Music at First Lutheran

Music is an integral part of the Lutheran worship experience. Martin Luther regarded music as more than a human invention, rather, one of the greatest gifts of God, an essential part of his own personal piety and of the churchly program (more on Martin Luther and music here).

The Choir

To that end, First Lutheran invites you to join our choir. Our rehearsals are usually before or after church on Sunday (or whenever we can fit them in conveniently). We take a summer recess but always welcome special music if you'd like to contribute.

Please contact Irene, our Director of Music, if you are interested in singing with the choir. You do not need to be a member or even regularly attending First Lutheran to join. We promise fun, fellowship, and a bit of education!

Musicians wanted

If you play a musical instrument, please Please contact Irene, our Director of Music. We are seeking trumpets, flutes or oboes for special contributions to our worship, especially on special occasions, like Easter and Christmas. We are also looking for guitarists, bass players and drummers. We promise it will be a fun and rewarding experience!

About our Director of Music

Irene Hartfield has been a church musician since she was in 6th grade and sang in the Junior Choir at First Lutheran. Irene's mother, Gene, was the organist and choir director for many years at First Lutheran. Irene began playing services and singing in the Sr. Choir in 7th grade, and also directed the Sr. Choir in her Senior year. She then attended Gustavus Adolphus College, a Lutheran liberal arts college in St. Peter, Minnesota, majoring in music.

After college, Irene moved to New York City to persue a career in popular music, which she did successfully for many years: singing and playing keyboards for recording sessions and in night clubs with her own band until 1986, when she began a new career in the computer field.

In 1996, Irene returned to Minnesota, living in the Twin Cities area and working as a web site designer (as well as playing at several churches and singing in Exultate, a chamber music ensemble) until moving back to the Ely area in 2002. We welcome her back and are thrilled to have her as organist and choir director, heading up the new music programs (as well as being our webmaster!) at First Lutheran.