LSM 2023 Exceeds Enrollment Goal
Lutheran Summer Music (LSM) is thrilled to announce that LSM 2023 has exceeded its strategic enrollment goal and will welcome the largest student body since 2005. This admissions achievement marks a significant milestone for the organization, with over 150 students – full program capacity – ready to embark on a transformative musical journey this summer.
MaryLynn Mennicke, Dean and Director of Admissions
A sincere thanks to longstanding donors to LSM and to the hundreds of teachers, alumni, church musicians, pastors, and many other advocates across the country who believe in the LSM mission and who have nominated, encouraged, and supported students from their community on their journeys to attend LSM.
MaryLynn Mennicke, Dean and Director of Admissions, shared:
“We owe so much of this growth to our alumni who have shared about their LSM experience within their communities, schools, or churches, and to many church musicians and leaders – particularly those who were with us in summer 2022 for the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians (ALCM) conference at Valparaiso. These ALCM members saw first-hand what was taking place at LSM and were excited to go home, tell youth in their congregations about LSM, and nominate students to attend. Connecting with LSM advocates is such a joy – to get the phone call or the email, ‘You HAVE to meet this young person. They would love LSM!’ – is such a delight.”
This capacity enrollment will enable students to perform in full ensembles with optimal instrument and voice balance and ensure a quality musical experience for every student. LSM has hired additional faculty and staff to support the incoming class, both musically and in their residence and daily experience. Growing the LSM community also secures LSM’s position as the nation’s premier faith-based music academy for high school students, and revitalizes the mission of Lutheran Summer Music: to connect people through faith and music in a nurturing community, and to see churches and communities renewed through music for the sake of the world.
Students are eager to get to campus and join the community this summer. Two incoming students shared:
"It is not often I am part of a group where I feel like I truly belong, and I hope LSM is the place I can find that."
"I want to attend LSM because I am truly happiest when I make music alongside other people. I also hope to learn a little more about my faith and how I can serve the church with my musical gifts."
Scholarship support is vital in recruiting new students and expanding LSM’s reach. While tuition for LSM is already heavily subsidized through significant support from hundreds of generous donors, financial limitations remain the most significant barrier to students attending LSM. This year, the overwhelming support through the inaugural Step Up LSM initiative provided funding to make the program possible for many new students who had applied for scholarships and LSM Match Grants to support their own fundraising efforts.
Many church musicians and pastors who nominate students also secured financial support for students through their congregations. Dean Mennicke continued:
“It is deeply moving to see so many church musicians, pastors, music teachers, and church members lift up their youth, celebrate their musical gifts, and show such care for them as individuals. One pastor shares, “I have to brag about [my student]. He plays organ for services all the time, and our congregation is so blessed by him.’ Another church member calls and says, ‘Look out for [student]. You won’t be able to miss her. She is so vibrant. And don’t tell her that this tuition check came from me.’ These are daily connections. There is so much hope and joy for the future that our young people are building in the church and in the world – and for right now! We all get to live vicariously through the LSM experience that these students will enjoy.”
Imagine this community coming together and learning from LSM’s nationally renowned faculty as they grow in their musical development. Hear their voices combine in hymnody and song in the Chapel of the Resurrection. Feel the energy of a growing community of young musicians who have found a joyful home and place of belonging. Know the impact will be profound, as 40 years of alumni can attest.
Let us rejoice and give thanks. Soli Deo Gloria!