Exactly 30 years ago this summer, I attended my first ALCM biennial conference, on the campus of Augsburg College in Minneapolis. I was relatively fresh out of college, working as an organist in a United Methodist congregation, and hadn’t yet landed the perfect job in K-12 music education that I thought was going to be my life’s path. WHAT I experienced at that conference changed my life. The musical and liturgical experiences that week were nothing short of WONDROUS. And most memorable of all was the LOVE that the members of this organization clearly had for each other, for their musical craft, and for the God they served through their work. I knew then that these were my people, and this was my call.

It’s been four long years since we were last together at a biennial conference. We’ve been through a lot in that time. The ground beneath our feet seems to have shifted, and is still moving. More now than ever, we need each other. Here, we can connect (and reconnect!) with beloved colleagues. Here we can be strengthened and renewed in our commitment to this oh-so-important ministry we share. And here, we can SING!

We hope that you will join us in Philadelphia July 5-8!

Tim Getz

Conference Chair

Although there is nothing like being in community, learning, worshiping, and singing side-by-side in person with colleagues at an ALCM conference, we know that there are many reasons that travel to such an event may not be possible for everyone. The conference planning committee is delighted to report that, due to a very generous contribution from Mark and Kathy Helge, a virtual registration option is now available for this summer's conference in Philadelphia. All sessions of this summer's conference will be professionally live-streamed online for those who have chosen this option. And for those who have registered to attend in person as well as those who register virtually, recordings will be made available for you to watch after the conference has ended. You won't have to miss a single workshop! To learn more, or to register either as an in-person or a virtual participant, visit alcm.org/2023-philadelphia.

Due once again to the generosity of Kathy and Mark Helge, during the conference drawings will be held for three sabbatical awards of $2,000 each. Each registered in-person conference attendee will be eligible for the sabbaticals.

The price for the series of three one-hour webinars is $25 for ALCM members; $39 for non-members. The morning of the webinar you will receive a link to join the webinar. Within 24 hours after the webinar concludes, you will receive a link to the webinar recording and any handouts from the webinar.

To learn more, visit echoingair.org.

Recognizing that virtual community IS real community, you are warmly invited to join "Fourth Friday Happy Hour with ALCM" on Zoom every fourth Friday. Moderated by President Nancy Raabe and Executive Director Jim Rindelaub, discussion will be oriented around a general theme each month, but the larger purpose is to encourage conversation, sharing, and community. Bring whatever thoughts, comments, or concerns are on your mind, and of course a libation of your choice. Click on this recurring link to join each month.

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 Church Music Program will expand LSM’s curriculum and educational offerings, including the creation of a new Liturgical Composer-in-Residence position, with Anne Krentz Organ serving during this inaugural year, and funding a guest artist residency from nationally known church musician Paul Vasile. The Church Music Program will also respond to enrollment growth (LSM 2023 saw a 300% growth in applications from organ students compared to LSM 2022) by supporting scholarships for organ students, helping LSM further invest in preparing the next – and current – generation of church musicians and organists.  

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:

Martin Seltz*

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 office@alcm.org with information for posting.

St. James Music Press will award a grant to a church starting or revitalizing a music program. The purpose of this grant is to support new choir programs or established music ministries that are adding a new element by offering resources and professional support.

Elements awarded in the grant include -

Did you know that new member benefits are being added all the time to the members area of the ALCM website? You will want to log in whenever you visit the site to be sure that you have access to everything available to members. Can't remember your login information? In almost every case, your user name is your email address. You can change or reset your password by following the "Forgot your password?" link in the login box.

If you have any difficulty logging in or if you have questions or comments about the website or your membership, please feel free to contact us by email at office@alcm.org.

To be added, please email information to: office@alcm.org