Description
Open to hymnwriters, translators and Concordia Seminary students, this Saturday morning workshop is an opportunity to learn from experts in the field of hymn writing about the mechanics and craft of writing hymn texts.
This workshop is especially geared toward interested students of Concordia Seminary to equip them to participate in the annual Pamela Ann Prevallet Hymn Competition*. Although the competition is open to current first, second and vicarage Master of Divinity students, as well as M.A. Deaconess Studies students, all Concordia Seminary students may participate in this hymn writing workshop to learn or sharpen their skills in hymn writing.
This year’s workshop will feature two keynote presenters. Lisa Clark, senior editor of curriculum resources at Concordia Publishing House (CPH), has written hundreds of hymns, many of which have been published at CPH in One and All Rejoice, choral anthems and digital resources. Her doctoral research on hymnody is through the University of Bristol (UK). Rev. Charles Henrickson, pastor at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Bonne Terre, Mo., and Grace Lutheran Church in Desoto, Mo., has been writing hymns for more than two decades. Henrickson holds a Master of Divinity (’90) and Master of Sacred Theology (’95) from Concordia Seminary.
The cost is $15, free for Concordia Seminary students and spouses, and a copy of The Anatomy of Hymnody by Austin C. Lovelace will be provided to each participant at registration. The deadline to register is Feb. 15.
Register
Presentations will take place in in the lower level of the Chapel of St. Timothy and St. Titus. The presentations also will be made available live by Zoom to all vicars and other off-campus students. Free copies of The Anatomy of Hymnody will be sent to vicars by email request to Dean of Chapel Dr. Jon Vieker.
Schedule
| TIME | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
| 8:30-9 a.m. | Registration, coffee and donuts, meet-and-greet with the presenters |
| 9-10:15 a.m. | Presentation: “An Overview of The Anatomy of a Hymn by Austin Lovelace” (Rev. Charles Henrickson) |
| 10:15-10:30 a.m. | Break |
| 10:30 a.m.-noon | Presentation: “Come, Your Hearts and Voices Raising: Lessons Learned by a Lutheran Hymn Writer” |
| Noon-1 p.m. | Lunch (on your own) |
| 1–3 p.m. | Optional individual coaching. Participants may bring texts they have been working on to share with the presenters and other hymn writers and coaches who will be available. |
*The Pamela Anne Prevallet Memorial Fund Hymn Competition was created in June 2000 by Mr. and Mrs. Donald E. Prevallet in remembrance of their daughter, Pamela Anne. Though Pamela Anne’s limited abilities prevented her from participating in many things other children could enjoy, it was clear in her short life that music was dear to her, in particular the sound of hymns practiced at home by her mother, a church organist. It is thus fitting that she be remembered in this way. It is also a way of supporting Seminary students and encouraging church music and liturgical musical excellence. For many years Donald Prevallet was chairman of the Seminary’s Board of Regents. His widow, Martha, has served as a church organist for 40 years, and lives in Blytheville, Ark.
Eligible applicants to the Prevallet Hymn Competition may apply through the Financial Aid Office. This year’s deadline for applying is Aug. 1, 2023.