The excellent coverage on Feb. 29 of the lamentable decision to suspend the organ and church music programs at Northwestern University prompts my response.
The consequences of Music School Dean Toni-Marie Montgomery’s decision may appear to be limited to those students most directly involved, but that assumption is far from reality.
For generations, students within the program and its many, many alumni have brought service of high quality both to religious and educational institutions of the Chicago metropolitan area and far, far beyond. What they have contributed in musical and spiritual leadership is immeasurable. It is unthinkable that such enrichment under the aegis of a university founded by the church will cease.
As one who has been closely associated with this program for more than 40 years, I urge all those (including trustees of the university) who value the “king of instruments” and its important place in churches, synagogues and the wider public to implore school officials to reconsider this cessation of this program and to look for creative ways to enhance it for future generations.
