By Molly Engstrom

Alice Parker could sing before she could speak. She started composing songs at 5 and was writing orchestral compositions before she graduated from high school.

She has devoted her life to creating and directing vocal music.

It is because of her decades of experience, unparallel talent and outstanding commitment to music of the church that Concordia invited her to spend a few days on our campus this week.

The music department and Campus Ministry Commission hosted Parker this week. She was sponsored by the Lilly Call to Serve Program, which seeks to equip students with a greater understanding of vocation.

The purpose of her visit was to help students explore music and vocation by learning from her life experiences.

She shared how God has called her to use her gifts in music and to serve others - particularly in the area of church music and congregational singing.

"Alice Parker is both one of the most respected and one of the most widely published and performed choral composers of the last century," said Gretchen Person, associate pastor at Concordia.

"She has a unique ability to engage and inspire musicians and non-musicians alike."

Parker's knowledge of sacred vocal music is encyclopedic, Person said.

"She loves working with young people and engages them in creative and inspiring ways," Person said.

Parker had the opportunity to participate in several aspects of campus life while she was here. On Wednesday, she spoke at both the morning chapel and evening communion services.

Also on Wednesday, she spent time with students when she participated in a choral conducting class and gave students and faculty a chance to ask her questions over lunch.

In addition to these activities, she visited each of the five choirs at Concordia. All five groups are currently working on pieces composed by Parker and appreciated the time she spent directing and guiding them.

"We are able to get the most authoritative comments since it's her music. She has a lot of experience to share with us," said Paul Nesheim, director of Chapel Choir, Bel Canto and Kantorei. Parker wrapped up her stay by meeting with church professions' students on Thursday afternoon and offering a Mortenson Lecture on Church Music in the evening.

Throughout her two days here, Parker addressed the notion of vocation by sharing bits and pieces of her vast life experiences with music and following God's call.

She formally studied composition and conducting at Smith College and The Juilliard School. It was there that she first partnered with fellow musician Robert Shaw to create several American folksongs, hymns and spirituals for voice.

Since then, Parker has composed everything from opera to cantata, from solo pieces to full orchestral scores. Perhaps among one of her most well known accomplishments is Melodious Accord, Inc, a musical group she started in 1985. The group believes that "melody is an unparallel means of communication for human beingsä Singing together brings immediate benefits ­ physical, mental and spiritual."

They strive to enrich the lives of those who hear them through their unique blend of chords and rhythms. The 16-member group performs regularly throughout the year at concerts and workshops. It is popular for its SINGS where it joins with people of all musical backgrounds and teaches them to "make music with unremarkable joy and clarity."

Concordia faculty and students are appreciative of the wisdom that Alice Parker has to share regarding both music and vocation and are happy to have hosted someone of such stature.

"She has a strong repute for a number of aspects of musicianship. Her church credentials are so strong," Nesheim said. "She is a living legend."