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

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!

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

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

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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

Last night [July 12], we got to watch the Sine Nomine vocal ensemble give a great performance. The ensemble sang six scenes from six different pieces ranging from Mozart’s The Magic Flute to Rossini’s Italian opera. See, normally I’m not a big fan of opera but I didn’t stop smiling from the time the performance started to the time it ended. Dr. Brown was hysterical and Dr. Whitfield’s voice was incredible (all of their voices were incredible for that matter!) Everybody performing did a wonderful job of keeping the audience’s attention. My only regret was that there wasn’t enough time for the full performance of each work. I couldn’t help myself from becoming interested with each scene and the depth of every character.

Apart from recitals and the hikes to the waterfall here in town [Dunning Springs], I’d have to say that the evening prayers we do every night are my favorite. The pre-service Abendmusik and evening hymns are always really beautiful.

With all the great instructors, I’ve learned SO much and I’m going to be so sad when I leave. I cannot believe there is only one week and a half left! LSM is definitely an experience not to miss and I will NEVER forget it.

Austin Theriot
Student – ’11

Quinn Gingrich
Student – 11

The ensemble had an exceptional blend and warm, rich sound. Each movement they played was musically engaging. They received a well deserved standing ovation at the end of the recital.

Following the recital, we went to evening prayer in the Center for Faith and Life (CFL), and concluded the evening by having fun hanging out with friends in the dorm. 

LSM is such a rewarding experience on so many different levels; musically, spiritually, and socially. I can’t wait to see what the next two weeks will bring.

Daniel Ray
Student – ’11

PS: Be sure to check out the new photos added to Flickr yesterday! The College Fair, Artist Workshop with Weston Noble and this past Sunday’s worship are featured.

Beth Burns, the executive director of Lutheran Music Program, scoured the midwest for the best and the brightest musicians and artists to lead an afternoon of Arts. Everything from painting music to chamber music to playing music! My personal favorite, however, was “A Chat with Weston Noble.” Spending forty-five minutes in the same room as a legend like him is life altering. How many people can say they have sung with Weston Noble? Okay, a whole lot but I think I still deserve my babble of joy. During the course of the workshop, a phone went off in the middle of a piece we tried with Dr. Noble. After many horrified glances between LSM students and faculty, we all noticed Dr. Noble reaching in to his breast pocket for his phone, looking with disgust and slowly opening it. He quickly said the following (and I quote): “I have very many talented musicians in front of me right now. I will call you back later.” He then closed his phone and continued with the rehearsal.

The evening concluded with dinner and an amazing performance by violinist Philip Wharton and the Copper Street Brass. These performers were all up and coming and worthy of standing ovations. Parents, prepare for CD orders coming home.

It is hard to believe two weeks are already completed and we have only two left to go! We look forward to seeing everyone during Festival Week!

Tyler Bruinsma
Student – ’11

Nathan Senkbeil
Student – ’11

I am also very much looking forward to the college fair. I think it is great to have so many colleges from across the country come to us.  I appreciate being able to meet with these college representatives face to face (especially those from colleges I wouldn’t otherwise be able to meet!). It’s truly incredible to have this opportunity.

It has been an amazing experience being a part of the LSM community this summer. I can’t wait for the weeks to come!

Rebecca Keller
Student – ’11

Hello!! Erika Tobin, here! Most of you have probably never heard of me. This is understandable because a) I have never written an ODJ post before and b) I’m not famous….yet (Don’t worry, I’m going to be the first female president of the US of A! HA!) I digress… Going back to never having written an ODJ post before, today is a day of firsts. This may be my third summer at LSM but before today I had never participated in: ODJ writings, wacky hair day (I will explain), coloring contests (as a judge…) and chaplain chats.

Wacky hair day. The first thing I did this morning was run (the first time in four weeks = big mistake). Next, I went to breakfast and there sitting at our table was this girl with three black skyscrapers sitting on her head.  I mean WOAH. She won by far.  Until….into morning announcements walks another girl sporting fishing nets and figurines.  I had to wait until after lunch to make my hair all wacky. In the end, I sported my lanyard hanging off the side of my head amongst plenty of bobby pins and brown clumps of hair.  My lanyard will probably smell like fumes for the next few days.  A wacky hair photoshoot was held after choir.

Next on my agenda of firsts – Chaplain Chat.  I was a little nervous going in but was encouraged by the fact that all my friends go and LOVE it. I sat down amongst a laughing group of friends and immediately my fears were quelled. Chaplain Wayne is so much like a wise grandpa that there is no way for someone to feel nervous. We talked about everything from traveling abroad, cathedrals, female pastors and Columbine.  Talk about riveting! I am definitely going to the next Chaplain Chat next Thursday if my schedule allows. 

I wrote this post between our All Hall meeting and Dorm Devotions (love!). At our All Hall, our dean of students Selena gave us information about our Saturday artists workshops.  I hope to attend Weston Noble’s!!!!!! EEEEEEEK!  We also got to judge and vote on a picture in the coloring contest that has been going on as a recreational activites this week. The picture that won was way cool.  It talked about how he would be LOST without LSM – I agree!

Now that I’ve walked you all through my day of firsts, I must go to Dorm Devotions and learn more about the Beatitudes from the Sermon on the Mount. Through the church the song goes on, so keep singing and playing everyone!

Erika Tobin
Student – ’09, ’10, ’11
Counselor – Future!