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Association of Lutheran Church Musicians
August 1, 2026 e-newsletter
| | Greeting from ALCM Board Member Jean Boehler | | |
Dear ALCM colleagues and friends,
What a blessing it was to gather on the campus of St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota for the 2026 conference, “From Generation to Generation: Now and Forever!” We have much to celebrate on our 40th anniversary as we give thanks for the past, present, and future of ALCM.
We give thanks to God…
- For the vision of our colleagues who formed ALCM forty years ago;
- For the plenary speakers and workshop presenters who inspire us to carry on our tasks with joy and creativity;
- For the glorious, ecumenical worship, where we joined the Lutheran Summer Music community and Lutherans from various faith traditions;
- For mountain-top musical experiences like the performance of J.S. Bach’s St. Matthew’s Passion, which gave us an opportunity to reflect on the boundless love of our Savior, Jesus Christ;
- For the scholarship students who joined us at the conference, enabling us to see God at work in the lives of church musicians…from generation to generation.
Above all, we give thanks for the opportunity we have as church musicians to proclaim God’s love through the vocabulary of music. “One generation shall commend your works to another and shall declare your mighty acts.” (Psalm 145:4)
As the song of God’s love continues from generation to generation, we join J. S. Bach in exclaiming: Soli Deo Gloria!
Jean Boehler
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Thanks, Thanks, and More Thanks!
Thanks to everyone whose participation made the St. Olaf conference such a success! Planners, leaders, musicians, attendees, hosts, etc. It really does take a small army of people to ensure the success of any conference.
We hope to see you next summer in St. Louis! ↓
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Call for 2027 Conference Workshop Proposals
ALCM is calling for workshop proposals for the worship and music conference to be held in St. Louis, June 28-July 2, 2027. To submit your proposal complete this form by August 1, 2026. Workshop proposals accepted by the committee for the 2027 conference will be notified by mid-fall, 2026. Submitting a proposal does not guarantee a workshop spot, although proposals will also be considered for ALCM’s seasonal webinar series and future conferences.
2027 ALCM National Conference Hotel Reservations
St. Louis, MO June 28 - July 2, 2027
Our venue for the conference will be The Royal Sonesta Chase Park Plaza on the corner of St. Louis' beautiful Forest Park, which is home to restaurants, museums, a 10,000-seat outdoor theatre, the St. Louis Zoo, and much more.
Make your conference hotel reservations now before the limited number of rooms sell out!
https://book.passkey.com/event/51286739/owner/819/home
Watch this page for additional information through the coming months.
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ALCM at 40 - Reflections from
ALCM Member Cindy Holden
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As ALCM was born, I was in graduate school working among Anglicans. An AGO member, I became regional education coordinator, tasked with committee service, growing a “resource list,” promoting Guild certification, and supporting chapter leaders.
My parish’s strong affiliation with the Royal School of Church Music led to work at summer courses. Membership in the Association of Anglican Musicians brought more conference planning and led to co-coordinating the Leadership Program for Musicians in our diocese. Initially Anglican-based, the program welcomed Lutheran partners in the late 1990s. By 2002 I’d accepted a position in a Lutheran church. Read more.
| | | As part of ALCM's ongoing celebration of our 40th anniversary, we want to hear from members who have served in music ministry for 40 years or more. Would you be willing to share your story? If so, we will set up a time to briefly interview you by phone. These stories will then be included in an upcoming issue of In Tempo. Email intempo@alcm.org if you'd like to participate, and we'll be in touch soon! | |
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"Capture the Conference" Contest
The St. Olaf conference photo challenge is here! Share your conference photos to be entered into a drawing for one of our prizes from conference exhibitors and ALCM! Be sure to tag ALCM and use #ALCMcapturetheconference in your posts! Entries can also be received via email at socialmedia@alcm.org. The contest has been extended and is open through Wednesday, August 12th.
Prizes: from GIA: One year-long subscription to the GIA Choral Subscription service which includes ~120 digital editions of seasonally selected music pieces, discounts on select website purchases, giveaways of individual pieces in music collections, and more. Full details can be found at https://giamusic.com/choral-packet.
One physical copy of Marty Haugen's newest collection of music, Open Our Hearts.
From ONE LICENSE: a $25 credit coupon toward your next license purchase with ONE LICENSE. (2 drawings)
From Concordia Publishing House: a Concordia coffee tumbler
From ALCM: an ALCM ‘swag bag’ with ALCM branded goodies and recordings.
We can’t wait to see your photos!
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In memoriam...
ALCM mourns the loss of two of its transformational financial supporters. We remember both with deep gratitude while holding their families in prayer: Mark Helge and John Kiltinen.
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New Member Benefit:
ALCM Resources Advanced Search
The ALCM Resources advanced search funtion is now up and running! With this new functionality you can:
- Perform keyword searches for articles in ALCM’s two publications, CrossAccent and In Tempo, webinars, and (in the future) recorded conference workshops and plenary sessions
- Search for all items related to a topic
To access this new feature, follow the link in the Members Area page of the website.
Titles and authors can be searched both individually and in combination. For example, you might want to search for all the CrossAccent articles in the series Tim Getz wrote titled “Assembly Required.” Simply search “getz assembly” to see a list of titles.
| | From there you can select “View PDF” to go directly to the issue containing the article or select “View Details” to view additional information about the item. | | | | |
In addition to keyword searches, you can also search for all items related to a particular topic. Use the dropdown list on the left side of the ALCM Resources page.
For example, if you are looking for articles related to recruiting for your children's choir, open the "Children/Youth" category list by clicking on the up/down arrow. The numbers next to each topic in the list indicate the number of entries related to that particular topic. Select "Recruiting" and click the "Apply" button to display the six articles related to that topic.
NOTE: All issues of In Tempo have been indexed and are included in the search. Currently, only CrossAccent issues from 1993-2010 and 2023 thru the current issue are included. The remaining issues of CrossAccent and all available conference recordings will be added once the indexing is complete.
You can read more about the project in In Tempo.
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Private lessons with David Cherwien
in the Minneapolis/St Paul area offered Fall 2026
Private lessons offer one-on-one learning to mentor student skill in your choice of focus areas in sacred music. Inaugural options are taught by instructor Dr. David Cherwien in private lessons with curriculum specific to each purpose. Choose your option for Lesson Purpose with systematic learning! Lesson Purposes include:
1. Congregational Song – for experienced organists - this option includes Two Seminar Sessions per term: organ students of the Academy all come together for an hour to play and sing the hymns.
2. Improvisation – for experienced organists
3. Basic Organ Lessons
4. Composing/Arranging for the church
NOW ENROLLING FALL TERM 2026 - 3 lessons per month September-December, 12 lessons total on dates/times arranged directly with David Cherwien.
Enrollment is accepted by term. Spring and Summer Term 2027 lessons will also be offered. Enrollment is always open for an available spot in Dr. Cherwien’s studio, including mid-term for remaining lessons in that term. For more information or to enroll, visit mountcalvaryacademyofmusic.org.
This program is part of the Mount Calvary Academy of Music. Questions may be addressed to executive director Cassandra Morgan.
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ALCM Board Announces Fall Grant Program
The ALCM Board is pleased to announce that applications are being accepted for the Fall 2026 grant program. Current ALCM members are eligible to submit an application to request financial assistance for projects and initiatives that support ALCM’s mission to “nurture and equip musicians to serve and lead the church’s song.” Awards are intended to be supplemental rather than a sole funding source. Grants vary in size but are typically not more than $750.
Grants are awarded for various project types including but not limited to: support of the applicant’s church music ministry; personal study; research travel or a conference; purchase of instruments or equipment for church use or community outreach programs. Grants will not be considered for Hearts • Hands • Voices workshops, but additional options for funding are available for these events. If you are interested in hosting a Hearts • Hands • Voices workshop, please contact Matthew Wachtman at education@alcm.org and we will be happy to help find funding.
For additional information and to apply, visit https://alcm.org/grant-program/. Applications for Fall 2026 grants will be accepted from August 1 through November 3.
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Announcing…
Vi Messerli Memorial Lectures in Church Music:
For All the Saints
October 18-20, 2026
Concordia University Chicago
River Forest, Illinois
Rev. Dr. Dien Ashley Taylor, keynote
Marin Jacobson, Tuesday choral
Choral Evening Prayer with Kantorei from Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Kevin Hildebrand, conductor
Hymn festival with Daniel Schwandt
Other presenters include Mark Bender, Barry Bobb, Sean Daenzer, Sam Eatherton, Anne Krentz Organ, David Porth, Peter Reske, Matthew Rosebrock, Emily Solomon, Stephen Starke, Elizabeth Urtel, Emily Woock
Workshops; choral reading sessions; publisher exhibits.
Conference information and registration at www.cuchicago.edu\LCM26
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Fourth Friday Happy Hour with ALCM
Friday, August 28 - 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 ALCM board member Wally Horton and executive director Jim Rindelaub, discussion is 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.
| | Events are published both in the website calendar when submitted and in the monthly e-newsletter in the month in which the event occurs. Adding your local event to the calendar is easy. It's good advertising - and it's free to ALCM members! Members can simply log in to the members area of the ALCM website and select "Add an event to the calendar" under "What would you like to do?" Click on the "Post Your Event" button and complete the form. Non-members should send event details to office@alcm.org. | | |
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Hymn Resources
The highlighted tune for August is PICARDY. Settings for this tune include a part for B-flat trumpet written by Jean Boehler as well as two soloed-out organ settings by Paul Otte. Like last month's highlight, a number of different hymn texts are set to PICARDY, which makes these settings very useful.
PICARDY – Boehler
PICARDY – Otte harmonization
PICARDY (Faux Bourdon) – Otte harmonization
As part of your regular worship planning, be sure to check your hymn selections against the list of Hymn Settings in the members area of the ALCM website. (See the link under the "Quick Links" heading.) There are hundreds of hymn settings to support congregational singing as well as many free downloadable 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, or if you are logged in and cannot access the members area page, send an email to office@alcm.org
and we'll be happy to help.
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2027 Raabe Prize
Applications are being accepted for the 2027 Raabe Prize for Excellence in Sacred Composition. The Raabe Prize is established to recognize a recent musical work that promotes and extends the practice of church music as it is informed and shaped by Lutheran theological insight and worship practices. The composition so recognized will have been written during the five-year period prior to the year in which the prize is awarded and should be representative of a larger body of work by the composer. Preference will be given to those compositions that grow out of the heart of Lutheran worship – the song of the assembly that enables all to lift their voices in prayer, praise, and proclamation as they gather around Word and Sacrament.
Submissions for the 2027 award must be received by October 1, 2026.
2027 Raabe Prize Description & Guidelines
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Missed LSM This Summer? Watch on Demand
The LSM 2026 season may be over, but the inspiring music continues online.
Watch more than 40 concerts, worship services, recitals, and special events from this summer whenever it’s convenient for you. Catch up on the performances you missed or experience your favorite moments again with LSM On Demand.
Enjoy the Bach Cantata Eucharist, Festival of Hymns, plus performances by the Festival Band, Choir, and Orchestra, and many more joyful moments from this summer's season.
Visit LSMacademy.org/on-demand to browse the replays and start watching today!
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Share Your Psalm Refrains
As part of a larger project to develop psalm resources for members, a page for psalm refrains has been created and is accessible in the members area of the website. Refrains are listed by psalm number and verse and contain an accompaniment, a graphic for insertion in a service folder, suggested psalm tone(s), and other supporting materials (instrumental parts, descants, etc.). There are only a handfull of refrains right now, but we invite you to help the number grow by sharing your psalm refrains with other ALCM members. Be sure to review these guidelines before submitting your psalm files.
Please address any questions, suggestions, or corrections to Cheryl Dieter at cheryl.dieter@alcm.org.
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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 and may also include a performance of the work as a part of its program.
2026 Award Winners
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Soren Ficklin
"What Wondrous Love Is This"
SATB choir and piano
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Zachary Heiss
"Built on the Rock"
Toccata for organ
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AGO and ALCM Dual Certification
We are excited to announce the inaugural year of a new joint certification opportunity between the American Guild of Organists and the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians. Members of both organizations may apply for the joint Service Playing Certificate (SPC) through this collaborative program. The Service Playing Certificate (SPC) is a comprehensive, performance-based examination designed to assess organ skills in a worship setting. It includes psalm, anthem, and vocal solo accompaniment; hymn playing and transposition; sight reading; improvisation; and repertoire performance. The exam is administered in a live setting with a proctor and recording engineer present and is designed to simulate the demands of professional worship service playing. Candidates will pay the standard application rate, and at least one examiner will be a member of ALCM in good standing. Both organizations will formally recognize the resulting certificate.
Begin the application process.
If you are interested in serving as a volunteer grader for ALCM service playing tests, please contact jimrindelaub@alcm.org with Service Playing Grader in the subject line. ALCM service playing graders must be members of both ALCM and AGO.
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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:
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All issues of CrossAccent (from the very beginning) and In Tempo are available for viewing. Paper and downloadable versions of CrossAccent are also available in the Marketplace;
- Search engine for easy location of the topics you are seeking information on in ALCM publications and webinars
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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;
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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.
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Are you a congregation looking for a musician?
A musician looking for a position?
ALCM can help!
Employment resources have been developed to assist congregations in the process of searching for and hiring a musician. Presented in a step-by-step format, these resources will guide you through the entire employment process.
The ALCM job listing service connects those looking for positions in the field of church music with congregations and other institutions that have openings. By completing an online job posting form, congregations can post their positions on the ALCM website where those looking for employment may view them.
Musicians searching for a job may view posted job openings on the ALCM website, where those looking for positions can view them. Both full-time and part-time positions are listed, and new positions are added as received.
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The Association of Lutheran Church Musicians
nurtures and equips musicians
to serve and lead the church's song.
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