LSM 2024 Reflection
Dottie Burroughs, “Dean Dot” was there at the beginning of LSM, calling Dr. Carlos Messerli and asking where she could help in 1981. Throughout her time, she has served in various roles—from counselor to Dean of Students to an instructor. Burroughs is a semi-retired Lutheran middle school band director, having taught in Chicago, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, and Houston.
Dean Dot returned to LSM this summer to teach the Music Education Elective and a section of Musicianship. Below is a reflection from Burroughs within the first week of LSM 2024.
The 42nd year of Lutheran Summer Music is nearing the end of the first week. Routines have been reestablished, new folks integrated, and it’s full steam ahead. Today I started asking the question why did you come back? The responses were varied, but all of them were very positive.
I came back to LSM because:
I love music
it feeds my soul
it reminds me that I really do love teaching
I need to be surrounded by a supportive community to rejuvenate
my friends are here
I love worship
I love playing in the orchestra
I want to grow some more
I want to learn about how to build community at home
I want perform
I want to learn more about conducting
I want to write new compositions
I needed to rediscover my love for playing
the collaboration with faculty is remarkable and supportive
the faculty are inspirational
I get to hear the aural illustration of rising incense in the organ introduction to the psalmody on the first night of evening prayer
When seventy-five percent of the faculty return and 52% of the student body returns, there must be something special going on. New folks integrate quickly into the rhythm of the day and the spirit of the community. Avid audiences cheer on the opening faculty recitals, and we anticipate the first student recital tonight. Knowing that you’re about to play for an audience that loves and supports you makes all the difference.
Longest Serving LSM Faculty
Dr. Jeffrey Doebler, Band and Handbells (24 years)
L: Dr. Bruce Atwell, Horn (25 years)
R: Dr. Paul Morton, Trumpet & Jazz (27 years)
L: Cheryl Taylor Lemmons, Collaborative Piano (22 years)
R: Cathy McCord Larsen, Voice (21 years)