Dr. Frank A. Watkins
Artistic Director and Conductor
Heidi Joosten
Commissioned Composer
PROOF
2023–2024 Concert Season
FALL CONCERT
I, Too, Sing America
October 15, 2023 at 4:00 p.m.
Pablo Center at the Confluence, Eau Claire, Wisconsin
SPONSOR: ANONYMOUS
CHRISTMAS CONCERT
Lessons and Carols: A Rose in Winter
December 8, 2023 at 7:30 p.m.
First Congregational UCC, Eau Claire, Wisconsin
SPONSOR: CHIPPEWA VALLEY EYE CLINIC
December 9, 2023 at 1:00 p.m.
CHIPPEWA VALLEY EYE CLINIC
Saint Charles Borromeo Church, Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin
SPONSOR: WILLIAM J. & GERTRUDE R. CASPER FOUNDATION AND THE LAMOUREUX FAMILY
SPRING CONCERT
Choral Images: Out of the Depths, I Cry
March 10, 2024 at 3:00 p.m.
First Congregational UCC, Eau Claire, Wisconsin
SPONSOR: THE EDDY-GIDEONSEN FAMILY, VAN BEEK-KAISER FAMILY, AND ANNELIES SLACK & HOWARD WHITE
ANCILLARY PERFORMANCES
Lessons and Carols: A Rose in Winter
December 2, 2023 at 3:00 p.m.
Saint Luke and James Episcopal Church, Minneapolis, Minnesota
SPONSORS: FRIENDS OF THE MASTER SINGERS
Missa Choralis Series
March 9, 2024 at 4:30 p.m.
CHIPPEWA VALLEY EYE CLINIC
Basilica of Saint Mary, Minneapolis, Minnesota
SPONSOR: FRIENDS OF THE MASTER SINGERS, THE MASTER SINGERS CIRCLE
The Master Singers, a community changer ensemble with membership from throughout the Greater Chippewa Valley, performs repertoire from a rich choral tradition. The ensemble is celebrating its Thirty-First Concert Season in 2023-2024 with a subscription series featuring three concerts. The Master Signers is pleased to be working with Heidi Joosten as our commissioned composer in the 31st Concert Season.
The ensemble is dedicated to the fostering, promotion, and appreciation of choral music in the Greater Chippewa Valley with the membership of The Master Singers from colleges and universities that are noted for a strong choral tradition. Annually, the ensemble performs in churches and concert halls in the Chippewa Valley, Minneapolis, and Saint Paul, including, since 1997, performing as guest artist in the Missa Choralis Series at the Basilica of Saint Mary in Minneapolis. Additionally, the ensemble has appeared in Wisconsin at the River Arts Center in Prairie du Sac, the Richland Concert Association in Richland Center, the Mabel Tainter Center for the Arts in Menomonie, the Heyde Center for the Arts in Chippewa Falls and the Flambeau Valley Arts Association in Ladysmith.
The Master Singers has collaborated with prominent choral conductors/ composers including Eric Barnum, Jackson Berkey, Eph Ehly, Dan Forrest, James Fritschel, Dale Grotenhuis, Elaine Hagenberg, Dan Kallman, Connor Koppin, Zachary Moore, James Mulholland, Kyle Pederson,
Andrew Steffen, Z. Randall Stroope, Timothy Takach, and Jeffrey Van. This collaboration has involved annual commissioned works for the ensemble involving numerous composers over their history.
The Master Singers has appeared in concert with the Chippewa Valley Symphony Orchestra, Eau Claire Chamber Orchestra, Philadelphia Brass, and the University of WisconsinEau Claire Symphony Orchestra. Since 2006, The Master Singers has been featured on Wisconsin Public Radio in an annual broadcast of their Christmas concert. The Master Singers performed at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C. honoring John F. Kennedy in February 2013. In 2014, the ensemble participated in a choral residency with composer Dan Forrest in Chicago. The Master Singers participated in the Four Freedom Choral Festival in Washington D.C. honoring Franklin Delano Roosevelt in 2016. Members of The Master Singers participated in the UW-Eau Claire Alumni Choir in the 75th Anniversary of D-Day and the Liberation of France Choral Festival in Paris in 2019.
Membership in the choir is through audition with the conductor. Interested vocalists are encouraged to contact the conductor at watkinfa@uwec.edu. To learn more about the ensemble, please visit our website at: www.TheMasterSingers. net.
SEASON SPONSORS:
SOPRANO 1
Jamie Brieske
Veronica Ludin
Rachael McIlquham
Becky Santine
Emily Sternfeld-Dunn
The Master Singers
SOPRANO 2
Jennifer Corcoran
Kristin Gerry
Nikki Harper
Annie Jackson
Taylor Wallace
Annelise White
ALTO 1
Annie Bailey
Jennifer Eddy
Catherine Lofy
Laura Reali
Megan Sorenson
ALTO 2
Adrian Cramer
Kari Lammers
Patty Marsnik
Sarah Pennington
Robin Stoessel
TENOR 1
Zach Franson
Sandra Mighell
Collin Sorenson
TENOR 2
Matthew Jones
Matt Nyman
BASS 1
Eric Nielsen
David Johnson
James Jones
Paul Van Beek
The Board of Directors
BASS 2
Lucas Hoffland
Slavko Ivankovic
Derrick Tillus
Howard White
President: *Lukas Hoffland • President Elect: *Emily Sternfeld-Dunn
Past President: Marcia Van Beek
Secretary: *Matt Nyman • Treasurer: Ann Lamoureux
Board Members: Tim Santine, *Robin Stoessel, *Annelies Slack
Ex Officio
Conductor: Dr. Frank A. Watkins • Executive Assistant: *Annie Jackson
*denotes current member of the ensemble
Frank A. Watkins
Artistic Director and Conductor
Frank A. Watkins, ar tistic director and conductor, is an Associate Professor of Music and Director of Choral Studies at the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire. A native of Omaha Nebraska, Watkins taught secondar y choral music in Texas for six years. He holds degrees in piano per formance from Jackson State University (BM), the University of Arkansas (MM), and choral conducting from Northwestern University (MM) and Michigan State University (DMA). Watkins is in demand as guest conductor and clinician. In 2016, he was appointed Conductor and Music Director of the Eau Claire Chamber Orchestra. Recent engagements include the Big Nine Festival Honor Choir, the Great Nor thern Conference All- Conference Choir, Cloverbelt All-Conference Honor Choir, the 2018 Men’s Choir Festival, Big 8 Choral Festival, Nor thwest Suburban Conference Choir, the 2021 WSMA State Honors Mixed Choir, and the 2022 WCDA State Treble Choir. He has presented workshops on choral methods for the International Music and Christian Ar ts Conference, Michigan State University, and the Ohio State University. He has presented workshops at both the Wisconsin Music Educators State Convention and the National Collegiate Choral Organization National Conference. Additionally, he has taught internationally with Village Harmony. Choirs under his direction have per formed at the Wisconsin Music Educators State Conference (2018; 2023), Wisconsin Choral Director’s Association State Conference (2023), and the Nor th Central Divisional Conference of the American Choral Directors Association (2020).
In 2017-18, Watkins led an International Fellows Trip to Dakar, Senegal to study the use of hip-hop and rap as a form of non-violent political protest. In 2023, Watkins was a guest lecturer in Cape Town, South Africa. Watkins’ research interests include the intersectionality of race, class, and gender in the music of African-American Women in the 21st century.
Watkins joined the faculty of the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire in 2014. A dynamic young conductor, Watkins’ love and passion are teaching. He believes that in order to educate, you must first inspire! It is his goal to make an impact…not just an impression on the lives of those that follow his baton.
“Beautiful music. It is like what I envision the angels will sing!”
- Concert Patron
Rebecca Santine
Assistant Director and soprano, is in her fifteenth season with The Master Singers. She is the choral music educator at Regis High School and Regis Middle School in Eau Claire, currently in her twenty-fourth year of teaching. Rebecca attended the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire where she was a member of the Concert Choir, Women’s Concert Chorale, and was the student director of the mixed a cappella ensemble, Impromptu. In the early 2000’s, Rebecca served as the vocal music director for several local community theater musicals. In 2017, Rebecca ser ved as the director of the Chippewa Valley’s Commemoration of the 500th Anniversary of the Lutheran/Catholic Reformation Common Prayer Ser vice’s 100+ voice combined choir, taking place at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and St. John Lutheran Church in Eau Claire. She enjoys directing the Adult Choir at her home parish, St. James the Greater Catholic Church, having ser ved as their director since 2001. Rebecca is married to Tim, and they have two wonderful children, Dominic and Gabriella, and a beautiful Siberian Husky named Navi. When she is not teaching music or spending time with her family, Rebecca enjoys running and yoga, and periodically per forming on local community theater stages.
Megan Sorenson
Accompanist, has played piano for 26 years and has accompanied for around 20 years. In her early piano career, Megan competed in solo competitions through the Wisconsin Music Teachers Association and Wisconsin School Music Association. She accompanied her middle and high school choirs, in addition to ser ving as the pianist in the pit orchestra for school productions. Her education continued while attending the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, where she studied solo piano and accompanied solo musicians for recitals and recordings. One of her most notable experiences in college was ser ving as the accompanist for the UWEC Concert Choir for several years, which allowed her to travel domestically and internationally with the ensemble. After college, she continued her accompanying with the Master Singers, where she still plays today. In addition to the Master Singers, Megan enjoys finding opportunities to accompany weddings and events throughout the community.
“Lovely concert!”
Commissioned Composer
Heidi Joosten (She/her/hers)
Heidi has collaborated on over 100 new theatrical, comedic, and concert productions in the Chicagoland area
is a Chicago-based composer, lyricist, pianist, harpist, orchestrator, sound designer, music director, vocal coach, and conductor. She is absolutely thrilled and grateful to be collaborating with Dr. Watkins on this commission for The Master Singers of Eau Claire. Since 2014, Heidi has collaborated on over 100 new theatrical, comedic, and concer t productions in the Chicagoland area, including ser ving as the music director and conductor of CHILDREN OF EDEN, per formed live at the Cadillac Palace Theatre in October 2022 and available soon to stream. Notable theatrical writing collaborations include: THE BONE HARP, QUEER EYE: THE MUSICAL PARODY, SAINT HILDEGARD: THE RUPERTSBERG TOUR, and MICRO. Recently, she has orchestrated for Drur y Lane Theater (GREASE) as well as the Chicago Shakespeare Theater (BEAUTY AND THE BEAST) and looks forward to collaborating as a music director with Kokandy Productions (AMERICAN PSYCHO), Theo Ubique (ASSASSINS), and ser ving as the associate conductor on the national tour of SPIDER-MAN: INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE to round out her 2023. Heidi is a highly-sought after classical composer with over 200 works to her name, and her award-winning music has been per formed across the United States, Canada, Europe and Australia. Heidi holds a Bachelors of Music from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and Masters of Music from Roosevelt University - Chicago College of Performing Ar ts. She is an adjunct professor at Nor th Park University and also works as an MD in the Second City Training Center. Heidi is a proud member of ASCAP and the Dramatists Guild.
www.heidijoosten.com | @heidijoosten
The Singers
Eric G Nielson is a 4-year member of the ensemble. A graduate of Nor thern Iowa University and Loiusville Presbyterian Theological Seminar y, he is a retired Presbyterian Church (USA) Pastor, including 12 years of ser vice in Eau Claire. He is now a Senior Consumer Loan Officer at WESTconsin Credit Union. Eric has ser ved on The Master Singers Board, and is a former Board President of the Chippewa Valley Symphony Orchestra. Eric is a frequent soloist with various community groups and is an active member of St Johns Lutheran Church.
Robin Stoessel, alto, board member, and native Iowan is thrilled to be in her second season with The Master Singers. A graduate of the University of Nor thern Iowa with a B.A. degree in Elementar y Education, she taught primarily Kindergarten for 31 years. Following retirement she studied voice under Margaret Smothers and sang with the Metropolitan Chorale ( Waterloo/Cedar Falls, IA) under the direction of Dr. Lee Nelson. Since moving to Eau Claire in 2017 she has sung with the Holcombe Madrigal Court Singers directed by Joni Weinert, several local community choruses, and the Chancel Choir of First Congregational UCC. Robin enjoys being active - hiking, biking, kayaking, and gardening. She and her husband Mike have three daughtersJodie and Annie in Iowa , and Holly, along with son-in-law Tom and grandkids Abby and Tucker in Alaska.
Sandra Mighell, tenor, is delighted to be in her third season this year with The Master Singers. Sandra has sung for many years with various college and community choirs. Most notably, she sang under Robert Fountain with the UW-Madison Concert Choir in her college years, and more recently under David Bell with the Golden Community Choir in Golden, CO, and under Matthew Mehaffey with the
Oratorio Society of Minnesota in St. Paul, MN. She is a graduate of UW-Madison, with a BA in Psychology. She is also a studied and masterful instructor of mindful movement, including the disciplines of Qigong, Tai Chi and The Nia Technique. In addition to singing, dancing, and moving, she enjoys reading, gardening, weekend car adventures, jigsaw puzzles, making music and spending time with her par tner Daniel (a professional musician in Eau Claire).
Taylor Wallace, I am so excited to be back per forming with The Master Singers this season! I was apar t of the group from 2017-2020 including when they performed in Paris in 2019 for the 75th commemoration of D-Day, I was also selected as a soloist. I am a 4k-12 music teacher for the Elmwood school district, my husband is a full time firefighter/ paramedic as well as a free lance trumpet player, and our son is in 5th grade, plays piano and just recently started choir and trombone! Our favorite thing to do as a family is travel.
Patty Marsnik, alto, is happy to be singing with The Master Singers for her eleventh season. Patty is a Speech/Language Pathologist for Prevea Therapy Institute and St. Joseph’s Hospital in Chippewa Falls. She obtained her undergraduate degree in Communication Disorders from the College of St. Teresa’s and Winona State university, and her graduate degree in Speech and Hearing Sciences from Minnesota State University-Moorhead. Patty has sung with a variety of musical groups, various musical theater productions, and her parish choir in Eau Claire. With her husband, Pete and two grown children, Patty enjoys attending area ar ts productions, running, and travel.
Emily Sternfeld-Dunn is a multi-faceted performer and educator whose experience spans classical, music theater, and commercial music Her award-winning album, SHE, was released in April 2018. She has per formed as a soprano soloist with the Wichita Symphony Orchestra, Connecticut Concert Opera, the Idaho Washington Symphony, and the Palouse Choral Society. Emily’s arrangements are performed around the countr y and are a staple of MTWichita’s teen choir.
As an educator Emily has taught voice and piano lessons for the last twenty years. She has been on faculty teaching voice at Washington State University, Southwestern College, Fort Hays State University, and Wichita State University while maintaining a private studio. She is currently on the voice faculty at University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire.
You can read more about Emily at www.emilysternfelddunn.com.
Laura Seymour Reali, raised in the culture-rich Eau Claire area, Laura spent her formative years learning, per forming, and appreciating music Schooled as an instrumentalist, she discovered her voice after graduating from high school. Although she never studied voice, she spent her adult years singing with a number of choral ensembles, including the first 10 seasons of The Master Singers. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from UW-Stout in Technical Communications and always looked forward to leaving her job at the end of the day when choir rehearsals or per formances awaited. In retirement she enjoys pickleball, racquetball, quilting, golfing, singing/ playing in a 60’s cover band, and, most of all, being Grandma Laura.
Sarah Pennington, alto, has been a member of The Master Singers since 2018. She attended UWEC and sang with Concert Choir and Women’s Concert Chorale. In addition to The Master Singers, Sarah is a member of Chorale a’ Nouveau
and Christ Church Cathedral Choir. She enjoys camping, kayaking, quilting, and crochet and has two very spoiled miniature schnauzers.
Rebecca Santine, soprano, is excited to be per forming in her fifteenth season with The Master Singers, as well as taking on a new role as Assistant Director. She is the choral music educator at Regis High School and Regis Middle School in Eau Claire, currently in her twenty-fourth year of teaching. Rebecca attended the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire where she was a member of the Concert Choir, Women’s Concert Chorale, and was the student director of the mixed a cappella ensemble, Impromptu. Rebecca is married to Tim, and they have two wonderful children, Dominic and Gabriella, and a beautiful Siberian Husky named Navi. When she is not teaching music or spending time with her family, Rebecca enjoys running and yoga, and periodically performing on local community theater stages. She also enjoys directing the Adult Choir at her home parish, St. James the Greater Catholic Church in Eau Claire.
Jennifer Corcoran, soprano, is excited to begin her first season with The Master Singers! She ser ves as the K-12 vocal and general music teacher in Thorp, where she is blessed to share her love of music with her amazing students. Jennifer earned her Bachelor of Ar ts degree in Music from Sonoma State University in California and her Master of Music degree in Choral Conducting from the University of Minnesota. During festival season, she can often be found at a WSMA solo & ensemble festival where she ser ves as a master adjudicator In addition to The Master Singers, she has been a member of Exultate, a chamber choir and orchestra based in the Twin Cities. She also ser ves as a cantor at St. Mar y’s Catholic Church in Altoona. In her spare time, Jennifer enjoys spending time and traveling with her husband, Jamie, and their beautiful daughters, Sophie and Keira.
Lukas Hoffland, bass and Board President, works for the stations of Mid-West Family Eau Claire, including Greatest Hits 98.1 (Program Director/ On-Air Personality), 95.9 jamz (Music Director), Spor ts Talk 105.1, and I-94. He is a contributor for Volume One magazine; and hosts the “Got Time for A Quick Story?” podcast. Lukas is in his twentysecond season singing with The Master Singers. Lukas’s hometown is Eau Claire, and he per formed in Madrigals and Old Abe Show Choir at Memorial High School. He is a 2000 graduate of Luther College, where he sang in Nordic Choir, among other vocal ensembles, and founded Luther College Vocal Jazz. He continues to pursue careers in music and broadcasting.
Jamie Brieske, soprano, joins The Master Singers for her first season. She received her undergraduate degree in Music and Religion from Luther College. She taught middle school and high school music for four years before attending Luther Seminary and becoming a pastor. She currently ser ves at Immanuel Lutheran Church (ELCA) in Eau Claire. She is active in her church choir and enjoys per forming in community theatre. Jamie loves to go
for walks with her husband Chad and cheer on her sons Bennett and Brandt at their sporting and musical events.
Zach Franson, tenor, is returning for his eighth year with The Master Singers. He is a graduate from the Psychology program at the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire. While at UW-Eau Claire, Zach sang in The Singing Statesmen for two and a half years under previous Master Singers conductor, Dr Gar y Schwartzhoff. Zach works for the State of Wisconsin - DHS at Nor thern Wisconsin Center in Chippewa Falls as a Case Manager/ Developmental Disabilities Specialist. He looks forward to the oppor tunity of being able to create beautiful music again with The Master Singers as they embark upon a new adventure under the direction of Dr Watkins this concert season.
“If music be the food of love, sing on!”
Adrian Cramer, alto, is excited to join the group this year! She is the music teacher and choir director at Crestview Academy in Eau Claire. She also teaches private lessons in voice, guitar, and piano. She graduated from Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee, where she enjoyed
“I am 90 and told my 2 daughters from the Twin Cities they had to come down (regardless of the weather) to bring me! Wonderful performance! Wonderful present!”
— Concert Patron
being a par t of many vocal ensembles such as the Evangelistic Singers, Chorale, and Opera Theater. She has enjoyed volunteering her time at her church, Harvestime, working with the students to prepare for Christmas programs and other special musical services.
Megan Sorenson, alto, is looking forward to taking par t in her eighth season with The Master Singers. Megan is a graduate of UW-Eau Claire, where she majored in both elementar y education and music While in college, Megan par ticipated in the Concert Choir, Wind Ensemble, Symphony Band, and University Orchestra, having opportunities to tour par ts of the United States and Europe with the ensembles In addition, Megan continues her career in education teaching first grade at Locust Lane Elementar y in Eau Claire. She is very appreciative to have the oppor tunity to create music with The Master Singers again this season. When she is not working or singing, Megan enjoys playing piano, taking care of her two cocker spaniels Belle and Leia, and spending time with family and friends.
Nicole Harper, soprano, is in her fourth season with The Master Singers. Nicole is proud to be a par t of her successful family run construction business, Design Built Structures as the Office Manager. Plus, she is a vocal coach in Chippewa Falls where she has the pleasure of teaching so many talented young musicians. Nicole graduated from UW-Eau Claire with a Bachelor of Music-Vocal Performance degree. While at UWEC, she sang in Women’s Concert Chorale, Concert Choir, Vocal Jazz ensemble, and multiple a cappella ensembles. She has sung for many weddings, been a soloist for innumerable events and various area jazz bands. She helped keep music alive during the pandemic by recording online content for her church, Our Savior ’s Lutheran Church in Chippewa Falls, as well as other area churches. In her free time, she enjoys playing volleyball, spending time with friends and getting in as much time with
her amazing family, especially in their happy place, up north on Long Lake.
Rachael McIlquham is a UWEC alumni who had the pleasure of working under Dr. Frank Watkins in college and is thrilled to be able to do it again. She is in her ninth year of teaching and her fourth year teaching choir at Chi-Hi. At ChiHi she directs four concer t ensembles, competitive show choir, and an adaptive music program. Before teaching in Chippewa she taught at Beloit Memorial High School and at Eau Claire Nor th High School. She is grateful for the oppor tunity the Master Singers gives her to explore music and to be a singer in the choir again!
Kari Lammers, alto, is beginning her first season with The Master Singers. She received Secretarial Science and Materials Management degrees from the Chippewa Valley Technical College (CVTC) and worked primarily as a buyer 25 years for Eau Claire County and CVTC. She has been active in West Ridge Church, singing in choir, dramas and on worship team; scheduling vocal ensembles and directing Fine Ar ts human videos, skits and dramas. Kari has been involved in the UW- Eau Claire Symphonic Choir since 2003 and joined the Chippewa Valley Festival Choir in 2019 (created for the Chippewa Valley Symphony Orchestra). She joined The Master Singers on a Paris Choral Festival in 2019 commemorating the 75th Anniversary of D-Day. Kari enjoys: Biking, Hiking, Lifting Weights, Gardening and Reading. She and her husband, Duane, have 2 children: Matt, along with his wife Julia and daughter Izzy; and Abbey - all residing in Minneapolis.
Kristi Gerry, soprano, is delighted to return to The Master Singers for her sixteenth season.Born into a family of musicians, Kristi grew up singing, playing piano and violin, and loving it all. A 1984 graduate of St Olaf College in Nor thfield, MN, Kristi studied voice with Alice Larsen, and sang in Manitou, Chapel and the St Olaf Choir while on campus. Singing and
music making with others continue to bring joy to Kristi. She is mother to three amazing daughters and has a terrific sonin-law, and has added Grandma to her resume with a 22 month old grandson, and a new-grand baby expected in September.
Matt Nyman, tenor, is in his third season with The Master Singers. Matt is an Information Security Engineer working for Jamf in the Eau Claire area. He went to college at the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire where he sang with The Singing Statesmen, the Chamber Choir, and the Concert Choir while completing a bachelor ’s degree in Business Administration. He is excited to be singing with The Master Singers once more!
Collin Sorenson, tenor, is in his first season with The Master Singers. Collin is Accounting Manager working for Specialty Smile Partners in Eau Claire, WI. He went to college at the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire where he sang with The Singing Statesmen, Symphonic Choir, and Fifth Element a capella while completing a bachelor ’s degree in both Accounting and Information Systems. He enjoys spending his free time with his cats Mona and Luna.
David Johnson, baritone, is excited for his first year in The Master Singers. After a long hiatus raising kids, he is jazzed (dad joke) to be back in music. He was a Singing Statesman in college, per formed in Fiddler on the roof, and was in the Fall Creek Men’s Choir He has a wife Brenna, 4 children, dogs, cats, and 11 chickens. His kids say he can’t remember lyrics so he is here to prove them wrong.
Catherine Lofy, alto, is thrilled to be joining The Master Singers for her first season. She is also a member of community choir, Chorale a Nouveau. Catherine is in her fourth year of teaching at Eau Claire Nor th High School, where she teaches choir and adaptive music She earned her bachelor ’s in Music Education
from UW Eau Claire, where she sang in choirs and was a member of the marching band and wind ensemble. She was a student conductor for Novum Voce and Symphonic Choir as well as a drum major for the Blugold Marching Band in her time at the University. She also ser ves on brass staff with River City Rhythm Drum and Bugle Corps in the summers. She lives in Eau Claire with her husband, David, and lots and lots of house plants.
Ronnie Ludin, soprano, is so excited to be starting her first year in The Master Singers! She is an elementar y school music teacher and loves sharing the joy of music with students. As a former UWEC student, she is very excited to be singing with some fellow alumni and with Dr. Watkins. When she is not singing or teaching, Ronnie loves rock climbing, crocheting, and hanging out with her two cats, Oatmeal and Raisin!
Derrick Tilus is the Choir Director in the Elk Mound Area School District. After Graduating from Annandale High School in Minnesota, he attended Southwest Minnesota State University where he earned a BS in Music Education and a BA in Vocal Performance. Derrick also studied Opera Performance at the International Performing Ar ts Institute in Kiefersfelden, Germany. He has sung professionally with The Minnesota Chorale, The Minnesota Orchestra, The Minnesota Opera, The Master Singers, and also sings the National Anthem at Minnesota Timber wolves games. Derrick loves to sing and is glad to be a par t of The Master Singers!
Slavko Ivankovic is in his eighth season with The Master Singers. He is a board-certified oral surgeon with Oral Surgery Associates of Eau Claire. During elementary and high school, he attended St. Michael’s Choir School in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. He is also a member of the Chancel Choir at First Congregational United Church of Christ in Eau Claire.
Commissioned Composers
The Master Singers is honored to celebrate our association with leading composers during our history. Thank you to these composers whose musical gifts through these commissioned works have enriched our lives and thrilled audiences.
Z. Randall Stroope
Zachary Moore
Kyle Pederson
Elaine Hagenberg
Trevor Manor
Ivo Antognini
Connor Koppin
Earth Voices – 2022-2023
O Magnum Mysterium – 2009-2010
Psalm 23 – 2022-2023
The Fall of Rome – 2015-2016
Carol of the Bells – 2015-2016
My Flight to Heaven – 2014-2015
Sleep My Child, Sleep – 2014-2015
October Song – 2014-2015
Sing We Now of Christmas – 2021-2022
Illuminare – 2021-2022
The Rivers’ Song – 2018-2019
Wexford Carol – 2018-2019
Jesus, Jesus, Rest Your Head – 2019-2020
Take the Train – 2018-2019
Thy Little Ones – 2017-2018
Waves that Seek the Shore – 2017-2018
Circles of Motion – 2016-2017
A Star’s Light – 2016-2017
Ethan Wickman A Destiny of Liberty – 2015-2016
Let the Word Go Forth – 2012-2013
Epistle: Quid Quaeritis Viventum Cum Mortuis? – 2010-2011
Eric Barnum To Night – 2013-2014
Corpus Christi – 2011-2012
Dan Forrest Eternal Father, Strong to Save – 2012-2013
Andrew Steffen Solitude – 2013-2014
There Is a Gift – 2013-2014
I Am Not Yours – 2013-2014
Adoro te, Devote – 2012-2013
Cradle Song – 2012-2013
Goin’ Home – 2012-2013
O Nata Lux – 2011-2012
Jeffrey Van Sweet Was the Song – 2010-2011
James Mulholland
Cary John Franklin
The Gift of Love – 2007-2008
What is This Lovely Fragrance – 2006-2007
Daniel Kallman o by the by – 2001-2002
“Your music has left my soul renewed!”
— Concert Patron
PROOF
American Choral Series
2009
America, My Home: Deep River
2010
America, My Home: The Best of All Possible Worlds
2011
America, My Home: Our Tender Land
2012
America, My Home: The Road Home
2013
America, My Home: A Red, Red Rose
2014
America, My Home: October Song
2015
America, My Home: Homeland
2016
America, My Home: Hairston and Hogan
2017
America, My Home: Remembered
2018
America, My Home: Flight Song
2019
America, My Home: Carmina Pax
2021
America, My Home: Sing Gently
2022
America, My Home: Earth Voices
2023
I, Too, Sing America
presents three special holiday broadcasts by The Master Singers on WPR 89.7 WUEC FM and other WPR stations across Wisconsin:
Lessons and Carols: A Rose in Winter
Sunday, December 9, 2023 at 1:00 p.m.
PROOF
The Master Singers would like to recognize the 280 musicians who have performed with The Master Singers during our 31 year history. We celebrate your time with the ensemble and the music you helped us to create in the Greater Chippewa Valley and beyond.
Aaron Accola
Aaron Athas
Adam Accola
Adam Minten
Adrian Cramer
Alexa Schroeder
Alex Jacques
Allen Keniston
Alyssa Styczynski
Amanda Kinney
Amber Schiessl
Amy Halberg
Amy Randall
Andrew Johnson
Andrew Marlett
Andrew Steffen
Andy Brown
Angela Batterman
Angela Burisek
Anna Rybicki
Annelies Slack
Annie Bailey
Ann Lamoureux
Anthony Sheperd
Barbara Sipple
Ben Bedroske
Ben John
Ben White
Beth Johnson
Beth Martin*
Beth Willer
Bill Seipel
Brad Stoughton
Brenda Nyhus
Brian Grosz
Brian Mueller
Caitlin Lloyd
Carmen Manning
Carter Smith
Cathy Reitz
Cathy Statz
Chris Jorgenson
Christian Hoyer
Christine Emerson
Christine Ott*
Christopher Cox
Cinthia Mayer
Clint Johnson
Colin Sorenson
Colleen Garnevicus
Colleen Lindgren
Corinne Liegel
Craig Aamot
Cynthis Hanson
Dale Young
Dan Gustafson
Dan Kneer
Dan Reali
Darius Torres
Darwyn Klatt
Dave Dalton
David Bishop
David Fehr
David Huber
David Johnson
David Morley
Deborah Oleson
Derrick Tilus
Dick Hazelton
Dominic Santine
Dorinda Van Beek
Dundee McNair
Elizabeth Sletten
Elizabeth Zenz
Emily Sternfeld-Dunn
Emma McIlquham
Emy Polodna
Eric Dickson
Eric Leih
Eric Nielsen
Erin Maher
Evan Lloyd
Eva Stokes
Frank Watkins
Gary Schwartzhoff*
Gary Steffenhagen
Gillian Pacetti
Gracie Sheperd
Greg Granlund
Heather Lahr
Heidi Weber*
Helissa Thornton
Holly Bacha
Holly Simmons
Howard White
Hugh Gaston
Jacob Hickey
Jacob Manier
Jaime Brieske
James Boulter
James Jones
James Van Heel
Jane Wells
Janine Brinkman
Janna Morley
Jason Gottsacker
Jay Olstad
Jeanne Fritts
Jeanne Haack
Jeff Olson
Jeffrey Hanestad
Jeffrey Weishaar*
Jenifer Morgan
Jennifer Brockpahler
Jennifer Corcoran
Jennifer Eddy
Jennifer Mason
Jennifer Weber
Jens Nielsen
Jeremiah Morgan
Jerry O’Brien
Jessica Hoehn
Jessica Scholl
Jessi Hoy
Jim Forster
JoAnn Klatt*
Joe Kastner
Joe Poncelet
John Dutmer
John Emery
John Kuehl*
Joleen Hanson
Jonathan Lueck
Jon Lepsch
Joshua Andrew
Judith Willink Grose*
Judy Bell
Judy Lies
Justin Lundberg
Karen Flodquist
Karen Radix
Karen Wartchow
Kari Lammers
Kate Larson
Kate Vagnino
Kathleen Miller
Kathy Attermeier
Katie Sandberg
Katie Stark
Kelly Knutson
Ken Snart
Kirk Olson
Kristi Gerry
Kristina Hanson
Kristin Walukas
Kristin Warner
Kurt Lothe
Kyle Robl
Kyle Sonnemann
Larry Studt
Laura Boyd
Laura Metcalf
Laura Reali*
Lauren Schell
Leah Horne*
Leah Richardson
LeAnne Ford*
Leland Schmick
Libby Krause
Linda Booton
Lloyd Harter
Loretta Young
Lori Gallagher*
Lukas Hoffland
Luke Wolfe
Lynn McFadyen
Magdalene Flinner
Maggie James
Marcia Van Beek*
Maria Donato
Mariah Sands
Mark Attermeier
Mark Juergens
Mark Lundin
Mark Neppl
Mark Pirazzini
Mark Quamme
Mark Wacek
Marty McNamee
Mary Swanson
Matthew Barnes
Matthew Hall*
Matthew Jones
Matthew Kiskunas*
Matthew McVeigh
Matthew Miller
Matthew Nyman
Matthew Pfantz
Matthew Weiss
Maureen Fromme
Max Athorn
Megan Sorenson
Meredith Pirazzini
Merton Johnson
Michael Steinberger
Nancy Schwartzhoff*
Nicholas Flinner
Nicole Harper
Noah Tashner
Patty Marsnik
Paula Zwiefelhofer
Paul Drace
Paul Oppedahl
Paul Van Beek
Phil Reilly
Rachael McIlquham
Rachel Zarzyski
Randy Mastin*
Randy Olson
Ray French
Rebecca Johnson
Rebecca Macholl
Rebecca Santine
Rebecca Schaberg
Richard Kuby*
Richard Moses
Roberta Joern
Robert Ukrainec
Robin Stoessel
Rod Stoughton
Ronald Buckles*
Ron Mastin*
Ross Wilson
Roy Hanson
Ryan Cook
Ryan O’Connor
Ryan Simmons
Ryan Zettlemoyer
Samuel Zehms
Sandra Mighell
Sandy Kowalsky
Sara Antonson
Sarah McVeigh
Sarah Parks
Sarah Pennington
Scott Humrickhouse*
Seth Boyd
Sharon Hahn
Sharon McIlquham
Shawn Ryser
Shayla Menter
Slavko Ivankovic
Spencer Kopp
Stephanie Hunt
Stephanie Tyink
Steve Bohrer
Steve Hopeman
Steve Werner
Susan Fiegel
Susan Franco
Suzi Fischer
Tammie Delveaux
Taylor Wallace
Terra Favilla
Terri Fox
Terri Tompkins
Terry Fritz
Terry Hoepner*
Tim Mattson
Todd Anger
Tomas Dominguez
Val Knobloch
Veronica Ludin
Victoria Smith
Wanda Miller
Warren Petryk
Wilma Hovland
Zachary Franson
Zachary Moore * Charter Member
The Master Singers on 30 years of bringing musical joy to the
Your voices blend as one – spectacular musicality!
The Law Office of David Sternfeld congratulates
Chippewa Valley
DISCOGRAPHY
Requiem: Michael Haydn
Magnificat: Dietrich Buxtehude
Requiem: John Rutter
Lessons and Carols 2002
Gospel Mass: Robert Ray
Lessons and Carols 2003
Requiem: Herbert Howells
Lessons and Carols 2004
Lux Aeterna: Morten Lauridsen
Lessons and Carols: Make We Merry
Choral Images: Bruckner Motets
Lessons and Carols: All My Hear t This Night Rejoices
Choral Images:I Sing As I Arise Today
America, My Home: Tender Love
Lessons and Carols: The Gift of Love
America, My Home: Shenandoah
Lessons and Carols: Love Came Down at Christmas
America, My Home: Deep River
Lessons and Carols: O Magnum Mysterium
America, My Home: The Best of All Possible Worlds
Lessons and Carols: Sweet Was the Song
America, My Home: The Tender Land
Lessons and Carols: O Nata Lux
America, My Home: The Road Home
Lessons and Carols: The Shepherds Sing
America, My Home: A Red, Red Rose
Lessons and Carols: There is a Gift
America, My Home: October Song
Lessons and Carols: A Christmas Lullaby
Lessons and Carols: Infant Holy, Infant, Lowly
Choral Images: Franklin Delano Roosevelt
America, My Home: Hairston and Hogan
Lessons and Carols: A Star’s Light
America, My Home: Remembered
Lessons and Carols: Thy Little Ones
America, My Home: The Rivers’ Song
Lessons and Carols: The Huron Carol
America, My Home: Carmina Pax
Lessons and Carols: Jesus, Jesus, Rest Your Head
Lessons and Carols: Sing We Now of Christmas
Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@mastersingers-eauclaire1428/featured
The Master Plan
If you are interested in helping us continue our tradition of fine choral performances, we invite your consideration to support The Master Singers by becoming a member of The Master Plan through a charitable contribution:
Premier Concert Master
$5,000+
Grand Concert Master
$3,000 — 4,999
Concert Master
$1,500 — 2,999
Master of the Hall
$500 — 1,499
Master Class
$250 — 499
Master of the Arts
$100 — 249
Master Singers
$1 — 99
The following opportunities are ways that your contribution to The Master Plan can be realized:
Fund a Commissioned Work:
$5,000
Sponsor a Concert: $4,500
Co-Sponsor a Concert:
$1,500
Purchase an Ad in Our Season Program: $100-$500
Donations to The Master Singers are tax deductible as described in Section 170 of the IRS Code under 501 (c)3. Sponsors donating $250 or more will receive one Adult Season Pass. All sales are final. Individual tickets are available at Festival Foods and First Congregational UCC.
We would be honored to have you as a member of The Master Plan. Gifts received by September 1st will be listed in that year’s concert season program.
When donating, please print your name as you would like it to appear in our season program.
Donate online: www.TheMasterSingers.net
Or please mail your contribution to:
The Master Singers PO Box 3194 Eau Claire, WI 54702-3194
The Master Plan 2023–2024
THE MASTER PLAN SPONSORSHIPS
Season
Sponsors
Wisconsin Arts Board
Art Works
Media Sponsor
Wisconsin Public Radio
Concert Sponsorships
Anonymous
William J & Gertrude R Casper Foundation
Chippewa Valley Eye Clinic
Eddy-Gideonsen Family
Lamoureux Family
Annelies Slack & Howard White
Van Beek-Kaiser Family
Friends of The Master Singers
The following individuals are recognized for their individual Friends of The Master Singers co-sponsorships of The Lessons & Carols: A Rose in Winter concert at St. Luke & James Episcopal Church and the Missa Choralis Series concert at the Basilica of Saint Mary, both in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Anonymous
Annie Bailey
Tim & Kristi Gerry
Dan Gustafson
Gary & Rita Steffenhagen
Mike & Robin Stoessel
The Master Singers Circle Concert Sponsors
The Master Singers added The Master Singers Circle to its Master Plan in 2014. The Circle gives alumni and current Master Singer members along with alumni and current Board Directors the opportunity to collectively provide sponsorships for ancillary performances. Founding members are noted with an asterisk*.
Anonymous
Mark & Kathy Attermeier*
Nikki, Jim & Barb Harper
Ray and Susan Koch*
Pete & Patty Marsnik
Bob & Lynn McFadyen*
David & Janna Morley*
Eric Nielsen
Dan Reali*
Alek & Emily Sternfeld-Dunn
Dorinda Van Beek*
Mark Wacek
Loretta Young*
THE MASTER PLAN DONORS
Premier Concert Master:
Anonymous
Chippewa Valley Eye Clinic
Concert Master:
Jennifer Eddy & Mark Gideonsen
John & Ann Lamoureux
Annelies Slack & Howard White
Marcia Van Beek & Jack Kaiser
Master of the Hall:
Anonymous
Annie Bailey
Tom & Jill Barland
William J & Gertrude R Casper Foundation
Tim & Kristi Gerry
Dan Gustafson
Joan Hamblin & David Schifeling
Gary & Rita Steffenhagen
Mike & Robin Stoessel
Master Class:
Joan Angell
Anonymous
Mark & Kathy Attermeier
Mary Foote
Ray & Susan Koch
Pete & Patty Marsnik
Eric Nielsen
Alek & Emily Sternfeld-Dunn
Dorinda Van Beek
Master of the Arts:
Carol Benning
Mary B Erickson
Jim, Barb & Nikki Harper
Paul & Virginia Hilbrich
Penny Kolloff & John Urice
Bob & Lynn McFadyen
David & Janna Morley
Eric Nielsen
Dan Reali
Mark Wacek
Loretta Young
Master Singers:
Margaret Melrose
The Wallace Family
THE MASTER PLAN ADVERTISEMENT SPONSORS
We recognize the following individuals and businesses for their ads placed in the season program as part of The Master Plan. Your sponsorship allows us to produce a quality program for patrons in the Thirty-First Concert Season.
In-Kind Ad:
First Congregational United Church of Christ
Mid-West Broadcasting
Wisconsin Public Radio
Program Ad:
Bed, Bath & Drapery
Capitol Coordinators Company
Chippewa Valley Cremation
Chippewa Valley Eye Clinic
Chippewa Valley Symphony
Chippewa Valley Theatre Guild
Eau Claire Chamber Orchestra
Kleven Realty
Lasker’s Jewelers
Law Office of David Sternfeld
Oral Surgery Associates
Paulsrud Chiropractic
Ramone’s Ice Cream
Royal Credit Union
White & Schilling, LLP
Wisconsin Public Radio
Wiersgalla Plumbing & Heating
Xcel Energy
Acknowledgements:
The Master Singers would like to thank those individuals and organizations who have supported our mission of the fostering, promotion, and appreciation of choral music in the Greater Chippewa Valley:
Eau Claire Memorial High School Choral Program, Aurora Krajnikconde, conductor
Chippewa Falls High School Choral Program, Rachel McIlquham, conductor.
Eau Claire North High School Choral Program, Catherine Lofy, conductor
Eau Claire Regis High School, Rebecca Santine, conductor
Members of the Board of Directors of The Master Singers
First Congregational United Church of Christ, Eau Claire
Pam Braun, Office Manager, First Congregational, UCC
Heidi Joosten, Commissioned Composer
The Heart and Soul of The Master Singers
Paul and Peggy Savides, house managers
Family members of The Master Singers
Contributors to The Master Singers
Concert Sponsors and Advertisers
Area High School Choral Ushers
Carmen Manning, grant writer
Dr. Rev. Mark Pirazzini, pastor
Debbie Gough, grant writer
Reception Coordinators
Wisconsin Public Radio
Wisconsin Arts Board
The Les Hale Chorale
Concert Patrons
Concert Ushers
Festival Foods
Our Audience
PROOF
Your music, your voices, thank you for sharing your gifts and talents for us!
- Concert Patron
PROOF
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