My name is Katelyn, and I've been accepted as a student this summer for Lutheran Summer Music Academy & Festival.

I have been playing the violin since second grade. At first, I didn't love the violin because it wasn't very interesting to me. After a while, I got warmed up to it and started liking it more and more! I started getting more serious about violin in 5th grade when I joined my city's Northern Valley Youth Orchestra's (NVYO) Philharmonic orchestra. In 7th grade, I was able to be the concertmaster for that year. In eighth grade, I moved up to the Symphony orchestra where I was in the second violin section. This year (9th grade) I was able to move up to the first violin section. In 7th and 8th grade, I auditioned for my state's Middle-Level Honor's Orchestra and got in both times and was chosen among few to reaudition for concertmaster. Sadly in 7th grade, I wasn't able to get concertmaster but got 2nd chair. In 8th grade, I was finally able to become the concertmaster. This year, I auditioned for North Dakota's All-State Orchestra and was chosen as a first violin. Over my violin playing years I have been able to play in multiple ensembles for NVYO and play in nursing homes, libraries, and concerts.

I'm choosing LSM for my summer because it presents an incredible opportunity for me to further develop as a musician. As a freshman at Red River High School in Grand Forks, North Dakota, my musical journey began in the second grade when I started playing the violin. Over the years, I've had the privilege of participating in various musical endeavors, from playing in my city's Northern Valley Youth Orchestra to earning a spot in the North Dakota All-State Orchestra. LSM comes highly recommended, not only by my esteemed music teacher Dr. Kevin Sutterlin but also by seniors from my school who have previously attended. Their glowing reviews have convinced me that LSM will provide me with the challenges, inspiration, and knowledge necessary to elevate my musicianship to new heights. By immersing myself in LSM's environment, I hope to broaden my musical horizons, refine my skills, and ultimately become a more versatile and accomplished musician. I am confident that LSM will not only help me achieve my musical goals but also instill in me a lifelong love and appreciation for music.

I'm raising funds to be able to afford this experience. The full cost of LSM's four-week program is $2,695, and I'll have travel expenses (the program is in Indiana) - but I'm hoping we can raise a portion of this to offset our cost. Plus, if I can raise $1,000 by May 15, I'll be eligible for a $500 match from LSM. Thank you for your generosity and any help you can give!

Lutheran Summer Music Academy & Festival (LSM) is the nation’s premier faith-based music academy for high school students. In addition to advanced musical instruction and numerous performance opportunities, LSM students form an intentional community, living together for four weeks on a college campus. Since 1981, this unique and immersive program has guided the lives of young musicians who credit LSM as the starting place for their future careers and vocations.

LSM was founded to celebrate and extend the rich musical heritage of the Lutheran church. Our founders believed that by providing high-quality training and performance opportunities to young musicians they could cultivate a lifelong love of classical and sacred music, thus preserving these art forms for generations to come.

Katelyn H. - LSM 2024 Tuition

By Lutheran Summer Music

Katelyn H. - LSM 2024 Tuition

Help Katelyn get to LSM!