Choral

Discover the Joy of Singing

At St. Croix Lutheran Academy, students have countless opportunities to nurture their God-given vocal talents while growing as well-rounded musicians. Under the caring guidance of an experienced director with a master’s degree in choral music, our program encourages students to explore a variety of genres. From classic and contemporary sacred music to pop, jazz, and Broadway, students are exposed to a rich tapestry of musical styles that deepen their appreciation for the art of singing.

Our choral program strikes the perfect balance between quality, discipline, and fun, keeping students engaged and excited about learning. Choral groups perform at multiple concerts throughout the school year, including special events such as our annual Veterans Day tribute.

In addition to school-based choral groups, SCLA offers vocal lessons to students who wish to enhance their skills.

For those seeking an advanced choral experience, the Croixaliers, SCLA's ambassador choir, offers a unique opportunity to practice outside of school hours and enhance worship at association churches and other special events.

Chorale

Middle School - Cantate Choir

As part of the core curriculum and their regular schedule, middle school students may choose choir, band, or both music classes.

Students in Cantate Choir learn vocal technique, basic music theory, sight singing, and music appreciation.

The Cantate Choir performs at the Veterans Day tribute, the Middle School Christmas concert, a spring musical, the Sacred Choral Concert, and the Fine Arts Festival.

Concert Choir

Concert Choir is an auditioned ensemble providing a choral experience that teaches more advanced vocal technique and musicianship through the preparation of more challenging choral literature from a variety of styles and backgrounds. This course empowers participants for a lifetime of music making and also aims to prepare students who are seeking to participate in choir at the collegiate level.

Details

Why take private voice lessons at St. Croix Lutheran Academy?

Develop God-given talent.
Train your vocal instrument.
Improve public singing confidence.
Achieve audition and scholarship goals.
Prepare for a music career.
Convenient school-day lessons.

Lesson Times

Lessons generally occur once per week during the student’s band, choir, or study hall time, if possible, but are also offered before or after school. The lessons are 15-20 minutes in length.

Students may take 3-4 private lessons per month. A few of those lesson times over the course of the semester will be designated as “Master Classes,” during which all of the voice students meet together and will perform for each other. This offers a valuable opportunity for group instruction on a particular skill and allows for supportive feedback from peers.

Performance opportunities may include:

•Master classes

•Recitals

•National anthem at sporting events

•Solo and ensemble festivals and competitions

•Singing for choral concerts

Cost

Attendance Requirements

Regular attendance and regular practice at home are critical for consistent progress and necessary to reap the benefits of this investment. Each student is expected to be prompt for every lesson with a pencil and the proper music ready for each lesson. Any conflicting appointments or extra-curricular activities should be scheduled around the student’s lesson time, as this time is set specifically for each student. If a student forgets his or her music at home on a lesson day, the student is still responsible to attend the lesson.

If a student is not able to attend a lesson during a given week, he or she should arrange to trade that lesson with another student if it is mutually convenient. (The instructor will not be responsible for making this trade.) If a student misses a lesson and does not arrange for a trade, that time is of no value to anyone else and the lesson will be forfeited. Students and parents should note this policy and remember to make arrangements to consistently attend lessons for their own benefit and as a courtesy to those involved.

About the Instructor

April Marquardt holds the degree of Bachelor of Science in Education from Martin Luther College. She previously served as the private vocal instructor at Kettle Moraine Lutheran High school and Winnebago Lutheran Academy, as a piano and vocal instructor at Peace Lutheran in Hartford, Wisconsin, as well as head organist at Peace Lutheran Church. She is been an active 14-year member of Canticum Novum – a WELS Chamber Choir. Mrs. Marquardt is passionate about meeting each music student’s individual needs and finding creative ways to helps students achieve their musical goals.

If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Marquardt at (262) 673.8006 or AMarquardt@StCroixLutheran.org

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The Croixaliers

A subset of the curricular Concert Choir, the Croixaliers are an advanced 24-voice co-curricular choral ensemble. Its members are ambassadors of St. Croix Lutheran Academy, serving congregations associated with St. Croix Lutheran Academy and beyond, as well as reaching out to the surrounding community. They take part in the annual WELS Choral Festival, WMSA Solo and Ensemble festival, and participate in all of SCLA’s choral concerts.

Croixaliers Sunday Schedule

Sunday, November 3, 2024, 9:30 a.m.
St. John Lutheran Church
765 Margaret Street
St. Paul, MN 55106
(651) 771-6406

Sunday, November 10, 2024, 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
St. John's Lutheran Church
202 West Eighth Street
Hastings, MN 55033
(651) 438-3730

Sunday, December 8, 2024, 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
151 E. County Road 42
Burnsville, MN 55306
(952) 432-5527

Sunday, January 19, 2025, 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
Salem Lutheran Church
14940 - 62nd Street North
Stillwater, MN 55082
(651) 439-7831

Sunday, January 26, 2025, 9:00 a.m.
St. Andrew's Lutheran Church
1000 Portland Avenue
St. Paul Park, MN 55071
(651) 459-2569

Sunday, February 2, 2025, 10:00 a.m.
New Life Lutheran Church
180 County Road F
Shoreview, MN 55126
(651) 484-1169

Sunday, March 23, 2025, 9:00 a.m.
Faith Ev. Lutheran Church
545 N. Apollo Road
River Falls, WI 54022
(715) 425-6598

Sunday, April 27, 2025, 7:45 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.
Christ the Lord Lutheran Church
9998 90th Street South
Cottage Grove, MN 55016
(651) 459-7597

Sunday, May 11, 2025, 11:30 a.m. Mount Olive Lutheran Church
1460 Almond Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55108
(651) 645-2575

Meet the Director

Mike Marquardt

Instructor, Choral Director, Drama Director

B.S., Elementary Education and Music, Martin Luther College, New Ulm, MN
M.C.M, Choral, Concordia University, Wisconsin 2022

Concert Links