Young musicians from synod attend Summer Music Academy

The 30th annual Lutheran Summer Music Academy taking place this summer at Luther College of Decorah, Iowa, included some young local musicians.

Attending were Elizabeth Chamberlain of Calvary Lutheran Church of Federal Way; Colin and Erika Tobin and Mikayla Whitten of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church of Olympia; Danielle Tobin of Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd of Olympia; Kasey Shultz of Mount Cross Lutheran Church of University Place; Hannah Johnsrud and Courtney Lee of Mountain View Lutheran Church of Edgewood; and Kayleigh Shaffer of St. Mark Lutheran Church of Lacey.

They were among 151 students accepted into the program, one of the nation’s premier music training programs for young people. The program’s mission is to transform lives and connect people through faith and music. Lutheran Summer Music fosters musical excellence and spiritual growth in a caring community for high school band, orchestra, choir, piano, and pipe organ students from all faith backgrounds.

Jim Hushagen, vice president of the Southwestern Washington Synod and chair of the Lutheran Summer Music board, said, "Lutheran Summer Music is truly a life-changing experience for our students. Worship every morning and evening, combined with excellent instruction by university-level music professors, provide our students with an unparalleled foundation in Christian faith and music. Not surprisingly, many students decide to become clergy or church musicians because of their LSM experience."

Pictured: Lutheran Summer Music students receive an introduction to the pipe organ from instructor Catherine Rodland.