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Association of Lutheran Church Musicians

September 1, 2024 e-newsletter

The autumn months always bring change!

September can fill us with optimism and energy as we return to full music programming. But most of us also have had September moments in our music ministries best described by this question: Where did the summer go? And if resources are limited, or when the fall brings changes that aren’t especially welcome, what keeps us going—September after September, year after year?

For the church musician, music is never only music for music’s sake. Unlike music for entertainment or personal fulfilment (which can, in proper context, be worthy pursuits), the music of the church emblematizes the very presence of “God with us” found in the means of grace (Word and Sacrament), connecting people to the gifts of font, altar, and pulpit. We find purpose and passion as stewards of the story of manger, cross, and empty tomb, making them tangible for our congregations through music. And through music we make Christ’s promised daily presence among us more tangible as well—Sunday after Sunday, baptism after baptism, confirmation after confirmation, wedding after wedding, funeral after funeral, September after September.

God’s blessings on your music ministry this September as you steward the story of the greater Moses, the greater Elijah, the “greater Jonah, bounding from the grave, His three-day bed” (LSB 462)—the One who “changest not” yet through whom the greatest change of all has been accomplished in redeeming us—the One who promises to abide with us this autumn and always, Christ Jesus (ELW 629, LSB 878, CW 783). 

Kyle Haugen

ALCM Board Member

Join Us in 2025!

What a delight it was to see so many friends and colleagues at this summer’s ALCM conference in Valparaiso. I always look forward to worship and musical experiences in the chapel at Valparaiso, and in addition to that there were numerous wonderful workshops that I found interesting, inspiring and educational. If you had the chance to attend the conference, I’m sure you’ll agree. If not, then I have a suggestion for you – PLAN NOW TO JOIN US IN RALEIGH-DURHAM AUGUST 4-8, 2025!

The two primary things that I hope to gain from attending an ALCM conference are inspiration and education. The inspiration part for me often comes from worshiping together in beautiful spaces or making music together. But in addition to being inspired at an ALCM event, I need to bring home practical ideas that work in my context.

Next summer’s national conference will offer both, and much more! There will be ample opportunity to be together in some truly inspirational spaces, led by talented leaders! Additionally, we are working diligently to offer an array of workshops that will help equip our members with a wide range of needs and ideas. Registration for this conference will be available soon, and I hope you all will take advantage of the early registration rates that will be offered. In the coming months, you’ll hear from various members of our committee about what they are excited about also!

Jeremy Bankson

2025 Conference Chair

NOTE: Preliminary information, including pricing, is available on the conference website. You'll receive a separate email when registration opens later this month.

ALCM Announces Fall 2024 Grant Program

The ALCM board is pleased to announce that we will once again be offering a series of grants for Fall 2024. 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): personal study; 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; or 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.

Photos from the Conference

ALCM social coordinator Joan Miller has put together a slide show of photos from the Valpo conference. Enjoy!

Reading Session Packets Available

Also, there are a limited number of publishers' reading session packets available. The cost of a packet is $10, which covers postage and packaging. Use this form to place an order. Packets will be available for purchase through Friday, September 27 or until all packets are gone, whichever comes first.

Thank You to Linda Borecki!

Position Available - Lutheran Church Music

Practical Periodical Editor

The Association of Lutheran Church Musicians seeks a high achieving contract employee to fill remote responsibilities as editor of the practical periodical, In Tempo. 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 jimrindelaub@alcm.org with "In Tempo APPLICATION" in the subject line. Position available immediately to assume responsibility for production of the February 2025 issue. View complete job description.

Announcing…

Vi Messerli Memorial Lectures in Church Music:

Dear Christians, One and All

October 20-22, 2024

Concordia University Chicago

River Forest, Illinois

Please join presenters (and ALCM members) Michael D. Costello, Florence Jowers, Peter Reske, Paul Soulek, Paul D. Weber, Emily Woock, Daniel Zager, Barry Bobb and Steven Wente, co-coordinators, and many others. A full brochure can be found here.

Website www.CUCHICAGO.EDU/LCM24

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.

This month we highlight two winners. You can view previous interviews on the Prize Winners page on the ALCM website.

2023 Raabe Prize

Education Coordinator Adam Lefever Hughes and 2023 Raabe Prizewinner Tom Trenney speak about his piece "From Generation to Generation." Watch it here. You may purchase "From Generation to Generation" from Augsburg Fortress.

2011 Raabe Prize

Paul Westermeyer and Zeb Highben have a conversation about Zeb's 2011 Raabe prizewinning piece "Love Is the Key" and speak about music's role in the church. Watch their conversation here. You may purchase "Love Is the Key" from ECS/MorningStar Music.

Summer Denominational Gatherings

In addition to ALCM's Valparaiso conference, three other denominational worship gatherings took place this summer:

ELCA Youth Gathering - while not exactly a worship conference, the ELCA worship staff partnered with ALCM and LSM to host a multi-media (and highly successful) worship exhibit at the youth gathering, which hosted 17,000 participants. Here's a brief video of ALCM board member Omaldo Perez and exhibit visitors.

LCMS Institute on Liturgy, Preaching and Church Music - this conference was July 9-12 at Concordia University, Nebraska (CUNE) in Seward, NE. The Institute was held under the theme “Songs of Deliverance: Psalms in the Great Congregation.” There were 540 registrants including 40 children in the youth choir program (47% musicians, 19% Pastors, 20% Laity, 41% Rostered LCMS Church Workers). There is a growing collection of Institute items here: www.lcms.org/worshipinstitute2024.

WELS National Conference on Worship, Music, and the Arts - this conference took place at Carthage College, Kenosha, WI, with 970 in attendance. In addition, there were visitors from local churches in attendance at some of the concerts. In total, approximately 1,000 people participated in one way or another in this worship conference.

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.

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

Mark & Kathy Helge

Bob & Lois Rimbo

Bob Hobby*

Jenny Hobby

John Ferguson*

Gloria

Linda Borecki*

Abe Cáceres

In memoriam

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

Fourth Friday Happy Hour with ALCM

Friday, September 27 - 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.

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

Post your own event!

Events are published both in the website calendar and in the monthly e-newsletter and adding your local event to the calendar is easy. 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 for consideration.

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 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 three settings of the tune ITALIAN HYMN, 2 brass settings by Jean Boehler, and a setting for organ and solo melody by Paul Otte:

ITALIAN HYMN – Boehler

ITALIAN HYMN (1) – Boehler

ITALIAN HYMN – Otte harmonization

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.

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.