LCMS Worship Institute: S1Ep21. Improving Church Choir Tone: A Marathon, Not a Sprint – Kurt von Kampen

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Improving the quality of singing doesn’t happen overnight. This session will give practical and simple techniques that should, over time, improve the sound of your church choir. Basic concepts of breathing, support, projection, balance and tone will be addressed.

Bio:

Kurt von Kampen is the fourth conductor in the 87-year history of the University A Cappella Choir at Concordia University, Nebraska (CUNE), Seward, Neb. He previously served as head of the choral program at Concordia University Ann Arbor (CUAA), Ann Arbor, Mich., and as director of music at Lutheran high schools in the Detroit area. Von Kampen holds a Bachelor of Science in Music Education from CUNE, a Master of Music in Choral Conducting from Oakland University and a Doctor of Musical Arts in Choral Music from the University of Nebraska. In 2007, von Kampen received Concordia’s Outstanding Teacher Award and in November 2012 was named the Nebraska Choral Directors Association Outstanding Choral Director of the Year.

This session recording is from the 2024 LCMS Institute on Liturgy, Preaching and Church Music held July 9–12, 2024 in Seward, Neb. For more information on the Institute, please visit https://resources.lcms.org/worship-planning/2024-institute-on-liturgy-preaching-and-church-music-resources .

Morning Prayer Venite from Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House. Used by permission. Setting by Paul Soulek.

The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod’s (LCMS) Worship ministry aims to nurture a culture of confessional faithfulness, artistic excellence and integrity in the presentation, distribution and reception of God’s life-giving gifts in Word and Sacraments. This ministry seeks to develop and deepen an understanding and love for the Lutheran heritage in Christian worship, and promotes the Lutheran Service Book as the core worship resource for the LCMS while also identifying and encouraging the many musical treasures and gifts that the Holy Spirit continues to pour upon the church. For more information: lcms.org/worship/institutes; lcms.org/worship.

Learn more about LCMS National Mission lcms.org/nationalmission.

Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.