On Jan. 20, approximately 130 participants, representing 18 churches throughout the United States, attended the 15th Annual Schola Cantorum: An Adult Choir Member Workshop, held on the campus of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. Dr. Timothy Peter, professor of music at Luther College, Decorah, Iowa, served as this year’s clinician and trained, taught and encouraged the singers as they learned five different compositions. The Schola Cantorum was open to all choir members, choir directors and ministers of music. The schedule for the day included rehearsal sessions along with Morning and Closing Prayer services, at which the participants performed some of the music learned that day.

One participant commented, “I enjoyed this workshop very much. It was great singing with so many talented voices.” Another participant said, “Great as always. I really love these workshops.”

The Choral Reading Session was held in conjunction with the Schola Cantorum on Jan. 19 in The Chapel of St. Timothy and St. Titus on the Concordia Seminary campus. In this evening of choral and instrumental song, Dr. Timothy Peter previewed new and current titles of music with participants.

“There is no doubt that Dr. Peter was the highlight of this year’s Schola Cantorum. His winsome spirit, along with his sense of humor, made learning and singing a pleasure. His attention to detail made it possible for us to review and hone our musical skills,” commented Rev. Henry Gerike, director of choirs at Concordia Seminary. “Concordia Seminary has conducted 15 years of Schola Cantorum for the purpose of strengthening the skills of church choir members so they can do a better job of leading God’s people in song.”

The 16th Annual Schola Cantorum will be held on Saturday, Jan. 19, 2008. Dr. Gail Walton, University of Notre Dame, Ind., will serve as the clinician for the day. For more information about the Adult Choir Member Workshop, contact the Office of Continuing Education at (314) 505-7123 or ce@csl.edu.