This summer, Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, will offer three five-day workshops for organists:
- A “Primer” course June 13-17 is a beginning workshop for organists who do not use pedals, use only one foot, or want to learn more about the basics of service playing. The course will cover fundamental music understanding and organ vocabulary and further will include an introductory course on the Lutheran theology of worship and a demonstration of “easy” service music.
- “Beginning Improvisation,” June 20-24, is designed for organists who want to learn or review basic ideas in the art of improvisation. Various improvisation styles and techniques — such as ritornello, bicinium, ostinato, imitation, and toccata — will be taught. The course includes demonstrations by instructors, hands-on practice by students, lessons on the fundamentals of music theory, and a study of the music of early Lutherans. Daily studies on Lutheran theology also will be presented.
- “Level III,” June 27-July 1, is an in-depth study for intermediate-level organists or those who have completed Levels I and II. Topics include “Leading Difficult Hymns II,” “Organ Registration II,” “Service Preparation,” and a study of J.S. Bach’s “Orgelbchlein.” Theological and liturgical topics include “Advanced Theology of Worship,” “Catechesis,” and “Sacramental Theology.”
Serving as instructors will be Rev. Peter Bender, pastor of Peace Lutheran Church in Sussex, Wis., and Concordia Theological Seminary faculty Rev. Chad L. Bird, assistant professor of exegetical theology; Kevin J. Hildebrand, associate kantor; and Rev. Richard C. Resch, associate professor of pastoral ministry and missions.
Tuition for each workshop is $206; on-campus room and board is an additional $145. Deadline for registrations is May 1. For more information or to register online, go to www.ctsfw.edu, click on “Events,” then on “Organist Workshops.” Or, call the seminary at (260) 452-2105.
Posted March 23, 2005
