Valpo’s Lutheran Centennial Hymn Festival

Founded on Faith

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2024, 4:00 PM
Chapel of the Resurrection, Valparaiso University

In 1925, the Lutheran University Association—a group of Lutheran clergy and laity—purchased Valparaiso University. Homecoming 2024 will mark the beginning of a year-long celebration of Valpo’s Lutheran Centennial. The hymn festival is free and open to the public. 

Imagine the Chapel of the Resurrection filled with alumni and friends of Valparaiso University singing hymns together with the leadership of a 500-voice choir, band, orchestra, and organ with reflections by members of the Valparaiso University community. This event will be remembered for years to come. We hope you will participate! 

Register to participate by September 25.

500-Voice Choir Information: 

Sing with the 500-Voice Choir in celebration of the publication of the first Lutheran hymnals (1524) and Valparaiso University’s Lutheran Centennial (1925).  Valparaiso University choir alumni, Lutheran Summer Music (LSM) alumni, alumni family members, high school students, and church choir members will join current Valparaiso University choirs to form a 500-voice choir. The choir will lead festive hymn settings and will sing the choral anthem “Hallelujah” from The Mount of Olives – Beethoven. 

  • Music pdfs will be emailed to registrants. Participants will learn the music in advance and will print and bring their music in a black choir folder to campus on October 5. 
  • The choir will rehearse in the Chapel of the Resurrection on October 5, 2024. 
  • Register to participate by September 25.
  • 500-Voice Choir Schedule:

10:15-10:45 AM – Registration – Chapel Narthex

10:45 AM-12:00 PM – Rehearsal – Chapel

12:00-1:30 PM – Lunch on your own

1:30-3:00 PM – Rehearsal – Chapel

3:00-3:45 PM – Break

3:45 PM – Seated in Chapel for the Hymn Festival

4:00 PM – Hymn Festival begins

  • If you have limited mobility, please indicate on the registration form. 
  • High School students are welcome to participate in the 500-voice choir when accompanied by a parent; parents do not need to be musical participants. Parents are responsible for their child’s transportation to and within Valparaiso and for accommodations, meals, and supervision. Submission of the registration form indicates parental agreement. 
  • Performance attire: black shirt, pants, skirt, dress, black shoes.
  • The hymn festival will be approximately 80 minutes in length.
  • Registration is closed for this event.

Festival Band or Orchestra:

Valparaiso University Band alumni, Valparaiso University Orchestra alumni, and Lutheran Summer Music alumni are welcome to participate alongside current university students. We can accommodate up to 50 string players and 30 woodwinds, brass, and percussion. Participants will learn the music independently before October 5. 

  • Music will be sent by pdf to registrants. 
  • Participants will learn the music in advance and will bring their music to campus on October 5. 
  • The band and orchestra will rehearse in the Chapel of the Resurrection on October 5, 2024. 
  • Band/Orchestra Rehearsal Schedule:

8:30-9:15 AM – Band/Orchestra registration – Chapel narthex

9:30-10:30 AM – Band/Orchestra rehearsal

10:30 AM-1:00 PM – Lunch on your own. Enjoy Homecoming activities.

1:00-1:30 PM – Band/Orchestra Rehearsal

1:30-3:00 – Band/Orchestra/Choir Rehearsal

3:00-3:45 PM – Break

3:45 PM – Seated in Chapel for the Hymn Festival – Band/Orchestra/Choir

4:00 PM – Hymn Festival begins

  • Performance attire: black
  • The hymn festival will be approximately 80 minutes in length.
  • Registration has closed for this event.


Musical Leadership: 

Julie Grindle, ’92, Guest Organist

Dr. Jeffrey Scott Doebler ’87 M.M., Director of Bands

Dr. Marin Jacobson, Director of Choral and Vocal Activities

Dr. Diego Piedra, Director of Symphony Orchestra

This site will be updated; please check back for further details.

Please visit www.valpo.edu/lutheran-centennial for more information about centennial events.