A lot has been happening at the Center for Church Music. Check out these recent offerings…

NEW IN “PROFILES IN AMERICAN LUTHERAN CHURCH MUSIC” (video series)

https://www.cuchicago.edu/academics/centers-of-excellence/center-for-church-music/profiles-in-american-lutheran-church-music/video-interviews/

David Cherwien (organist, church musician, composer, director of the National Lutheran Choir) interviewed by Kate Adelman

NEW PUBLICATIONS

Benjamin Kolodziej – Biography of Richard Hillert (To be released by Fortress Press in 2027-2028)

Barry Bobb, Lisa Clark, David Rogner, Steve Starke – Beyond the Hymnals: Choosing Christian Song for the Lectionary/Series B

(Available soon as a free, downloadable PDF. (176 pp) See “Publications”)

https://www.cuchicago.edu/academics/centers-of-excellence/center-for-church-music/publications/

THE 2026 STUDENT AWARDS

The juries for the student awards have completed their tasks. For results, see link below.

https://www.cuchicago.edu/academics/centers-of-excellence/center-for-church-music/about-the-center/student-awards-2026/

William Wolfram Award in Liturgical Art

Richard Hillert Award in Student Composition

MEANWHILE, BACK AT THE CENTER…IT’S TRANSITION TIME!

Barry Bobb has retired as volunteer director of the Center after 13 years. For his concluding thoughts, see “From the Director.”

https://www.cuchicago.edu/academics/centers-of-excellence/center-for-church-music/

CUC has hired Dr. Elisabeth J.  Urtel as interim director. Watch for more about her and her vision for the months ahead…