Association of Lutheran Church Musicians

November 1, 2024 e-newsletter

One could say that in the month of November (and December, for that matter) the church thinks about time. On All Saints Day we think back, remembering people we have known and loved. As we move toward Christ the King, the last Sunday of the church year, we think about the fulfillment of time and the glorious and gentle rule of Jesus Christ. The church year ends, a new one begins, but Advent is much the same: Christ has come, Christ is coming, Christ will come again.

I want to suggest some specific things that you might do in these months, you and your fellow members of ALCM. First, remember the things that ALCM has done this year, and make a gift to our Annual Fund (if you have not done so already), so that we can continue our good work in 2025. You can make a gift at https://alcm.org/make-a-donation/

Second, plan for the future – or at least for next summer, and register to attend ALCM’s 2025 national conference in August in Raleigh-Durham, NC. ALCM is an association, so we are at our best when we associate – when we gather together, worship together, sing together, talk together. Special reduced registration fees are available for ALCM members through January 14, 2025; you can save $120 if you register by then! Information and registration for the conference can be found at https://alcm.org/2025-raleigh-durham/

Finally, here is a sneak preview. ALCM itself is drawing close to a major anniversary. In October 1985 a gathering in Columbia, SC led directly to the founding of ALCM in 1986, so we are almost 40 years old! Look for a grand ALCM 40^th anniversary celebration, which will run from 2025 through 2027. A committee is working to plan this wonderful remembrance.

May the God of time bless you in your going out and your coming in, in 2024 and throughout the coming years.

Michael Krentz

Secretary/Treasurer

All Saints Day 2024

Today we remember our dear ALCM friends and colleagues who have joined the heavenly chorus since All Saints Day 2023. 

Jack Brannen

Walter Thomas Cherwien

Shirley Espeland

Randall Ewell

Michael Held

Bill Lubben

Alice Parker

Mark Prater

Rev. Marty Shaefer

Paul W. Schmalz

Ralph C. Schultz

May they rest in peace and rise in glory!

If there are others who should be named in future remembrances, please send an email to office@alcm.org.

* indicates a Charter Member

Artwork: “For All the Saints” by Pamela Keske, In Tempo 2024, No. 2

Board Member Recommendations Wanted

We are looking for candidates for open board of director positions in 2024. If you have thoughts on candidates you believe should be considered for these important positions—or if you yourself are interested in serving on the board—please provide those names to president-elect Karen Black, who is chairing the nominating committee.

Send your suggestions to Karen at karen.black@wartburg.edu. Nominations must be received by Friday, November 15.

Join Us in Raleigh-Durham in 2025!

Have you marked your calendar for August 4-8, 2025? Will you be joining your fellow church musicians and pastors at ALCM’s 2025 national conference, For all that is to be? The planning team is hard at work scheduling topics, speakers, and guest musicians for the conference.

Not only will we have the opportunity to spend time at Duke Chapel for worship and learning, but the conference will also feature performances by VOCES8, a hymn festival led by Tom Trenney, and a special concert by the Raleigh Ringers. Workshops will cover practical topics. And we have the gift of fellowship throughout.

The conference theme, For all that is to be, describes our effort to equip people in all stages of their love for music of the church. Whether you are a volunteer, part-time or full-time employed, a student, newly employed, or retired, this conference will nurture your passion for the many ways in which we continue to share the gospel message.

Now is a great time to register and get the best rate. If you get continuing education funds, maybe you have some money left in your budget this year that you can put toward this opportunity. Registration is live – visit the conference website to register now. We look forward to seeing you in Raleigh!

Kevin Barger

Conference Planning Team

Fall 2024 Grant Program Applications Due!

November 4 is the deadline by which grant applications need to be received. These grants provide financial assistance for projects and initiatives that support ALCM’s mission to “nurture and equip musicians to serve and lead the church’s song.”

Who may submit a grant request? Anyone who is an ALCM member!

How much? $500-$1500, though larger amounts may be considered at the discretion of the review committee.

What kind of projects? You decide! Some possibilities include (but are not limited to): support of a particular aspect of the music ministry in your congregation; presenting a community event; purchase of instruments or equipment to support a musical ensemble in your congregation; personal study; or a community outreach program. You decide what kind of project—use your imagination!

How do I apply? Complete this application form. Applications for the Fall grant program will be accepted through November 4, 2024.

Commposers Symposium

ALCM is excited to offer a symposium, Where do we go from here?, to stimulate conversation among composers regarding our efforts to be faithful, creative, and nurturing stewards of the church’s song – even where gatherings have limited human and material resources. Registrants will also have the opportunity to explore newer music software. For a more detailed look, visit the symposium website. More information is added regularly, so check back often for more.

ALCM is especially grateful to the hosts for this symposium, Bob Hobby and Trinity English Lutheran Church. Generous donations from the Fred Jackisch Memorial Fund as well as from Trinity English Lutheran have helped to maximize the benefits of attendance while minimizing costs to registrants.

Registration rates go up after January 14th. Those who register for both the 2025 Symposium and Raleigh-Durham Conference will receive a $70 dollar refund at the close of the conference.

2025 Norma Aamodt-Nelson

Student Scholar Award

The Association of Lutheran Church Musicians is pleased to announce that applications are now being accepted for the 2025 Norma Aamodt-Nelson Student Scholar Award. Students who are currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program as of Fall 2024 are encouraged to apply.

This award was established in 2021 to honor the legacy of Norma, a practicing church musician and instrumental acquisitions editor for Augsburg Fortress from 1993 until her death in 2020. The award is designed to encourage collegiate students as they prepare for a vocation in church music. In addition to completing the scholarship application, applicants are required to submit a video audition. The award winner will receive a full scholarship for the 2025 ALCM biennial conference in Raleigh-Durham, which includes conference registration, hotel housing, transportation, conference meals, a one-year membership in ALCM, and a cash prize of $500. The award winner may also be invited to play a piece at the 2025 ALCM biennial conference. The application deadline is February 15, 2025.

Conference Recordings Available

For those who attended the July conference in Valparaiso (either in person or virtually), recordings are now available. Simply log in to the members area of the ALCM website and follow the link under "Conference Recording Links." Please note: that link will only work for conference registrants. If you registered but cannot access the page, send an email to office@alcm.org.

Kyries & Glorias

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:

Kyrie

Vivian Rindelaub

Mark & Kathy Helge

Bob & Lois Rimbo

Bob Hobby*

Jenny Hobby

John Ferguson*

Gloria

Joan Fancher-Miller

Clayton Faulkner

In memoriam

Walter Thomas Cherwien

Ralph C. Schultz

Michael Held

Rev. Marty Schaefer

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.

* indicates a Charter Member

Nominate Students for Lutheran Summer Music 2025

You’re invited to nominate a student for LSM 2025! Lutheran Summer Music (LSM) is a faith-based residential music academy for high school students (grades 8-12) who come together from all over the country to immerse themselves in musical excellence and build an intentional, supportive, and FUN community. LSM 2025 takes place at Valparaiso University in Indiana from June 22-July 20 (Full Session) or June 22-July 6 (Half Session). Priority Enrollment is open now through December 1. Nominate students at LSMacademy.org/nominate, and watch and share this LSM Experience Video to learn more!

Fourth Friday Happy Hour with ALCM

Friday, November 22 - 6:00 pm Eastern

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.

Liturgical Art Resources

The full-page liturgical art included in the most recent issues of In Tempo (including the All Saints graphic at the right) are available for download in the members area of the website. Once you log in, you’ll find a “Liturgical Art” link under the heading “What’s New for Members?”

Having difficulty logging in to the members area? First check to be sure that you are using the email address that we have on file (the address at which you receive copies of the newsletter). Click on the "Forgot your password?" link in the login box and follow the instructions to reset your password. If you still have difficulty logging in, send an email to office@alcm.org and we'll be happy to help.

Embark on an unforgettable European adventure enriched by a captivating blend of history and natural beauty from Poland to Tallinn, Estonia. Begin your travels in Warsaw, then proceed through the Polish countryside to Zakopane, nestled at the base of the Tatra Mountains. Explore Krakow’s rich history, including visits to Wawel Cathedral and Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory. Journey onward to charming Tallinn, Estonia, where you’ll celebrate the 28th Estonian Song and Dance Festival. The Song Celebration tradition began in 1869 as a way for Estonians to meet, share their national spirit, and celebrate their unity in times of oppression. Hear tens of thousands of voices lifted in song and see the performers colorful regional costumes. Reserved seats are included for the final day of the festival. 

Additional information.

Register for the event.

The Raabe Prize at 25!

This year marks the 25th Anniversary of the Raabe Prize for Excellence in Sacred Composition. Endowed in 1999 by Dr. William and Pr. Nancy Raabe of Philadelphia, this prize is awarded every two years for a single musical work that reflects a larger history of excellence on the part of a composer. Its aim is to recognize and encourage significant accomplishments in composition contributing to the body of sacred music for the church in the Lutheran heritage. Throughout 2024, ALCM is highlighting each prizewinner with a video describing the piece, its significance and, where possible, featuring a conversation with the composer.

You can view previous interviews on the Prize Winners page on the ALCM website. Watch for new interviews in the coming months!

Your event will appear on the main event calendar, on the main page of the website, and in the e-newsletter for the month in which the event will take place. Good advertising - and it's free to ALCM members! View the complete ALCM calendar.

Hymn Resources

As part of your Advent worship planning, be sure to check your hymn selections against the list of Hymn Settings in the members area of the website. (See the link under the "Quick Links" heading.) There are hundreds of hymn settings to support congregational singing.

Here are two settings of the hymn "Hark the Glad Sound!" set to the tune CHESTERFIELD: a brass setting by Jean Boehler, and a setting for organ and with soloed melody by Paul Otte.

CHESTERFIELD – Boehler

CHESTERFIELD – Otte harmonization

There are many resources in the members area. If you haven't looked for a while, log in and do some exploring!

Having difficulty logging in to the members area? First check to be sure that you are using the email address that we have on file (the address at which you receive the e-newsletter). Click on the "Forgot your password?" link in the login box and follow the instructions to reset your password. If you still have difficulty logging in, send an email to office@alcm.org and we'll be happy to help.

The Center for Church Music, in partnership

with the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians, wishes to honor the legacy of Concordia University Chicago distinguished professor of music Dr. Richard Hillert. His legacy includes not only his many liturgical pieces and musical works, but also his many gifts for teaching composition.

The Richard Hillert Award in Student Composition is awarded every other year to a current student at a Lutheran university or seminary. The cash prize of $500 will be awarded at the ALCM biennial conference which may also include a performance of the work as a part of its program.

The Center for Church Music is pleased to announce that Katrina Jurica and Grace Marshall have both been awarded the 2024 Hillert Award in Student Composition! 

Katrina Jurica, (graduate student at Concordia University Chicago) - "O antiphons"

(SA/SSA choir, congregation)

Grace Marshall, (junior at Concordia University Nebraska) - “Holy Sonnet XIII”

(John Donne text for soloist or unison choir, piano)

 Download the official 2024 press release

New FREE Arrangement from Lutheran Summer Music by Anne Krentz Organ

Download a new FREE arrangement from Lutheran Summer Music 2024 by Anne Krentz Organ: The Ash Grove for a solo instrument with keyboard accompaniment. The Ash Grove is a theme and variations based on the beloved Welsh folk tune and is this year’s installment in the LSM Hymn Tune Project. Free sheet music download: LSMacademy.org/resources.

Are you getting the most out of your ALCM membership?

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 username is your email address. You can change or reset your password by following the "Forgot your password?" link in the login box.

Items in the members area are available for unlimited use as long as your membership remains active. Here are a few items for members only:

• All issues of CrossAccent (from the very beginning) and In Tempo are available for viewing. These items are for sale in the Marketplace to non-members;
• Advertise your local events on ALCM's calendar;
• Listen to all ALCM CD recordings for free;
• Hymns, accompaniments, descants, concertatos, and hymn stanza alternations for choir;
• Other free downloadable seasonal and non-seasonal resources;
• Discounted registration fee for ALCM-sponsored webinars and conferences;
• Past issues of ALCM's original practical resource, Grace Notes, from 1997-2011;
• Discounts on purchases of CDs and other items in the Marketplace; and
• A host of other resources free for viewing and downloading.

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.