediscoverHarmony directory is another step you can take to be part of this highly visible, excitement-generating campaign. Visitors to the #RediscoverHarmony website will be able to use the directory to search for -- and donate to -- organizations in their communities. 

If you haven't yet, you may fill out this form to ensure your group is included in the directory when it goes live. This will also ensure that you're among the first to hear when the #RediscoverHarmony campaign launches!

To be added, please email information to: [email protected]