Luther Memorial’s music program offers great enrichment to the lives of all who partake of it. Martin Luther wrote that “Next to the Word of God, the noble art of music is the greatest treasure in the world.” The music program at Luther Memorial is dedicated to mining that treasure as fully as possible.

There are two focal points of the church’s music program. We share music with one another as a congregation, in liturgies and services of worship in which singing plays an integral part. We share music with the larger community through the Luther Memorial Concert Series, which is fully explored on their website, www.lm-concerts.com.

Pride of place among the church’s congregational music is given to the organ. Our interim Cantor, Walt Gaber, presents music both before and after each service on Sundays, as well as accompanying hymns and liturgical music. He is heir to a long line of distinguished organists, most recently Erik Meyer (2005-2011), David Ruler (2003-2005), Kevin Sadowski (1979-2003), and Wallace Wiese (1970-1979). [A more detailed history of the church’s musical leaders will be available later.]

Musical groups within the church include the adult choir, the handbell choir, and the youth choir. The adult choir sings at the 10:30 a.m. service of worship each Sunday from September through May, as well as at numerous special services throughout the year. Rehearsals are held on Thursday evenings from 7:15 to 9:15 p.m. The group is open to all who have an interest in choral music.

The handbell choir also meets on Thursday evenings, from 5:45 to 7:15 p.m. The group performs approximately once per month during the 10:30 a.m. service of worship, and occasionally for recitals. Participation in regional handbell workshops and performances is also featured. The handbell choir is open to anyone interested, but does require a working knowledge of musical notation.

“Beautiful music is the art of the prophets that can calm the agitations of the soul; it is one of the most magnificent and delightful presents God has given us. “ – Martin Luther