When young people are connected to one another and to their faith, they have a deeper sense of self, compassion, and justice. As pastors and caring adults in the Minneapolis Area Synod (MAS), join us in exploring how we can help young people thrive through making music together.
Musicians and youth workers Alyssa Schwitzer and Kent Goodroad (LK-ArtsAcademy.com) are partnering with the synod and its congregations to launch a Synod Youth Choir. The youth choir is intended to support the already incredible faith formation happening within congregations and will be more “pop-up” in practice.
Participating congregations and youth will gather once a month between January and June to learn songs, meet other young people from Lutheran congregations, and prepare to sing with a larger youth choir at the Synod Assembly (May 2-3, 2025) as well as one other gathering (to be determined).
The choir is designed for any and all young people ages 5-18 regardless of musical experience. Participating congregations are asked to make a financial sponsorship to support the choir. All young people are invited to participate.
If you think youth members from your congregation would be interested, please fill out this brief Congregation Interest Form. Alyssa or Kent (MASyouthchoir@mpls-synod.org) will follow up with you.
Meet the Team
Alyssa (Lou) Schwitzer
Alyssa is a Minneapolis-based vocalist, recording artist, composer, worship leader, educator, and voice teacher/coach working with individuals, churches, schools, and organizations locally and nationally. As a vocalist, she has taken up residencies in cities such as New York City and Boston; having the opportunity to perform for organizations such as Minnesota Public Radio, American Composers Forum, Thrivent Financial, Ravinia Festival, ELCA Extravaganza, ELCA MYLE, and the ELCA Youth Gathering, among others. Alyssa has a passion for empowering youth through music. She is the co-founder of both LK-Arts Academy and Music Is Wellness — programs designed to provide accessible music education aimed at building skills in music and social-emotional wellness. Alyssa serves as music director at Redeemer Lutheran Church in North Minneapolis and maintains an active performing and teaching career in the Twin Cities.
Kent Goodroad
Kent is a performer, composer, and music educator both locally (Minneapolis) and nationally. He has performed and composed for Minnesota Public Radio (MPR), Minnesota Composer’s Forum, MNKINO Film Festival, ELCA Extravaganza, ELCA MYLE, and the ELCA Youth Gathering. He is the co-founder of both LK-Arts Academy and Music Is Wellness — programs designed to provide accessible music education aimed at building skills in music and social-emotional wellness. Kent is the accompanist at Redeemer Lutheran Church in North Minneapolis and maintains an active performing and teaching career in the Twin Cities.