45
Years of Musical Excellence
300+
Performances in the Books
250+
Talented Boys Have Sung With Us
20+
Voice and Music Instructors
ABOUT
Education & Repetoir
The curriculum of the La Crosse BoyChoir includes professional-level conducting and instruction, sight-singing, individual voice training, music theory, and musicianship.
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The choir’s repertoire ranges from sacred music, classical works, spirituals, and folk songs to modern-day popular, though the significant emphasis is on the former. The beauty and timbre of boys’ voices are unique between the ages of 7 and 14, which results in the beautiful boychoir sound.
The Experience
Since its founding in 1974, a component of the La Crosse BoyChoir’s curriculum has included local, regional, national, and international concert tours and other character-building experiences.
La Crosse Boychoir has been dedicated to providing exceptional musical education and performance opportunities for boys in the La Crosse area since 1974. Our mission is to inspire a love for music and foster personal growth through artistic expression.
Available Choir Sections
DELLO JOIO SECTION
​​This level is for boys with little or no singing experience.
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Who:
Boys in grades 2-4 / ages 7-10
Season:
September 12, 2022 – May 22, 2023
Rehearsal:
Mondays from 6-8 p.m. @ Cappella Performing Arts Center, 421 King Street, La Crosse, WI 54601
Fees:
No tuition
COPLAND SECTION
​​This level is for boys with some to much singing experience.
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Who:
Boys in grades 4-8 / ages 9-14
Season:
September 12, 2022 – May 22, 2023
Rehearsal:
Mondays from 6-8 p.m. @ Cappella Performing Arts Center, 421 King Street, La Crosse, WI 54601
Fees:
No tuition
Meet Our Music Director
Daniel Johnson-Wilmot, our Founder and Artistic Director, is a Professor Emeritus and Visiting Professor in the Music Department at Viterbo University. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Music from St. John’s University, Collegeville, Minnesota, and a Master of Music in Voice from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He joined the Viterbo music faculty in 1973 and now teaches applied voice. He previously served as chair of the music department and is currently in his fiftieth year of teaching at Viterbo.
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He is a past Regional Governor of the North Central Region of the National Association of Teachers of Singing. He continues to chair the Wisconsin NATS Student Auditions as he done for over twenty-five years. He served two terms as the National Vice President for the Membership of NATS. In 2019 he was chosen as a Master Teacher for the NATS Intern Program. Currently, he serves as the NATS National Student Auditions Coordinator and on the NATS National Conference Committee.
Daniel is a singer, director, soloist, teacher, and conductor. --- SINGER He has sung roles in: - The Marriage of Figaro - The Wings of the Dove - Rigoletto - La Boheme - The Rake’s Progress - Die Fledermaus As a District Metropolitan Opera Audition First Place Winner, he received early recognition as a fine lyric baritone. --- DIRECTOR He has directed these works: - The Marriage of Figaro - The Consul - The Robbers - Riders to the Sea - Dido and Aeneas - Hansel and Gretel - Amahl and the Night Visitors - Cinderella - The Barber of Seville - The Magic Flute - Die Fledermaus - Also numerous one-act operas --- SOLOIST He has appeared as a soloist with the: - St. Paul Chamber Orchestra - Pro Arte Quartet - Fox Valley Symphony - Waukesha Symphony - La Crosse Symphony - Cleveland Orchestra in the Blossom Music Festival His performances with the La Crosse Symphony Orchestra were bass and baritone solos in Orff’s Carmina Burana, Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, Haydn’s Creation, and the Verdi Requiem. --- TEACHER Daniel has adjudicated auditions and competitions and taught master classes in the United States, Europe, and China. His voice students have won over 400 awards in the NATS state, regional and national auditions. His students are frequent winners in the district and regional Metropolitan Opera auditions, the Bruce Carlson Schubert Club Scholarship Competition, and the Classical Singer Competition. His former students are singing on Broadway and the Metropolitan Opera and in summer programs at: - Sarasota - Ohio Light - Glimmerglass - Merola - Central City - Professional choral groups such as Chanticleer His students have received scholarships to prestigious graduate programs at: - Manhattan School - University of Indiana, Bloomington - Cleveland Institute - University of Houston - University of Minnesota, Minneapolis - University of Kentucky, Lexington - University of Michigan, Ann Arbor --- CONDUCTOR He has conducted the Viterbo University Concert Choir for thirty years. He founded the La Crosse BoyChoir in 1974 and the La Crosse Girlchoir as the Three Rivers Girls Chorus in 1987. He was the bass section leader in the St. Joseph the Workman Cathedral Gallery Singers for eleven years and sang in the Choir of the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadeloupe.
“I love teaching because I enjoy the process that students engage in as they discover the musical gifts and artistic potential they possess and develop that potential to its fullest. The study of vocal music is a cooperative venture where teacher and student and accompanist enter in as partners to explore the creative potential of vocal artistry.”
UPCOMING
PERFORMANCES
We are excited to present performances showcasing the talent and hard work of our boys. Stay tuned for our upcoming events and join us for an unforgettable musical journey!
2024 Christmas Concert
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This concert is still in the planning phase.
Check back soon for updated information!
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Date & Time:
December 2024, Time TBD
Location:
TBD
JOIN THE CHOIR
Join one of our rehearsals to learn more about the boychoir and meet other boys who love to sing! Now scheduling audition rehearsal visits for the 2024-2025 season!
We're Excited to Sing With You
We schedule audition rehearsal visits throughout the season. Please plan on staying for the entire rehearsal to get the full experience. You will participate in scales, rhythmic exercises, pitch matching, and singing during your audition rehearsal visit.
Feel the Magic of the La Crosse BoyChoir
Rehearsals are every Monday evening from 6-8 p.m., September to May, at Viterbo University Fine Arts Center, Room 435.
Fall 2024 Special Audition Event!
Are you ready to audition and sing with the La Crosse BoyChoir? Come to our special audition event on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, from 5-7 p.m. at Viterbo University Fine Arts Center, Room 421, 929 Jackson Street, La Crosse, WI 54601. No need to preregister. Your audition will last about 10 minutes.
SUPPORT THE CHOIR
Your Support Changes Lives
The La Crosse BoyChoir provides boys with a unique singing experience through the generosity of individuals and sponsors who recognize the importance of such an opportunity. Our programming nurtures and enriches young men’s lives, and your support allows us to help boys succeed – your donation goes to work immediately to support the mission of the La Crosse BoyChoir.
One-Time or
Monthly Donations
Support the ongoing work of the La Crosse BoyChoir and help give boys the highest quality music education in the centuries-old boychoir tradition through a one-time or monthly donation.
Sponsorships
Your sponsorship will change the lives of talented young singers and help keep the La Crosse BoyChoir a viable performing arts organization in the Seven Rivers Region.
Legacy Gifts, Bequests,
& Appreciable Securities
Remember the La Crosse BoyChoir in your will or trust and guarantee the financial security of our organization for years to come.
CONTACT
Mailing Address
PO Box 186, La Crosse, WI 54602-0186
Rehearsal Address
Viterbo University Fine Arts Center, Room 435, 929 Jackson Street, La Crosse, Wisconsin 54601
Send Us a Message
Our Mission
The La Crosse Boychoir provides musical experiences and vocal development to boys to prepare them for a lifetime of musical appreciation and enjoyment.
© La Crosse BoyChoir 2024