ALCM Region 2 Conference in Savannah

Savannah, Georgia was the site for the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians Region 2 biennial conference. Our host church, established in 1741, was the historic Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Ascension on Wright Square (pictured above) where Edie Hockspeier, A.I.M, is the Director of Music. Southern Hospitality was all around us. . .even though Edie is really a farm girl from Iowa. People from the congregation were also on hand to assist. Ascension was the site of worship services built around the theme "Hungry. . .Fed. . .Satisfied," plenary sessions, and workshops regarding a variety of topics. I attended workshops on the Psalms, Children's Voices, Organ Repertoire, and others. The sessions I attended were all carefully planned and helpful.

One highlight of the conference was an organ recital by Bruce Neswick at Independent Presbyterian Church. His workshop on Children's Choirs at St. John's Episcopal Church was also worth attending. (Thanks to the choristers from St. John's who acted as a demonstration choir!)

There was lots of good food in Savannah and plenty to see. On Tuesday night there was a riverboat dinner cruise complete with dolphins swimming in the river.

The officers of ALCM Region 2 are: Donald L. Armitage, President; David Rhyne, Vice-President; Kevin Barger, Secretary/Treasurer. Along with Edie Hockspeier, they did an incredible job of planning this conference. All of the venues were within walking distance and we had time to enjoy a bit of the city while we were learning. The attention to detail was evident. Thanks to all of these persons for an inspiring, educational three days!

For information on the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians, a pan-Lutheran orgainization, please visit www.alcm.org.

The Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Ascension's website is: www.elcota.org.
For a great source of information on Bruce Neswick see: http://www.concertartists.com/BN.html

Information (including great photos of their organ) about Independent Presbyterian Church is available at: www.ipcsav.org.