Concordia Seminary will offer its 12th Annual Schola Cantorum, a choir member workshop, on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2003. Registration and all sessions will be held in The Chapel of St. Timothy and St. Titus. The Schola Cantorum is open to all choir members and choir directors. The schedule for the day begins with registration at 8:30 a.m., Morning Prayer at 9:00 a.m., and rehearsal sessions at 9:30 a.m. The day concludes at 3:30 p.m. after the Closing Prayer service, which will include some of the music learned that day.

Dr. Carl Schalk, distinguished professor emeritus of music at Concordia University, River Forest, Ill., will serve as this year's clinician. He has been referred to as "one of the most active lecturers and clinicians in the American church music scene." He participated in the work leading to the publication of the "Lutheran Book of Worship" (1978) and is a well-known composer of choral music, hymn settings for choir and congregation, and hymn tunes that appear in many current hymnals.

His most recent publications include "Music in Early Lutheranism: Shaping the Tradition" (1534-1672); "God's Song in New Land: Lutheran Hymnals in America" and the companion "Source Documents in American Lutheran Hymnody;" and "Luther on Music: Paradigms of Praise." Two compact disc recordings feature his music: "Christ Be Our Seed," featuring the American Repertory Singers, and "Sing Ye Choirs Exultant," featuring the James Chorale.

"We hold the Schola Cantorum as a way of serving the church at large," commented Rev. Henry Gerike, director of choirs at Concordia Seminary. "By attending, choir members and directors will learn and rehearse new choral music that can be used in their own churches. They also will learn better the art of singing. Each of our clinicians provides great insights into singing the praises of our Lord."

The cost for the Schola Cantorum is $65 per congregation. For that fee, a choir can send as many choir members as it desires. Lunch and the choral music to be learned are not included in the fee. For more information or registration forms, call 314-505-7123.