The LSM Pulse
Discover current events, concerts, and more from LSM faculty, fellows, students, and alumni
Submit items for inclusion via email to Tarkel Price, Communications Associate.
LSM Community Contributes to Dallas Lutheran Hymn Festival
LSM's community and support for church music spread far beyond the confines of our summer academy. Many LSM community members attended and took part in last weekend's Dallas Hymn Festival, which celebrates the Lutheran musical tradition's long history and bright future.
Valparaiso University Homecoming Showcase Includes LSM Community Members
Valparaiso University’s Homecoming Showcase tomorrow, October 25, will feature LSM faculty and alumni. Join the LSM and Valparaiso communities tomorrow, October 25, at 4:00 PM to celebrate VU’s Homecoming and the strong relationship between our institutions. The concert will take place in the Chapel of the Resurrection.
Kai Offers “Beach Spring” in Worship
LSM Student Kai (LSM 2025) played Beach Spring, an LSM Hymn Tune Project arrangement, during the Offertory at Peace Lutheran Church in Salem, OR, on September 21. This new arrangement by Liturgical Composer in Residence Anne Krentz Organ was commissioned for the 2025 LSM community.
Chad Fothergill Featured as Composer in Lankford Arts Series
On October 26, LSM Cantor Chad Fothergill (LSM 2000) will be featured in the Lankford Arts Series at First Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The concert will include a new hymn arrangement for organ, brass, and timpani arranged by Fothergill, alongside other works by Bach and Luther.
Dr. Jeffrey Doebler and Valparaiso University Band to Tour Indiana and Ohio
The Valparaiso University Chamber Concert Band will tour Indiana and Ohio this October 9-12 under the direction of LSM Festival Band Conductor Dr. Doebler.
Dr. David Cherwien to Direct Lutheran Hymn Festival
LSM Faculty member Dr. David Cherwien will perform as the featured guest organist at this year’s Lutheran Hymn Festival benefiting LSM students at the Myerson Symphony Center in Dallas, Texas, on October 19th at 4:30 PM.
Dr. April Kim Hosts Korean Composers Festival
LSM Faculty member Dr. April Kim will host the second Korean Composers Festival September 27-28 at St. Olaf College. This festival celebrates music composed by Korean and Korean diaspora composers through both performance and scholarship.
Dr. Jeffrey Doebler and Valparaiso University Bands to Perform, Feature LSM Alum as Soloist
LSM Festival Band Conductor Dr. Doebler will lead all three of Valparaiso University’s bands in performance on Saturday, October 4. The Valparaiso University Chamber Concert Band will perform at 4:00 PM, and at 7:30 PM the Valparaiso University Luce Concert Band and Valparaiso Community/University Concert Band will perform.
LSM Student Lauren to Compete in 2026 Special Olympics
Congratulations and best wishes to LSM student Lauren who will be competing in powerlifting at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, hosted in Minneapolis next summer. When Lauren attended LSM 2024, she could deadlift 240 lbs. Now she's up to 280 lbs! Go Lauren!
Martin Jean Reappointed as Director of the Yale Institute of Sacred Music
Congratulations to former LSM Board Member and faculty member Martin Jean on his reappointment to lead the Yale Institute of Sacred Music. The ISM prepares leaders to integrate the study and practice of religion with that of music and the arts through engagement with the sacred through music, worship, and the arts in Christian communities, diverse religious traditions, and public life.
Emily Performs Original Composition at Festival of Great Organ Music
LSM student Emily (LSM 2024-2025) started her summer on a high note! Last weekend, she was invited by her local chapter of the American Guild of Organists (AGO) to perform at the Festival of Great Organ Music held at Artis Naples. Emily performed four movements from her "Earth and All Stars" Suite, a work she began composing last summer at LSM.
Fothergill Featured in “A Duke Workday”
LSM Cantor and alumnus Chad Fothergill (LSM 2000) was recently featured in Duke University's latest "A Duke Workday" video, titled The Chapel Organ as a Collection of Voices.
Alum Offer Cantata in Worship
LSM alumna and former Dean of Students Sophia Butler (LSM 2009–2010) will conduct Bach’s Christus, der ist mein Leben (BWV 95) during the worship service at Lutheran Church of the Resurrection in Roseville, MN, on Sunday, May 18, at 9:00 AM.
An Evening of New Music: Michael Miller’s Latest Works
LSM alum Michael Miller (LSM 1982-1984) will present "All World Premieres" this Saturday, May 17 at 4:00 pm! Hosted by Concerts at Unity and Unity Lutheran Church and Community Center (1212 W. Balmoral, Chicago, IL), this concert will feature 10 of Michael's best pieces written in the past year—each a world premiere!
Ellie Honored with the John Philip Sousa Award
Congratulations to Ellie (LSM 2022-2025) on receiving the prestigious John Philip Sousa Award! This honor, awarded to high school musicians, recognizes superior musicianship, leadership, dependability, loyalty, and cooperation. Since 1954, the Sousa Award has been a nationwide symbol of excellence in musical achievement. We are proud of Ellie for embodying these qualities and representing LSM with such distinction!
A Surprise Reunion After 15 Years
This past weekend brought a joyful reunion for two members of the LSM community: Josh Hernday and Spencer Martin. Josh, who served as an orchestra intern (2009–2010) and later as events manager (2015–2016), had the opportunity to perform alongside Spencer, a former and now returning LSM faculty member.
Daos in Recital May 11
Former LSM Worship Faculty member Ezechiel Daos will present a Pre-Evensong Recital on Sunday, May 11 at 3:15pm ET at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Atlanta, GA.
Handlin Shines in Jazzy Journey
LSM alum and string faculty member Rachel Handlin (LSM 1986–87) recently took the stage in the Rockford Symphony Orchestra’s final chamber concert of the season: Jazzy Journey. The program featured an adventurous blend of classical and jazz, with Rachel on violin alongside Scott Metlicka (soprano, alto, and bass flutes), Alison Gaines (bass), Dan Bretz (drums), and Joel Ross (piano).
Alum to Perform Recital at Saint Mark’s Cathedral, May 4
Alum Elizabeth Pemberton (LSM 1984-1986) will share a vocal recital on Sunday, May 4, 2025, at 2:30 PM at Saint Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral in Minneapolis, MN. A longtime member of the Cathedral’s music ministry, Elizabeth will be joined by guest artists in a program featuring works by Purcell, Mozart, Schubert, and Vaughan Williams.
Fellow Aiden Heads to Northwestern This Fall
Congratulations to Aiden Kocian (LSM Voice Fellow 2025) on his acceptance into the prestigious choral conducting graduate program at Northwestern University! This fall, Aiden will begin his studies under the mentorship of Dr. Andrew Megill and Dr. A.J. Keller.