Kantor School (aka Organist Workshop)
As is often the case, when we have a mountain top experience we get excited. This summer I had my mountain top experience — the opportunity to attend an Organist Workshop at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The 2007 schedule included Primer, Level 2, and Organ Improvisation workshops.
This year’s workshops are coming to a close, but I heartily recommend that churches send their organist(s) to future workshops. If you are a church council member or an elder, DO NOT wait for your organist to ask — ask if he/she would like to go. Your organist will come back changed and motivated. It also shows that you appreciate your organist and what he/she does. If you are an organist, do not be intimidated about going — the instructors are great and you will have the camaraderie of other “real life” peers and organists. Besides, how often do you have the opportunity to be with a dozen other Lutheran organists? It’s not that scary — we’re not perfect organists either. 
For one week the organist becomes part of the seminary community and builds relationships with other parish musicians from across the country. Highlights include worshiping with the seminary for Matins, Morning Prayer, and Vespers, learning about the theology of Lutheran worship, and learning how to provide better musical leadership in the parish. A side benefit is that the food in the dining hall is pretty good.
For more information, visit the Organist Workshop page at the seminary website or wait with eager anticipation for the brochure that is usually sent out to LCMS congregations at the beginning of the year.
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