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Levi Nagel, Director

Education:

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  • B.A. in Music - Wisconsin Lutheran College

  • Master of Church Music - Concordia University Wisconsin

  • Staff Ministry Certification - Martin Luther College

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When did you first become part of Chorale and how did you get into your current role?

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I joined the Chorale in 1998 as a senior at Wisconsin Lutheran High School at the encouragement of Mary Prange, the former director of the Chorale. I was a member until 2005 when I took a Call to the Washington, D.C. area. I returned in 2016 and became assistant director in 2017, at which time I was named the successor of my mentor, Mary. I took over as director in Fall of 2018.

What do you love about what you do in Chorale?

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I have been astounded by the very special nature of this choir and organization. For a group of 50 people to get together to make music at such a high artistic level, in fellowship with one another and in common faith in Christ...this is so very rare.

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What is you favorite Bible verse?

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1 John 3:1 "See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!"

 

What is your life like outside of Chorale? 

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I serve a full-time Minister of Music and Worship (and staff minister) at St. John's Lutheran Church in Milwaukee (Forest Home Avenue). I spend a lot of time with family and friends, especially when it involves food and drink. I am a huge fan of the Milwaukee Brewers and Milwaukee Bucks. I also love to cook and travel.

 

What is your favorite piece of choral music?

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This is a tough question for a choir director. I will give my favorite in three genre's - Large Work: Faure "Requiem Mass" ... Secular Piece: "Sure on This Shining Night" by Mortin Lauridsen ... Sacred Piece: "Os Justi" by Anton Bruckner

 

What is a fun fact about you?

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I'm pretty much obsessed with documentaries, to the point that I get teased about all my "useless knowledge" about things.

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Other Music Experience:

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  • Church musician since 2002, serving at Redemption, Milwaukee (2002-2003); St. Matthew, Milwaukee (2003-2005); Grace, Falls Church, Virginia (2005-2016); St. John's, Milwaukee (2016-present)

  • Professional Chorister with several choirs in Washington, D.C.: The Ron Freeman Chorale, The Master Chorale of Washington, The Washington Chorus, and The Washington Master Choral (Principal Chair)

  • Served on the WELS Hymnal Committee

  • Bass singer and section leader with Canticum Novum, a WELS chamber choir

  • Clinician at various conferences and at the 2022 WELS Regional Choral Festival at Wisconsin Lutheran High School

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