let the

amen soundThe Concordia University Chicago

Wind SymphonyDr. Richard R. Fischer, conductor

The Concordia University Chicago Wind Symphony7400 Augusta Street | River Forest, Illinois 60305-1499 | CUChicago.edu

let the amen sound

1. Joy in All Things Brian Balmages 6:27

(The FJH Music Company, Inc.)

2. On an American Spiritual David Holsinger 4:24

(TRN Music)

3. What Sweeter Music John Rutter 4:08

(premiere recording) Arr. Frederick Umar

(Oxford University Press)

4. Let the Amen Sound Travis Cross 7:10

(premiere recording) (Theodore Music)

5. My Faith Looks Up to Thee Timothy Rhea 4:35

(TRN Music)

6. Shipston Prelude Stephen Bulla 3:51

(Curnow Music)

7. Divinum Mysterium arr. James Swearingen 3:46

(C. L. Barnhouse Company)

8. Shall We Gather at the River Dan Goeller 4:36

(premiere recording) Arr. Frederick Umar

(Word Music, Inc.)

9. Panis Angelicus César Franck 4:53

(premiere recording) Transcribed by Eric Craddock

(Manuscript)

10. Fantasy on a Gaelic Hymnsong David Holsinger 5:52

(TRN Music)

11. Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation (Westminster Abbey) setting by Cark Schalk 4:42

(from the 2003 CD Be Thou My Vision) Arr. Benjamin Culli

12. For All the Saints setting by Richard Hillert 7:29

(from the 2007 CD Expressions of Faith)

13. Alma Mater Paul Manz 1:27

(from the 2003 CD Be Thou My Vision)

TOTAL 63:17

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The early 20th century hymnologist Louis Benson once stated that “hymnody is the theology of the people.” That is to say that the unique matching of poetry with music allows Christians to understand and proclaim the basic tenets of the Christian faith, in ways not possible through words alone. The 17th century poet and composer Joachim Neander knew that well when he stated (in the translation by Catherine Winkworth)

Praise to the Lord! O let all that is in me adore him All that has life and breath come now with praises before Him! Let the amen sound from his people again Gladly forever adore him.

Settings of hymns, such as those heard on this CD, evoke the words which often in unique ways express Christian truths. These pieces provide the listener opportunities for adoration of God Almighty and relection on God’s many gifts.

For the students of Concordia University Chicago, this recording provides an opportunity to share a portion of their work with a wider audience. Students are involved in performing a wide range of music, including the standard wind literature, but these settings of sacred tunes have a special place in their repertoire. Arrangements of two well-known choral works, Panis angelicus and What Sweeter Music take their place beside numerous hymn arrangements. Because of the importance of congregational song, we have included from the archives two hymn concertatos, in which choirs, congregation and winds all participate. These hymn settings by emeriti faculty and alumni Richard Hillert (’51) and Carl Schalk (HS ’48,’52) as well as the Alma Mater by alumnus Paul Manz (’41) are offered in recognition of the 150th anniversary of Concordia University Chicago.

Chair, Music Department

Acknowledgements

Dr. Fischer and the members of the Wind Symphony, wish to thank the following: The Board of Regents, Dr. John F. Johnson, the administration and the music department of Concordia University Chicago for their continued support of this recording project. We thank Bruce Leek and Brad Genevro for their musicianship, friendship and encouragement during the recording and editing sessions, and Kathy Fischer for providing refreshments.

Technical Information

Engineer: Bruce LeekProducer: Brad GenevroSlater: Dan FacklerGraphic designer: Denise JacobRecorded: Chapel of Our Lord, Concordia University Chicago, Feb. 8-10, 2013Microphones: Sennheiser MKH 20, MKH 40; Beyer MI160Microphone pre-amps: Forssell Electronics; Millennia Media 8 ChannelRecording console: Ramsa WRS4424 (Modiied by John Windt)Cables: MIT CVT2C/3D Power ConditioningPS audio: ATC SCM20ARecorders: Tascam DA 38; Tascam DV-RA1000Processor: Prism Sounds ADA-8; MR2024T InterfaceReference headphones: Sony MDR V6Editing program: Sonic Solutions

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About Our Cover

The cover was designed by Wind Symphony member Greta Peterson of Eagan, MN, graphic design major:

“I chose Concordia Chicago mainly because of the Wind Symphony, hoping that a solid education would accompany my decision. I knew I needed a ield that accommodated both my practical side as well as my sense of creativity, and as I explored the graphic design major, I embraced the idea of fusing elements together that “pop” in order to create a clear message and a lasting impression. As I strive to be a designer as well as walk with Christ, I want to be real, not holding anything back, putting my whole self into everything I do and the faith that I have. To me, this is what the last stanza of Praise to the Lord, the Almighty (LSB 790) requests:

“Praise to the Lord! O let all that is in me adore him! All that has life and breath, come now with praises before Him! Let the Amen sound from His people again; gladly forever adore him!”

This stanza changed my whole perspective on praise, which translated into a distinctive and rare viewpoint of the underside of the chimes. The subtle aura of a mountain and especially the gold iltering throughout exclaim pure majesty and power, radiance and might. Combined, it’s an image that’s meant to capture the slightest hint of the praise we will offer one day in the Lord’s presence when we’ll all let the Amen sound!”

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This is the 13th volume of an ongoing wind music recording project that the Wind Symphony began in 1993. We have recorded 135 works, including numerous premiere recordings.

While the Wind Symphony has reached audiences beyond the scope of Concordia University Chicago’s campus through its concert tours, this venue has provided listeners throughout the world the opportunity to experience, over

and over again, the uplifting sounds of winds, percussion, organ and voices that boldly give glory and praise to our God. In choosing repertoire, it is my goal to include those pieces that represent the highest quality of musical expression within this sacred realm. For members of the Church, they provide an on-going music ministry of sacred works that are frequently inspired by familiar hymn tunes. For band conductors—and their students—we hope that they provide a model for the performance of these works.

For radio listeners worldwide, these recordings continue to be broadcast for the enrichment of faith and enjoyment for all who listen. I hope this music has a message that teaches and inspires. Most importantly, I hope this music will be used in the service and praise of God.

Richard R. Fischer, conductor

Other Recordings Available

Wind Symphony

Be Thou My Vision

Expressions of Faith

Festive Adorations

Holsinger 2

If Thou Be Near

Let The Amen Sound

Light of My Soul

Rejouissance

Sinfonia Voci*

Watchman, Tell Us of the Night

What Child Is This?

Who Puts His Trust in God Most Just

With Heart and Voice

The Kapelle

Alleluia, Voices Raise

Favorite German Hymns

Glory to the Newborn King

Jesus, My Joy

My Heart Rejoices

Peace I Leave With You

Shine Like Stars–Music of Carl Schalk

All Concordia University Chicago

recordings are available through the

CUC Barnes & Noble Bookstore:

7400 Augusta Street

River Forest, Illinois 60305-1499

708-209-3173

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LetAmenSound2013prt.indd 3 6/27/13 1:18 PM

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Music FacultyFull-time FacultyMaurice Boyer, DMA, University of Maryland,College Park, MDCharles P. Brown, DMA, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZRichard R. Fischer, DMA, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MIChristian Hauser, PhD University of North Texas, Denton, TXJonathan Kohrs, MCM, Concordia University Chicago, River Forest, ILJonathan Stahlke, DMA, College-Conservatory of Music, Cincinnati, OHSteven Wente, DMus, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL

Emeriti FacultyRobert Busse, MM, Northwestern University, Evanston, ILJulia Hennig, DMA, Boston University, Boston, MANatalie Jenne, DMA, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CAEvangeline Rimbach, PhD, Eastman School of Music, University of Rochester, NYCarl Schalk, MM, Eastman School of Music, University of Rochester, NY, MAR, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO, LLD, Concordia University Nebraska, Seward, NE, LHD, Concordia University-St. Paul, St. Paul, MN

Administrative StaffMark Waldron, MEd, University of Houston, TX, Director of Music Activities Laura Zimmer, MCM, Concordia University Chicago, River Forest, IL, Administrative Assistant

Adjunct FacultyAnnie Artinian, BM, Piano PreparatorySarah Beatty, MM, VoiceJulia Bentley, MM, VoiceFionna Bezaire, MM, PianoJohn Burson, MM, TrumpetBecky Coffman, MM ,Violin, ViolaRobert Everson, MM, Percussion, Drum SetBarbara Fackler, MM, HarpDan Fackler, BME, HornCynthia Fudala, MM, FluteKirk Garrison, MM, Jazz Band, Jazz ImprovisationKurtis Gildow, MM,Tuba, EuphoniumJudith Hanna, MM, Double BassPaul Henry, MM, GuitarGrace Hong, MM, OboeMaria Honigschnabel, MM, PianoKuang-Hao Huang, MM, PianoNatalie Jenne, DMA, HarpsichordMartha Kasten, MM, VoiceSusan Krout, MCM, VoiceMatthew Lano, MM, BassoonAnne Monson, BM, CelloEmily Katayama, MM, Piano Preparatory, HarpsichordDonna Port, BM, FlutePatrick Rehker, MM, ClarinetJeremy Ruthrauff, BM, Saxophone Craig Sale, MM, Piano PreparatoryThomas Stark, BM, TromboneWillard Thomen, MSM, Voice

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let the amen sound1. Joy in All Things Brian Balmages 6:27 (The FJH Music Company, Inc.)

2. On an American Spiritual David Holsinger 4:24 (TRN Music)

3. What Sweeter Music John Rutter 4:08 (premiere recording) Arr. Frederick Umar (Oxford University Press)

4. Let the Amen Sound Travis Cross 7:10 (premiere recording) (Theodore Music)

5. My Faith Looks Up to Thee Timothy Rhea 4:35 (TRN Music)

6. Shipston Prelude Stephen Bulla 3:51 (Curnow Music)

7. Divinum Mysterium arr. James Swearingen 3:46 (C. L. Barnhouse Company)

The Music Department at Concordia University Chicago recognizes that music is a gift of God and a means through which all people can participate in the richness of the human experience. As a cultural expression that sheds light on both the individual and society, music is an essential component of a liberal arts education.

In accordance with these beliefs, the department fulills the University mission by forming musicians who will be servant leaders and advocates for the transformative power of music in church, school and community. The department provides Concordia students a variety of opportunities to study and perform music, enabling their lifelong growth and involvement in the arts, while enriching the larger community.

Music Department Mission Statement

Music at Concordia

Music has a vital role in the life of the Concordia University Chicago campus community and beyond. The music department provides a wide range of ensembles, choral and instrumental, creating a rich palette of applied studies and academic courses that are available to all students at various levels. Outstanding study of voice and instruments is possible because of the presence on the faculty of excellent teacher-performers in the Chicago area. The department offers the bachelor of music degree, a liberal arts major and minor and a combination of a music major with an emphasis in business. Music emphases are possible in various education programs. For more speciic study, the department offers two certiicates: director of parish music and piano pedagogy. Piano pedagogy is supported by the presence of a strong preparatory and community piano program which offers piano study to children and adults from the surrounding communities.

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8. Shall We Gather at the River Dan Goeller 4:36 (premiere recording) Arr. Frederick Umar (Word Music, Inc.)

9. Panis Angelicus César Franck 4:53 (premiere recording) Transcribed by Eric Craddock (Manuscript)

10. Fantasy on a Gaelic Hymnsong David Holsinger 5:52 (TRN Music)

11. Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation setting by Cark Schalk 4:42 (Westminster Abbey) (from the 2003 CD Be Thou My Vision) Arr. Benjamin Culli

12. For All the Saints setting by Richard Hillert 7:29 (from the 2007 CD Expressions of Faith)

13. Alma Mater Paul Manz 1:27 (from the 2003 CD Be Thou My Vision) TOTAL 63:17

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Wind Symphony Members

+ Denotes section leader

Members of the Wind Symphony are listed alphabetically in order to recognize and emphasize the importance of each player’s contribution.

TromboneMatthew Gruenwald, Evansville, IN, Secondary Education-MathMichael Keller, Brownstown, IN, BME Instrumental+Peter Schimm, Bay City, MI, BME Instrumental/Choral

EuphoniumRyan Howard, Spring Valley, CA, DCE

TubaMatthias Meckes, Bay City, MI, undeclared

Piano and KeyboardBrittany Borman, Loves Park, IL, BME Instrumental and Piano Pedagogy

Percussion+Cameron Banks, Wayne, MI, BME Instrumental/Music/Pre-SeminaryAaron Bean, Richmond, VA, Media Arts AdministrationMic Brunner, Prior Lake, MN, BME Instrumental/Math EducationAdam Friedrich, Green Valley, IL, BMEGreta Peterson, Eagan, Minn., Graphic DesignJoe Sweeney, Baltimore, MD, Business Administration/MarketingBethany Thoelke, St. Peters, MO, LTE/Elementary Education

Additional PerformersGrace Hong, English horn, adjunct facultyMatt Lano, bassoon, adjunct facultyAutumn Selover, harpAnne Monson, cello, adjunct facultyLoren Brown, celloJoe Eisman, string bassBob Deal, string bassKurtis Gildow, tuba, adjunct faculty

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History of the Band Program at Concordia University Chicago

Concordia University Chicago has long been recognized for the excellence of its music program. In the early years of the school, every student was required to study organ, piano, violin and voice. Music was regarded as important in the training of future teachers.

Little is known about the Concordia Teacher’s College Band until around 1925. What is known is that one president, Rev. Eugene A.W. Krauss, conducted the band, followed by a succession of students.

Richard Rohling is recognized as the College Band’s irst prominent conduc-tor. Leaving after a short stint at Concordia, he returned in 1925 and began a long tenure as Director of Bands. Rohling was able to establish the band as an important and ongoing collegiate music ensemble. He quickly established the Junior Band in 1927, which served as a training band and made numerous arrangements of orchestral works for the ensemble. While thought was given to touring, travel was not possible in the 1930s because of the Great Depression. In 1938, the College Band toured through Illinois and Missouri for eight days. From that point on, the band took regular tours throughout the Midwest and ventured to Ontario, Canada twice, in 1946 and again in 1949.

After Rohling’s retirement in 1950, Alfred Gras served as the College Band Director until 1959. During this time the band grew from about ifty players to almost seventy and toured throughout the Midwest and as far as New York, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Nebraska and Colorado.

Gras’s successor in 1959 was Harold Rohling, Richard’s son, who led the band until 1969. Rohling helped to publicize the group, which continued to gain support from the public through their performances.

Wind Symphony MembersPiccoloJulie Landmichl, Chicago, IL, MusicAshley Ruff, Palatine, IL, BME Instrumental/General

FluteMaralyse Bedroske, Oshkosh, WI, Elementary EdBrittany Borman, Loves Park, IL, BME Instrumental and Piano PedagogyHeather Huebscher, South St. Paul, MN, DeaconessRebecca Keehner, Peoria, IL, BME, Instrumental/ChoralHannah Keseman, Freeburg, IL, Graphic Design+Julie Landmichl, Chicago, IL, MusicAshley Ruff, Palatine, IL, BME Instrumental/GeneralElizabeth Schaff, Litchield, IL, Elementary EdAnnalisa Scheele, Hamburg, MN, PsychologyHaley Schlicht, Brookield, WI, DCE/Elementary EdDorothy Stelzik, Northlake, IL, BME InstrumentalRachel Wegener, Freeland, MI, Spanish Ed

Oboe+Amy Duke, Geneva, IL, Early Childhood EducationAllison Spiaser, Crete, IL, Marketing

BassoonMatthew Denkert, Milwaukee, WI, LTE/Elementary Education+Amanda Englehardt, Bay City, MI, BME Instrumental

ClarinetCameron Banks, Wayne, MI, BME Instrumental Music/Pre-Seminary+Rebecca Eifert, Austin, TX, BME Instrumental/ChoralMegan Kearns, Prospect Heights, IL, Elementary EducationMary Rose Peterson, Mount Prospect, IL, Special EducationJoseph Shaw, Chicago, IL, MusicElise Troemel, Fort Wayne, IN, BME InstrumentalMatt Wahl, Elgin, IL, BME Instrumental

Bass ClarinetShannon Meeks, Colorado Springs, CO, DCE+Ruby Figueroa, Hoffmann Estates, IL, Art/Psychology

Bb Contrabass ClarinetPhillip Allman, Schaumburg, IL, Theology/Pre-Seminary

Alto Saxophone+Chad Berkobien, Frankenmuth, MI, BME InstrumentalBart Johnson, Overland Park, KS, Grad Student DCE

Tenor SaxophoneRuth Kucenski, Aurora, IL, BME Instrumental

Baritone SaxophoneAndrew Keller, Brownstown, IN, Pre-Seminary

French Horn+John Bart, Skokie, IL, MusicCassandra Jonker, Fort Wayne, IN, BME Nicole Przygocki, Bay City, MI, Elementary Education with music endorsementSimeon Raddatz, Lancaster, OH, Theological Languages/Pre-SeminaryHannah Schaefer, Bloomington, IN, Early Childhood EducationRachel Schaefer, Bloomington, IN, Elementary EducationZachary Zieschang, Austin, TX, BME/Parish Music/Piano Pedagogy

TrumpetBrooke Burmeister, Ortonville, MI, Psychology/SociologyRené G. Castillero, Marengo, IL, Theology/Pre-SeminarySara Genovese, Crystal Lake, IL, Secondary Education-MathTimothy Kern, Millington, MI, History/Pre-SeminaryKarol Kulak, River Grove, IL, MusicVictoria Anne Malina, Forest Park, IL, Special Education/PsychologyJoey Malme, Green Bay, WI, Computer Information SystemsAbigail Perry, LaGrange Park, IL, Art Education /Secondary Education+Laura Snyder, Concordia, MO, BME InstrumentalKevin Zorena, Midlothian, IL, BME Instrumental/Choral, Parish Music

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After a transition year when Marvin Koch conducted the band, Roger Gard was hired to continue to build the instrumental program. Gard also developed a strong jazz band that toured as well. When Roger Gard left Concordia for a Lutheran collegiate position on the west coast, the college leadership turned to a young enthusiastic conductor, Richard Fischer, who had just graduated from DePaul University and had experience in touring. The band went on annual tours, and in 1980 lew for the irst time to California and Arizona. As Concordia changed and expanded programs, including the bachelor of music education degree, the door was opened for greater emphasis on recruiting among Lutheran high schools and beyond. As the nature of concert wind music was changing throughout the nation, Concordia’s band followed suit under Fischer’s direction and in 1985 was renamed Wind Symphony.

The Wind Symphony has now performed in 43 states (including Alaska) and Canada. It has toured internationally (eastern Europe and China) since 2001. In 1993, Dr. Fischer led the ensemble in its irst of now thirteen recorded CDs of sacred wind music, which have been played on various radio networks across the country, including NPR, The Lutheran Hour and Moody Bible Network. Its 2014 spring tour will include a performance at Carnegie Hall.

The band program at Concordia-Chicago includes the University Band, a ine ensemble of university students and community players, many of whom are alumni. The Jazz Band, at one time conducted by Dr. Fischer, is now conducted by a well-known professional jazz trumpeter and arranger, Kirk Garrison. Students who are interested in playing for football and basketball games join the Cougar Band, which is conducted by a student leader each year.

Throughout all the changes in program and literature, Dr. Fischer and the members of these ensembles strive to attain musical excellence and share their Christian faith through the unique outreach of wind music.

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Dr. Richard Fischer, Distinguished Professor of Music and the Fred and Jane Wittlinger Endowed Chair for Music Performance, is in his 40th year as director of bands at Concordia University Chicago, River Forest, IL. He holds bachelor of music education and master of music degrees from De Paul University and the doctor of musical arts degree from Michigan State University. He has also studied at Cornell College and the University of Northern Colorado. At CUC, Dr. Fischer conducts the Wind Symphony and University Band. He teaches basic and advanced level conducting courses and supervises instrumental music student teachers.

Since Fischer’s arrival in 1974, the Wind Symphony has performed concerts in 43 states and Canada. In May 2001, the Wind Symphony toured Germany, the Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary and Slovakia. Since 2005, the ensemble has toured China three times. The Wind Symphony performed at the 24th National Conference of the College Band Directors National Association (CBDNA) in 1987, the 2003 Illinois Music Educators Conference and has recorded 13 compact discs of sacred wind music. Under Fischer’s direction, the Wind Symphony has commissioned and premiered numerous wind compositions. In the fall of 1995, the ensemble was invited to perform two concerts at The Symphony Center in Chicago. The Wind Symphony has also performed at the Lutheran Education Association conventions in Minneapolis, Cincinnati and Milwaukee. The Wind Symphony was invited to perform a concert at Carnegie Hall on March 4, 2014.

Dr. Fischer is in demand internationally as a guest conductor, clinician and adjudicator. In January 2012, he conducted the Illinois All-State Band in Peoria, and in February 2012 conducted the high school honor band at the Dorian Festival at Luther College. In 1994, he was named to the “A Team” of University Professors by the Chicago Tribune. Fischer was communications director for the World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles (WASBE) in preparation for the 1995 conference in Hamamatsu, Japan. From 1988 to 2010, Fischer served as music director for Ballet LeGere’s production of the Nutcracker Ballet and, for 17 years, served as the assistant conductor of the Symphony of Oak Park and River Forest.

Fischer’s professional afiliations include the College Band Directors National Association, World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles, National Association for Music Education, Illinois Music Educators Association and the National Band Association.

The Wind Symphony of Concordia University Chicago

and Dr. Richard R. Fischer, conductor

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Mark Records • 10815 Bodine Road • Clarence, NY 14031-0406Phone: 716-759-2600 • www.markcustom.com • P 2013 • 50772-MCD

WARNING: All rights reserved. Unauthorized duplication is a violation of applicable laws.

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let the amen sound

1. Joy in All Things Brian Balmages 6:27 (The FJH Music Company, Inc.)

2. On an American Spiritual David Holsinger 4:24 (TRN Music)

3. What Sweeter Music John Rutter 4:08 (premiere recording) Arr. Frederick Umar (Oxford University Press)

4. Let the Amen Sound Travis Cross 7:10 (premiere recording) (Theodore Music)

5. My Faith Looks Up to Thee Timothy Rhea 4:35 (TRN Music)

6. Shipston Prelude Stephen Bulla 3:51 (Curnow Music)

7. Divinum Mysterium arr. James Swearingen 3:46 (C. L. Barnhouse Company)

8. Shall We Gather at the River Dan Goeller 4:36 (premiere recording) Arr. Frederick Umar (Word Music, Inc.)

9. Panis Angelicus César Franck 4:53 (premiere recording) Transcribed by Eric Craddock (Manuscript)

10. Fantasy on a Gaelic Hymnsong David Holsinger 5:52 (TRN Music)

11. Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation (Westminster Abbey) setting by Cark Schalk 4:42 (from the 2003 CD Be Thou My Vision) Arr. Benjamin Culli

12. For All the Saints setting by Richard Hillert 7:29 (from the 2007 CD Expressions of Faith)

13. Alma Mater Paul Manz 1:27 (from the 2003 CD Be Thou My Vision) TOTAL 63:17