LSM Hymn Festival – July 20

Today was quite the day here at LSM. As soon as I woke up I knew what the day had in store, so to prepare myself for the mountain of singing that was lying ahead, I hit the snooze button three more times.  Oops. After finally willing myself out of bed, I headed to the Farwell bridge so I could make my way over to Jenson-Noble. Easing my way out of the refreshing air conditioning in the dorm, I was welcomed by another wall of humidity and sunlight. Who would have thought that Iowa could seem like a tropical rain forest? I stayed optomistic nonetheless.

Tonight was the the LSM Hymn Festival. Being a first year student of LSM, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. The anxious feelings and excitement were definitely infectious. Following morning prayer, small ensemble rehearsal, and a voice lesson I was already feeling a bit fatigued vocally, so I held off talking for awhile. Instead, I headed off to a practice room to work on piano parts for the song I was writing.

The day moved on quickly and Chapel Choir rehearsal came and went. It was already lunch, just mere hours until the festival. Trying to save my voice, I headed to a computer in the union to listen to some music and check my email. Another hour came and went and I was off to 80 minutes of singing for concert choir rehearsal. The festival drew nearer as the clock marched on.

Before I knew it, I was dressed and warming up in the CFL Recital Hall. Energy lighted up the room as our warm-ups began. As the audience was making their final steps to their seats, we made our way up to the risers. The handbell choir began to play a sweet tune, beckoning the remaining guests in the lobby to come join the rest of the guests. Once they were seated, Zeb Highben, the Chapel Choir conductor, gave us the cue to stand.

“Holy God We Praise Your Name” echoed through the hall. When the audience joined the choir, the power of the sound gave me an adrenline rush. The concert went on for quite some time with an array of songs and commentary. African spirituals, traditional hymns, and some more contemporary songs – there were many different styles to enjoy.

I am so glad I decided to participate in Chapel Choir. It has been such a good experience and I can’t wait to do it again next year!

Ryan Shellady
Student – ’11

Sleep Deprivation Sets In…

Whether it be sleeping in the breakfast room, laughing and singing in the lunch room, borderline crying from exhaustion in the dining room, or sleeping during a recital (what?! Who would do such a thing?!) LSM has been SUCH a great experience! Between the two of us, we have greatly enjoyed band, orchestra, Chapel Choir, music theory class, small ensembles, and of course private lessons with wonderful faculty. As first year LSM students, we have been grateful for the variety of activities going on daily, including our everyday classes, recreational opportunities and all of the fantastic evening recitals.

This evening’s recital featured our fellow LSM friends in their various small ensemble groups. From woodwind quintets to choral groups and percussion ensembles, a great amount of talent was exploited throughout the duration of the recital. “Playing in the fanfare to start off the evening was a great opportunity, and I am glad to have performed it with my small ensemble” (Rebecca Keller). Also, as one student commented between numbers, “I find it very funny that Cheryl Lemmons is turning pages as opposed to playing tonight!” Of course, she was giving way to allow her piano students to play aka making room for the new musicians of the world!

With this oncoming week of music, including soloists, small and large ensembles, duets or even our bassoon oboe octet, performing will be a great accomplishment of all our hard work. As we enter the fourth and final week, Festival Week, the sleep deprivation will truly set in, yet with this last week, we will create memories to last a lifetime.

Rebecca Keller
Student – ’11

Evelyn Yee
Student – ’11

 

PS: New photos are up on Flickr! Check them out!

Bach Cantata Sunday! – July 17

Greetings from LSM!

My name is Laura Hedstrom, and I am an organ and voice student at LSM 2011. I am so happy to be returning here for my third year and with that, I got to experience a wonderful tradition of LSM – the Bach Cantata worship service.

This year, Dr. Hightower chose J.S. Bach’s Cantata #190, “Singet dem Herrn ein Neus Lied!” or “Sing to the Lord a New Song.” This beautiful work was performed by a select choir of student, faculty, and staff who were accompanied by a string orchestra and instrumental soloists. The cantata was filled with praise to God for all the blessings of life and supplication for continued help in the future. All the performers wonderfully expressed the meaning of the texts and truly made the service an inspiring experience.

The Bach Cantata Sunday also heralds the start of festival week. As I look back over the past three weeks of camp, I am amazed to see how I’ve grown at LSM.

Musically, I think this has been my most productive LSM experience yet. I’ve reached new heights in my technique with my organ studies with Dr. Cathy Rodland. And in Concert Choir, Dr. Hightower pushes us each day to reach our full potential. While I know we will be working hard this week, I am eagerly anticipating the concert this Friday.

As always, I am sure I will be sad to see this summer end. But I am already looking forward to using my new skills at my home church and in my community. I can’t wait to see how God will use me and fellow LSM students in the years to come. (PLUS, I am already counting down the days to LSM 2012!!)

Laura Hedstrom
Student – ’09, ’10, ’11

Talent Show? Dance? Let’s GOOOOOOOOO! – July 16

“Okay!”

As our third week at LSM quickly drew to a close, not only were we all tired but we weren’t sure how we would survive the busy schedule festival week would soon present. Luckily, last Saturday arrived and with it the annual talent show and dance. Seeing how everyone at LSM is talented in one respect or another, this talent show was one we will NEVER forget. With 22 spectacular acts ranging from strange interpretations of Justin Bieber to unique counseling group rap-offs (LET’S GOOOO!) to even a professional monologue act. The night was full of enjoyment and quite a success.

After the final act, we cleared the floor in order to begin the dance. And might we just say, did we dance the night away! Contrary to popular belief, dancing to songs such as the “Cupid Shuffle” and “Cha-Cha Slide” are beneficial stress relievers. We even finagled our way to dancing the “electric slide” to the song “Celebration” (it wasn’t very well choreographed but hey, this is music camp!)

The night was a fun-filled, memorable way to kick off festival week. We can now say without a doubt that we are ready to go for the final week. (WHERE HAS THE TIME GONE??)

Peace out!

Courtney Lee
Student – ’10, ’11

Wenie Lado
Student – ’10, ’11

Student Recital – July 15

Sorry, LSM followers!  It has been a crazy couple of days here in Decorah but we’ll get you all caught up with not one, not two, but THREE blog posts this evening! Here is the first.

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The end of Week 3 has been both exciting and stressful. I think many can feel the grind and pressure from the rehearsals and upcoming performances. However, all the hard work will pay off next week during Festival Week.

Tonight, (July 14), was the Student Recital. It was so much fun to see the students in the audience supporting their peers so strongly. Applause and cheers from their friends greeted each student. I especially enjoyed the saxophone ensemble’s rendition of “When I’m Sixty-Four” by the Beatles. It was fun to hear contemporary music played by such an ensemble.

I have thoroughly enjoyed working collaboratively with the faculty and staff here. Everyone is so supportive and uplifting. They meet you where you are and only seek to build you up. I really appreciate the support and kind words of this exceptional faculty. I have also made some really great friends with the other interns, sharing conversations over delicious ice cream from the Whippy Dip!

I am excited to see what Week 4 brings. It will be very rewarding to see the fruits of our labors and watch others perform.

Elise Duvall
Collaborative Piano Intern – ’11