“Where there is no music,

the spirit will not come.”

West African Proverb, shared by Rev. Dr. Brad R. Braxton

Music is a core value at First Lutheran. Our worship strives for excellence in the Lutheran musical tradition, which includes ancient worship patterns as well as modern worship music. Lutheran worship is participatory; the congregation sings together rather than other traditions where the worship leaders are in a performance style and congregation is less involved. Music is central to how we build faith.

Our commitment to music goes far beyond worship. We embrace the musical arts in many ways and are always seeking new ways to bring musical opportunities for performers and audiences in the community.

First Lutheran is a venue for a wide variety of musical performances. We have had many student recitals in partnership with the Texas State School of Music. Organ students from Texas State often use our organ. Our “House Concert” series has hosted a variety of acoustic-folk, country, singer-songwriter and other styles. We host rehearsals for a local symphony, recitals for young performers taking lessons from local teachers, and other performances from time to time.

Our latest adventure was hosting an April 2018 concert featuring Elaina Walzel, a young bassoonist who has played with us in worship several times. She asked if we could partner to help her raise money to participate in a summer music festival designed to prepare musicians for professional performances. We brainstormed a free concert at which we would collect donations, highlighting the talent of young musicians in our community rather than another more traditional fundraiser. It was a success and we hope to continue to develop these to support young musicians.

We also have an ongoing partnership with the San Marcos Artists’ Retention and Training Orchestra (SMART). They are dedicated to the enhanced appreciation and understanding of orchestral music in our community. They rehearse in our space and we are developing more opportunities for partnership together into the future.

If you need a performance venue, contact us. Bringing opportunities to hear good music in the community is part of our ministry.