Musical opportunities expand at Immanuel Lutheran with new music director, Frank Degler

“Old Beginnings” – Well established even before its church congregation existed, the music program at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Sheboygan has been thriving for more than a century. Today, the program is experiencing its first taste of a completely new repertoire and music performance venue through a recently revitalized music program.

Over the years, as with many churches, Immanuel’s music program has experienced both peaks and valleys, but the history of Immanuel generally includes expanded music performances, larger choirs and even a wind-instrument “band” that performed during holiday and special events.

The church has seen several generations of congregation, musicians and choir members, including several music directors. Many of the former music directors have transitioned to advanced professional venues to include music faculty at universities and teaching institutions, and others have moved on to develop new music programs in other churches.

During the last decade, Immanuel has maintained a lower profile regarding its music program, although Professor Richard Daehnert established a new English hand-bell ensemble in 2003. In 2008-09, decisions were made to refurbish the aging pipe organ, which is currently undergoing that process, and to initiate a fund-raising campaign to finance the significant expense. The organ refurbishment project is an indication of Immanuel's commitment to providing a healthy and quality music program.

“New Repertoire” – In August 2009, Immanuel recruited a new music director, Frank Degler, who is spearheading the recent program development. Some of the initial changes include the inception of two new choirs, one for performing a blended/contemporary genre, and the other for youth Christian music to include an array of music genre from classical to contemporary. Along with new choirs, the practice of including music theory and performance instruction, plus advanced vocal training is making a difference in the sounds heard during services.

Degler, who is an experienced music director, conductor, composer and musician, has opened several possible avenues for Immanuel Lutheran Church and School including orchestra, musical theatre/drama, opera, advanced music education and a variety of performance venues. As a concert pianist and organist trained by various world-renowned masters, Degler performed internationally in the early 1970s. He also received advanced formal training in voice, chorus, opera, theatre, orchestration and conducting at Carnegie Mellon and Duquesne Universities.

“With every new beginning, there is a multifaceted learning process,” announced Degler at the first rehearsal at Immanuel Lutheran on Sept. 8. “We have come a long way in three months – but our greatest achievements remain as part of our ongoing future development.” Since that first rehearsal date in September, there have been 20 special performances by the choirs and hand-bell ensemble during services and our next performance will occur during the Christmas Eve Music Service at 5 p.m. on Dec. 24.

The upcoming Christmas Musical Service performance will include various selections performed by an orchestra ensemble comprised of several guest strings musicians from the Sheboygan Symphony Orchestra and a few of the operatic vocalists who recently performed solos during the “Messiah” performance at the Stephanie H. Weill Center. Many other talented musicians and vocalists will also perform as part of the ensemble, including all of the Immanuel choirs and bell choir ensemble.

Although this will be Immanuel’s first major performance program in several years, the intent is to continue expanding its music programs. Some of the key future areas of focus for Degler are to develop the music elements and musical drama arts related to children, young adults and parents with children who enjoy both traditional and blended/contemporary Christian music. Degler also intends to provide extended traditional service music, as well as the further development of classical, orchestral, and vocal ensemble, plus music educational programs.

“The Sheboygan area is blessed with many extremely talented and committed musicians and artists. I have had the privilege of associating and working with many of the local music professionals who currently provide the community with a healthy and quality supply of beautiful music,” Degler states. During the last four years, Degler has increased the volume of his music activities in the Sheboygan area but is careful not to exceed his time limits, as he still manages his company that provides national medical/ educational consulting services.

The members of Immanuel Lutheran Church are committed to maintain and further develop the quality of music during all worship services and educational venues.

Musicians and vocalists throughout the Sheboygan community are invited to participate in this “New Repertoire.”

Immanuel Lutheran Church and School are located at 17th Street and Illinois Avenue in Sheboygan, telephone 452-7266.