# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1947_S249
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

SEMINARIES AND COLLEGES 247

who attended that conference gave repeated expression to their
conviction that the time for recognition of a curricular music
program at our Preparatory Schools has indeed arrived.

When we speak of music at our Preparatory Schools, your
Board definitely has in mind the distinctive character and primary
purpose of these schools. We view them as a means to prepare
young men for the study of theology and for ultimate service as
pastors and teachers in the Lutheran Church. Early practices and
policies of the Church which accorded due recognition to the need
for the study of sacred music in her schools and seminaries are
largely responsible for a superior musical heritage. We believe that
a continued understanding and appreciation of the function of music
in worship and life on the part of the Lutheran ministers and
teachers would make a distinct con ibution to the strength and
virility of spiritual growth in the Church.

Present Conditiens at Our Schools

At the present time the absence of regular, synodically salaried
music instructors at our schools accounts for a veritable patchwork
of program offerings in the important field of music. Very little
classroom instruction is offered in any of the Preparatory Schools.
The complete lack of synodical direction accounts for the somewhat
aimless activity in the field. Naturally, no single objective which
applies to all schools can be formulated.

At some schools, students are sent to private teachers who
have no formal connections with the college; other students enroll
for private study at near-by colleges. In some instances, students
interested in music study privately with members of the faculty
or with teachers engaged by the school but having no staff con-
nections. Some schools borrow records from the public library
in order to be able to offer a few essentials in music appreciation.
In one instance the President of the school himself organizes the
program, personally solicits funds, accompanies his own chorus,
and teaches the courses involved. Practically all schools struggle
with an acute shortage of practice facilities and equipment. No
one can fail to admire the heroic determination of these individuals
to supply what they recognize as a supreme need but for which
Synod provides little active support.

Proposals
Your Board believes that Synod should sponsor a curricular
program which will have the primary objective of supplying a basis
for a sympathetic understanding of sacred music and its use in
public worship. Secondary objectives should provide for participa-
tion in various musical enterprises so that competent students may