The LSM Pulse
Discover current events, concerts, and more from LSM faculty, fellows, students, and alumni
Submit items for inclusion via email to Evelyn Zimmer, Alumni & Communications Coordinator.
LSM Fellow Nathan Orcutt Named Drum Major of the University of Minnesota Marching Band
LSM Fellow Alum '25 Nathan Orcutt has been named the Drum Major of the University of Minnesota Marching Band for Season 135.
LSM Fellow Alum Aiden Kocian & Wilmette Quartet to Perform in IL
The Wilmette Quartet is excited to announce our inaugural Spring concert: “When The Stars” featuring Brahms’s Liebeslieder and Clara Schumann’s Drei gemischte Chor! Performers Maya Behiri (soprano), Zoë Kales (alto), Jordan Haas (tenor), and Aiden Kocian (bass) assisted by Cameron Akikoka and Robert Levinger will perform at 7:00pm on Saturday, April 18th at Trinity United Methodist Church in Wilmette, Illinois.
LSM Alum Thomas Baker-Trinity Competes in National Trumpet Competition
LSM Alum Thomas Baker-Trinity (LSM '21-'25) competed in the 2026 National Trumpet Competition with the Luther College Trumpets, under the direction of Dr. John T. Cord.
Benjamin Krause Honored as MTNA Distinguished Composer of the Year
Former LSM faculty member Benjamin Krause has been named the Thomas Ediger Distinguished Composer of the Year for his composition, Spaces Real or Imagined by the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA). Krause was recognized at the 2026 MTNA National Conference in Chicago, Illinois, held March 21–25, where he performed his piece in concert on piano along with clarinetist Gary June. Congratulations, Ben!
LSM Faculty & Alum Reunite at Clinic in Eden Prairie, MN
LSM 2026 faculty member Spencer Martin and LSM Alum Karin (Dye) Moreaux (LSM 2010-2012) were reunited last week at Eden Prairie High School!
An LSM Reunion for "Bach's Birthday Bash" in the Twin Cities
On Saturday, March 21st, YourClassical MPR and the Twin Cities American Guild of Organists co-sponsored "Bach's Birthday Bash," a celebration with five free concerts held at churches in St. Paul, MN. Several LSM alumni and faculty took part, including organ faculty Dr. Cathy Rodland, and several LSM alums singing in The Elm Ensemble's performance of motet "Jesu, meine Freude."
LSM Alum Dr. Rebecca Keller-Gardner and nonesuch.reedquintet to Perform at Fischoff Competition
LSM Alum Dr. Rebecca Keller-Gardner (LSM 2011-2013) will be traveling with her ensemble, nonesuch.reedquintet, to South Bend, IN to compete in the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition!
LSM 2026 Faculty Dr. David Cherwien Plays at Grace Lutheran Church, River Forest, IL
Join LSM 2026 faculty member Dr. David Cherwien on Sunday, March 29th at Grace Lutheran Church in River Forest, IL!.
LSM 2025 Organ Fellow Jeremiah Knudson Places In Organ Competition
LSM 2025 Organ Fellow Jeremiah Knudson competed and placed second in the 2026 National Undergraduate Organ Competition this past Sunday, March 22nd.
LSM Alum Noelle Streuber-Eden Chosen for NYO-USA 2026
LSM Alum Noelle Streuber-Eden (LSM 2023) has been selected to participate in the National Youth Orchestra of the United States of America, founded in 2013 by Carnegie Hall's Weill Music Institute.
LSM Alum Kristina Butler Presents Recital in Boulder, CO
LSM Alum Kristina Butler (LSM 2010-2012) will present a recital at St. John's Episcopal Church in Boulder, CO at 4pm on Sunday, March 15th.
LSM Alum Marko Bajzer Premieres Composition with Rochester Symphony
LSM alum Marko Bajzer (LSM 2004–2006) recently returned to his hometown of Rochester for the premiere of his newest orchestral work, Sky-Tinted Water, performed by the Rochester Symphony.
LSM Faculty Anne Krentz Organ Speaks on Webinar Series
LSM Liturgical Composer in Residence, Anne Krentz Organ, will speak as part of the "Serving Through Song: A Music Webinar Series from Augsburg Fortress" on Thursday, February 26th at 11am CST.
LSM Faculty Dr. Jeffrey Doebler Conducts Free Concerts: Saturday, February 21st
LSM Festival Band Director and Director of Bands at Valparaiso University, Dr. Jeffrey Scott Doebler, will conduct two bands concerts on Saturday, February 21st at Valparaiso University in the Chapel of the Resurrection. Both concerts are free, and open to the public; no ticket is required.
NLC Summer Institute Offers Discount to LSM Community
Take advantage of the partnership between the National Lutheran Choir (NLC) and Lutheran Summer Music! For any students who register in both the NLC Conducting, Leadership, & Vocations Institute (June 14 - 18 at Augsburg University) and the LSM Academy and Festival (June 21 - July 19 at St. Olaf College) this upcoming 2026 summer season, NLC will be offering a discount on their institute cost. Please use code "LSM50" for $50 off your NLC experience this summer!
Learn more at https://www.nlca.com/summer-institute
LSM Faculty Paul Morton Plays Taps in D.C.
On Wednesday, February 4th 2026, LSM faculty member Paul Morton played Taps at the World War I Monument in Washington D.C.
An LSM Reunion at Grace Lutheran Church
Michael Costello (LSM 1993-1996) and Johanna Johnson were joined in River Forest, IL on Sunday, February 1st by four LSM alumni to sing for worship! Lena, Eden, Andy, and Damaris enjoyed a mid-winter reunion while singing in the Grace Parish Choir.
LSM at the National Lutheran Choir’s 2026 Tune-Up: Saturday, January 31st
LSM Alumni and Staff, Eric Sayre (LSM 2004-2005) played trumpet in a brass quintet in collaboration with the National Lutheran Choir's 2026 Choral Tune-Up. NLC had a great turnout of singers, and the event was a huge success!
2026 Hymn Tune Project Winner: KINGSFOLD
The Hymn Tune Project results are in! The LSM community has chosen KINGSFOLD (“I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say”) as the tune to be newly arranged by Anne Krentz Organ.
LSM Faculty Plays 4-Hand Recitals: A Night at the Ballet
Nicole Lee (LSM piano faculty) and Joseph Bognar (former LSM faculty) are hitting the road with their highly-anticipated recital, A Night at the Ballet! This program features a piano transcription of the Nutcracker Suite by Pytor Tchaikovsky, and music by Aaron Copland, Maurice Ravel, and Claude Debussy.
