Operating Support
ACHF Arts Access
Provide high quality performance and training programs that celebrate Lutheran musical and cultural heritage. Celebrate Lutheran contributions to arts and culture through performance; train a new generation of practitioners through education programs; and introduce new audiences through outreach activities. Program evaluation takes place on an ongoing basis. We measure success based on quantitative factors like enrollment and retention, and qualitative factors like overall participant experience and musical integrity of performances. We conduct written surveys of participants in our larger activities, and have staff members available after every performance for informal feedback. This information is compiled by the Executive Director and presented to the Artistic and Program Committee of the Lutheran Music Program Board of Directors. 2: Create a welcoming community that intentionally engages musicians and music appreciators of all ages and backgrounds. Elderhostel retreats, middle school choral camps, At Home events, partnerships, and hymn festivals create thriving environments around a shared musical heritage. Teens are embraced as we teach compassion and celebrate others' successes. As noted above, written surveys are an important evaluation tool. In addition to assessing everything from cafeteria food to performance facilities, constituents are invited to provide feedback on our commitment to nurturing community (one of our core organizational values). In fiscal year 2013, program participants overwhelmingly indicated that community is one of our greatest strengths. As in previous years, teens who attended Lutheran Summer Music Academy reported that our emphasis on camaraderie over competition helped them build self-confidence and grow musically. Older adults who participated in the senior adult retreat expressed gratitude for the warm welcome they received from Lutheran Summer Music Academy staff members, particularly accommodations like large print programs, transportation assistance, etc. Finally, because our goal is to welcome musicians of all faith traditions, religious diversity is an important indicator of success. In fiscal year 2013, 25% of Lutheran Summer Music Academy and Festival participants self-identified with a religion other than Lutheranism.
During fiscal year 2013, Lutheran Music Program successfully presented or co-presented workshops and performances; two hymn festivals; one middle school choral camp; one senior adult retreat; and the Lutheran Summer Music Academy and Festival. Our performance and training programs served Minnesota residents of all faith backgrounds and introduced participants from across the country to an important part of Minnesota's cultural heritage. We're pleased to report strong enrollment and positive participant feedback for activities taking place in fiscal year 2013. Overall, constituents indicated that both performance and educational activities presented by Lutheran Music Program were engaging, informative musical experiences. 2: In fiscal year 2013, we served people of all ages, abilities, economic backgrounds, and religious traditions. Our middle school choral camp took place in the Midway neighborhood of St Paul, while Lutheran Summer Music Academy and Festival served high school musicians from communities like St Hilaire, Gaylord, and Motley. During fiscal year 2013, Lutheran Music Program offered all of our performances free-of-charge and open to the public. We also provided significant scholarship support and discount opportunities for tuition-based programs like Lutheran Summer Music Academy and Festival. Finally, Lutheran Music Program continues to encourage people of all ages to join together in harmony; last year, our hymn festivals featured Lutheran Summer Music Academy and Festival alumni side-by-side with older adults. We also presented our senior adult retreat in conjunction with Lutheran Summer Music Academy and Festival. Twelve people joined us for this five-day event which included lectures, arts activities, and student performances.
Other
local or private