Synod Senior Band

The Synod Senior Band was founded in 2005 by director Em Stark, as a ministry to and for senior citizens. The band is endorsed by the Minneapolis Area Synod of the ELCA, but is a nonprofit member-and-donation supported group.

 Visit the Synod Senior Band official Web site at www.ssb-mn.org.

Make music to the Lord with the harp...and with trumpets. Psalm 98:1-6

Presently, the band has over 70 members, and is presently scheduling performances for 2010.

Bishop Craig Johnson says, “Seniors have an enormous amount of talents and gifts to give to the church. It’s gratifying to know that people who once were college band members, band directors or high school band members, can years later revisit that talent and give back to the community.

Any band musician available on Tuesday mornings is eligible to join. There is no requirement to be Lutheran, no audition, and no fee to belong.

Rehearsals

The band meets regularly from April through October, with one or two rehearsals per month, plus 7-8 performances a year. “Snow Birds” are encouraged to belong.

Rehearsals are held at Westwood Lutheran Church, 9001 Cedar Lake Rd. in St. Louis Park. Rehearsals are at 10:30 a.m., with coffee and social time before rehearsal. This allows members easy traffic access and no driving during evening hours.

New members are encouraged to join at any time. Contact any band member or director Em Stark at 952-544-5601 for more information.

About the Director

Em Stark worked as a band director for 35 years in the Eden Prairie Schools, and was the founder and original director of the Eden Prairie Community Band. He is also active in older adult ministries, and felt that the Synod Senior Band would be a good outlet for his interest and abilities.

How to Schedule a Band Performance

The band annually sets it’s performance calendar during the previous fall and winter months. We are open to invitations to perform in most any location, but because of our mission statement, we prefer venues where audiences include senior citizens. If you or your group are interested in hosting the band for a performance, contact the director at 952-544-5601, at any time. There are no set fees, but donations are appreciated.

To Make a Donation to the Band

Because our group is not funded by any sponsor, we appreciate receiving donations to help fund our purchases of music and other necessary equipment. All donations are tax deductible if sent to the synod office. Checks should be made payable to “Minneapolis Area Synod, ELCA,” with “Synod Senior Band” indicated on the “for” line of the check. Send donations to the synod office at 122 W. Franklin Ave., Ste. 600, Minneapolis, MN 55404.