Association of Lutheran Church Musicians

May 1, 2024 e-newsletter

The promise of spring is here! The “liquid sunshine” of the Pacific Northwest has given way to lush shades of new green and brilliant colors across fields of tulips. The festivals of Pentecost and The Holy Trinity propel us toward summer, and I hope for you, the promise of rest and renewal.

ALCM’s mission to nurture and equip musicians to serve and lead the church’s song comes profoundly alive when our members gather in community at conferences. As I absorb the insightful Philadelphia 2023 plenary addresses (CrossAccent, Spring 2024), I am again reminded of the generosity of our members who share their time, scholarship, and creativity to encourage us in our vocations.

Another conference opportunity is set for this July on the campus of Valparaiso University. From Generation to Generation: Ponder Anew, held in conjunction with Lutheran Summer Music, would have us Ponder Anew how to communicate God’s saving grace to all peoples in meaningful, relevant ways. Exciting details and a registration link are available on the alcm.org website.

On behalf of the ALCM board, I want to thank you, our ALCM members, who continue to strengthen this organization. So, catch your breath, and let the Spirit fill you with refreshment and growth – even in the slower pace of summer.

Carol Churchill

ALCM Board Director

From Generation to Generation: Ponder Anew is fast approaching and, while the planning committee is looking forward to the 300th-anniversary performance of Bach's St. John Passion, we're also excited for our planned workshops and learning sessions. You can check out the partial lists below or go to the workshops and in-depth learning sessions pages on the ALCM website for a complete list of offerings. There's something for everyone. Share with your friends and encourage them to register today!

In addition to opportunities listed in last month's e-newsletter, here are some workshop and in-depth learning options:

Workshops

• Cantatas in Context with Michael Costello: think about how to program Cantata movements as part of Sunday morning worship
• Using Percussion in Worship with David Eyler: explore using percussion instruments to enliven song
• This Far by Faith at 25 with Barry Bobb and John Nunes: get a retrospective on this important song resource we share
• The Role of the Choir with Alexa Doebele: examine perspectives on the role of the choir in worship
• Peek Inside the LSM Worship "Laboratory"with LSM worship staff: take an inside look at worship planning at Lutheran Summer Music
• Nurturing the Congregation's Voice from the Organ Bench: gather and share tips, tricks, and your stories
• Meaningful Music with Nicole Lee: program piano music for Sunday morning
• Seen and Unseen with Linda Witte Henke and Sara Nordling: watch a presentation about the arts in worship

In-depth Learning Sessions

• Composing for the Church with Anne Krentz Organ: compose music for the church
• Creative Use of Handbells with David VanderMeer: circle up for a conversation about enhancing song with handbells
• Rewarding Rehearsals with Ruth Sall: make your children's choir rehearsals rewarding to cultivate your choir program
• The Journey of the St. John Passion with Chad Fothergill: take a deep dive into the structure and message of J. S. Bach's St. John Passion

Due to a generous gift from Mark and Kathy Helge, we are pleased to announce a virtual registration option for our 2024 conference at Valparaiso University, From Generation to Generation: Ponder Anew. Learning sessions will be professionally live-streamed online for those who choose to register. For all who have registered, whether in person or virtually, recordings will be made available after the conference. To learn more and to register, visit alcm.org/2024-valparaiso.

St. John Passion

The conference in Valparaiso will celebrate a 300-year anniversary:

St. John Passion - J.S. Bach

Wednesday, July 24, 2024 – 7:30 pm – Chapel of the Resurrection, Valparaiso University

Bach Collegium Valparaiso

Christopher M. Cock, Artistic Director and Conductor

The Bach Collegium Valparaiso is an ensemble composed of the finest period instrument and vocal forces in the Chicago area. The mission of BCV is to perform the great masterworks of the 16th - 18th centuries with attention to historically informed practice and the highest standards of musical performance.

This event is made possible through the generous financial support of Pauline and John Kiltinen.

Additional information about the conference, including pricing, scholarships, accommodations and more is available on the ALCM website.

Valparaiso Conference Sponsorship Opportunities

Would you like to contribute to ALCM and support our July conference in Valparaiso? Gifts are welcome to support the conference and all donors will be listed in the conference book. Donations may be made at ALCM website. Names of those donating by June 1 will be included in the conference book.

Listen to two stanzas from one of the chorales from the

St. John Passion

ALCM Announces Continuance of Grant Program

The ALCM board is pleased to announce the continuance of a grant program it initiated last year. 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.” This year there will be two opportunities for submitting proposals, one in the spring and one in the fall.

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: personal study; support of the music ministry in your congregation; research travel or a conference; presenting a community event or Hearts, Hands, Voices workshop; purchase of instruments or equipment to use to support a new 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 spring grant program will be accepted through May 31, 2024.

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 will highlight each prizewinner with a video describing the piece, its significance and, where possible, featuring a conversation with the composer.

Echoing Air is a traveling Baroque chamber ensemble featuring two countertenors, two recorders, and basso continuo. The ensemble’s repertoire encompasses music of many European countries spanning from Medieval times to the present. Echoing Air tours frequently, appearing on civic, church, and university concert series. Masterclasses at the collegiate level and age-appropriate presentations for students grades K-12 are also available.

To learn more, visit echoingair.org.

2024 Richard Hillert Award

ALCM, in partnership with the Center for Church Music, is pleased to announce that manuscript submissions for the 2024 Richard Hillert Award in Student Composition are now being accepted. Applicants must be a student in a Lutheran college/university or seminary in the United States or Canada. Nominations may come from someone other than the composer.

The submitted piece must be a church music composition (3-5 minutes in length) suitable for a liturgical service. Compositions to be considered by a panel of judges are welcomed from all geographical areas and all genres.

A cash prize of $1000 will be awarded with a certificate presentation at the annual Lectures in Church Music. The winning piece may also be performed at the ALCM biennial conference in Raleigh-Durham, NC, in 2025.

The deadline for applications is June 1, 2024 and should be submitted to Barry.Bobb@CUChicago.edu. Include a sound recording if possible.

There's still time to purchase the 2024 Winter Webinar Series!

The winter 2024 webinar series featuring the three people/topics listed below will continue to be available as a reduced price package through July 1, 2024. After that, the recorded webinars will be available only as individual purchases at $25 per webinar for ALCM members and $39 for non-members. Buy the complete package of three recorded webinars now--three for the price of one!

It’s not too late to join Lutheran Summer Music 2024!

We’re looking forward to an incredible year at LSM, and we’ve been able to add extra spots for this summer! Final openings are available for the four-week Full Session (June 30-July 28) for students in grades 8-12 who play clarinet, flute, horn, oboe, trumpet, euphonium, violin, or string bass. Contact LSM Admissions for questions or to refer students: admissions@lutheransummermusic.org. For more information or to apply, visit LSMacademy.org.

Hymn Resources

As we head towards summer, 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 hymn settings for your use:

IN BABILONE – Boehler

IN BABILONE – 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 re-set your password. If you still have difficulty logging in, send an email to office@alcm.org and we'll be happy to help.

Fourth Friday Happy Hour with ALCM

Friday, May 24 - 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.

Post your own event!

Adding your local event to the calendar is easy. Just log in to the members area of the ALCM website and follow the "Add an event to the calendar" link under "What would you like to do?" Click on the "Post Your Event" button and complete the form. 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!

You are invited to freely make use of the ALCM virtual hymn "O Day Full of Grace" on Pentecost and other times. Share the hymn with everyone. All copyright restrictions are waived. If you own a One License subscription and offer the hymn recording in worship, please include it when submitting your One License report.  

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:

In memoriam

Mark Prater

Alice Parker

Randall Ewell

Kyrie

Bob Hobby*

Jenny Hobby

John Ferguson*

Jayne Southwick Cool

Ethel Geist

Jennifer Phelps

Gloria

Ned Perwo

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

Worship and Fine Arts Day Camp for Children

Nationally known musician and children’s music educator Dr. Michael Burkhardt is leading a Worship and Fine Arts Day Camp June 24-27, 2024. The camp, held at Grace Lutheran Church in downtown State College, PA, is for children entering grades 2-8 and runs from 9 AM to 3 PM daily. Experience is not required. Email arts@glcpa.org for details. Registration has been extended to May 15!

Live-Streaming Members Area Compositions

If you are a current member of ALCM, you automatically have permission to use any of the materials posted in the members area of the website as long as your membership remains current. This permission is being extended to live-streaming music during worship, but again only as long as your ALCM membership remains current. Already-posted materials in the members area do not include a permission statement on the copy covering live-streaming/recording of pieces for use during worship, although they are included in this live-streaming blanket permission. Going forward, new materials posted will include a more comprehensive statement. 

If you have materials posted in the members area and you do not want to extend the permission to cover live-streaming, please email us at office@alcm.org, so that we can remove your compositions from the website. Also, remember to notify us if any of your posted compositions is published. We will remove them from the website and include a note that the material is now available from the publisher.

Any questions, let us know!

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.