Musicians, Alumni, and Advocates of the Arts: We need your help!

Northwestern University's School of Music Dean, Toni-Marie Montgomery, recently announced plans to eliminate the Organ and Church Music major degree programs. In addition, Dean Montgomery has instructed the School of Music Admissions staff to refuse all applications for Fall, 2004, effective immediately.

Headed by Dean Peter Christian Lutkin more than a century ago, the study of organ and church music was the foundation of Northwestern's School of Music. The first degree in organ performance was awarded by Northwestern in 1895! Since then, Northwestern alumni and students have, and still continue to fill top positions, and win awards and competitions in the field of Organ and Church Music.

We believe that the termination of the Organ and Church Music major degree programs, and the resulting loss of Northwestern University trained organists and church musicians, would be a devastating loss for the Northwestern community, especially Alice Millar Chapel, Seabury and Garret Seminaries, the city of Chicago and suburbs, and the world at large. Please note that the American Guild of Organists 2006 National Convention will take place in Chicago. One can only imagine that Northwestern's absence will have a negative effect on the convention's success.

To maintain its status as a major university, we believe that Northwestern must continue its commitment to competitive degree programs in Organ and Church Music.

We respectfully request that the Northwestern University Administration reconsider and reverse their decision to eliminate the School of Music's Organ and Church Music major degree programs.

We would be most grateful for your help in this matter. Please send letters of support to:

President Henry Bienen
Northwestern University
Crown 2-130
Evanston, IL 60208

Provost Lawrence B. Dumas
Northwestern University
Crown 2-143
Evanston, IL 60208

For our records, please also send a copy to:
Northwestern Organ Students
1921 Sherman Ave. #GS
Evanston, IL 60201

We whole-heartedly believe that with your support, the Organ and Church Music programs at Northwestern will continue to thrive, and provide the world with many more generations of excellent leaders, musicians and scholars. We most humbly thank you for your support,