Biographies

MARK LEHNOWSKY

Mark Lehnowsky holds a J.D., an M.M. in Conducting, a B.M. in Composition, and a B.S. in Economics. He is in his fifth year at TVHS. He served as Artistic Director of the Marion Civic Chorale and the Choral Arts Society of Madison, the Director of Adult Choirs at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, and the Assistant Conductor of Penn State’s Essence of Joy; conducted the UW-Madison U Chorus, Masters Singers, Women’s Chorus, and Chorale; and founded and directed Shades of Blue, an award-winning a cappella group with alumni who have careers on Broadway. Mark has conducted his own music at ACDA National Convention and served as a clinician for high school and collegiate ensembles from PA, MD, NJ, WI, and MN. Mark is frequently commissioned, and his music is performed around the country. He had the honor of studying conducting with two Grammy Award winners who have premiered his compositions. Mark has written music for several short films, including a commercial that aired (once) on ESPN 2. He is a twotime International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella Best Arrangement winner. Mark has performed or conducted on four continents, at the Kennedy Center, and Notre Dame de Paris, and his music has been performed in the U.S. and Europe.

GARY LACROIX

Gary has been the staff piano accompanist for The Villages High School Music Department from 2010 to the present. “For the past 13 years it has been a privilege to make music with these fine young singers and instrumentalists.” He is also worship leader for New Song Community Church in Lady Lake, serving there since November of 2010. A private piano teacher to students of all ages, Gary is a native of Michigan where he studied piano as a music major at Michigan State University and Central Michigan University. Gary also accompanies the Marion Civic Chorale in Ocala. Gary and his wife Janet are members of the entertainment group "the LaCroixs." They perform variety music at various venues throughout The Villages and surrounding area.