Frequently Asked Questions
About the Choir
Q. Why was this Lutheran choir formed for high school youth?
To the best of our knowledge, no such choir of this international scope, solely for high school age youth, sponsored by a Lutheran congregation, exists within any Lutheran church body in North America. Other Lutheran organizations offer fine musical opportunities for youth that either extend beyond the realm of only choral music or are primarily residential experiences without a significant touring component. Other church bodies in the U.S. and Canada, such as the Roman Catholic Church, already have a National Youth Choir, but not we Lutherans.
The Lutheran Youth Choir of North America offers young people a challenging, stimulating opportunity to encounter the greatest choral music of both the Lutheran heritage and of the Americas in which they live, in a safe, nurturing and fun environment each summer. We are looking for young people who have the necessary commitment, creativity and energy to bring a powerful message of faith, through music, to all who desire and need to hear it, on this North American continent and abroad.
Q: What kind of music will the choir sing?
The Lutheran Youth Choir rehearses and performs primarily outstanding sacred choral literature from the 16th through the 21st centuries, as well as some secular music. The choir’s repertoire will focus especially on composers of Lutheran heritage, such as Schuetz, Bach, Christiansen, Distler, Bouman, and Schalk, as well as on music of the Americas.
We expect the level of musical proficiency to approach that of a good college ensemble, reflecting the select nature of this auditioned choir. Music and rehearsal CDs will be sent after acceptance in May. Students will be expected to become familiar with their music prior to arriving in Glen Ellyn.
Q: What makes this such a valuable and meaningful experience?
Our long Lutheran musical tradition is unique, and the relationship between music and theology is powerful. There are few opportunities today for students to learn and experience these traditions, and this is what we offer. Moreover, coming together with other singers, learning excellent music, having fun together, and sharing faith with new friends in new places is a life-changing experience.
Q: Do students have to be Lutheran to apply?
No. But we expect applicants to provide letters of recommendation as we want students who are serious about their faith and music. Most of our marketing is focused on Lutheran congregations, and we are asking them for support.
About the Choir's Leadership
Q: Who directs the Lutheran Youth Choir?
Philip Spencer is the Lutheran Youth Choir’s founding conductor and a member of its board of directors. He conceived of the idea for a pan-Lutheran youth choir drawing participants from throughout North America. His proposal, embraced by the leadership of Faith Lutheran Church, now springs to life as the choir gathers each summer to tour domestically and abroad.
Mr. Spencer has more than two decades of experience conducting choirs of all ages in college, church and community settings. He is Professor of Music and Director of Choral and Vocal Music at Joliet Junior College, and Chancel Choir Director at St. Timothy Lutheran Church in Naperville, Illinois. Learn more about Mr. Spencer.
Q: Who will select the choir members?
Audition will be by tape or CD, with members chosen by the choir's director and assistant director. They will be looking for musical talent and blend for choir singing. Geographic diversity also will be considered, as we want to represent the broadest possible group of singers from North America.
Touring with the Choir
Q: Why a domestic tour?
Part of the touring experience is to build local congregational involvement and support. The choir's domestic tour will focus on where our singers come from, to help build support for future years.
Q: What are the upcoming tour plans?
In 2010, the choir will go on an Instruments of Peace Tour. The tour will be to the East Coast, including New York City and Boston.
Q: Where do students stay during the rehearsal week?
Summer rehearsals take place on the campus of Faith Lutheran Church in Glen Ellyn, Illinois (a western Chicago suburb). Members of the congregation provide room and board for the choir's participants during their stay.
Q: Who will chaperone the tour?
In addition to adult staff, other adult chaperones will accompany the choir on tour, for a ratio of about four students to each adult. This low ratio will allow us to assure a safe and meaningful experience.
Q: Where has the choir visited and performed on tour?
A typical tour stop involves arrival in mid- to late-afternoon, then dinner shared with the congregation. Choral Service of Evening Prayer will follow, and an informal time of fellowship and musical activity will cap the evening. Singers will stay with the host congregation's families. In 2010, this same approach will be followed with host congregations.
In July 2008, the Lutheran Youth Choir sang twice in the Chicago area (Evanston and Glen Ellyn) before traveling to Germany for its nine-day tour of Berlin, Eisleben, Wittenberg, Eisenach, Munich, and Heidelberg. The choir sang a new Evening Prayer for Peace service in German and English, composed by its director, for host congregations, as well as visiting several historic Luther and Bach sites.
In August 2007 the choir made an eight-day tour of the Pacific Northwest, singing Evening Prayer at six Lutheran churches in Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia, and visiting Pacific Lutheran University overnight. Immediately upon returning from tour, the Lutheran Youth Choir was invited to sing at the Opening Eucharist of the ELCA’s Worship Jubilee at Navy Pier in Chicago.
In July 2006, the Lutheran Youth Choir took its inaugural six-day tour of the Great Lakes Region, singing Evening Prayer at four Lutheran congregations in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Ontario, as well as visiting Valparaiso University.
Q: Will participants get a chance to see Chicago?
Yes. We are planning free-time activities for the group to see and experience some of the cultural and fun things Chicago has to offer. Outings will include a mix of musical and fine arts, along with special food and fun times!
Q: How much free time will choir members have?
The days in Glen Ellyn will be tightly organized, with a mix of rehearsal, meals and special activities. There may be some free time with host families in the evening, depending on the schedule; but students should plan to commit themselves to long days of work and fun together as a group.
Expenses
Q: What is the process for registration and tuition payment, and is financial aid available?
Tuition assistance will be available based upon the situation. The choir leadership also plans to play an important role in helping students raise money for this trip to the Northeastern US. Students are chosen on the basis of their audition recording and recommendations from pastors and directors of music. If students need financial help, they may apply after being selected for the choir. Although there are no guarantees for such aid, we will do our best to accommodate everyone in need though a combination of congregational, parental and choir resources.
Q: What expenses are covered by the choir? Do choir members need to bring spending money?
The program participation fee includes lodging, meals, music, special events, and tour transportation (plane and coach). Students should plan to bring extra spending money; we will address safe ways of handling money as tour approaches.
