Exterior of Center for Arts

James Nowack

James Nowack James Nowack Music Professor Email: james.nowack@wlc.edu Phone: 414.443.8848

James Nowack

Education

  • B.M., Augsburg College
  • M.M., Kent State University
  • M.M., University of Minnesota
  • D.M.A., The University of Iowa

Background

I have been privileged to teach music at Wisconsin Lutheran College since 1994. I enjoy working with choral students who represent a wide variety of majors across the curriculum, as well as with music majors who take my conducting and music theory classes. My greatest joy, however, is rehearsing and performing with the Wisconsin Lutheran Choir.

I believe choral music expresses more than we can describe with words alone. When set to music and performed with skill and passion, great texts – whether poetry or Biblical truth – convey a verbal message with a full range of emotion. Singing speaks to the hearts of the performers and the audience alike.

The rewards of performance take on special meaning in the Wisconsin Lutheran Choir. When performed by an ensemble of believers in Christ, sacred texts come alive. In all performances, whether sacred or secular, we seek to glorify God through the pursuit of excellence. As the choir family strives for excellence, members develop self-discipline for music-making and for life. Regional, national, and international concert tours offer further opportunities for outreach, performance, servant leadership, and camaraderie.

Teaching

  • Wisconsin Lutheran Choir
  • Chamber Choir
  • Conducting Fundamentals
  • Choral Conducting and Literature
  • Form and Analysis
  • Aural Skills I, II, III, IV

Scholarly Works

Guest Conducting and Adjudicating

  • Guest Conductor, WELS National Conference for Worship, Music, and the Arts: Kenosha, WI and St. Peter, MN (1996, 1999, 2002, 2005, 2008, 2014)
  • Adjudicator, Bel Canto Chorus Regional Artists Competition: Milwaukee, WI
  • ACDA Young Conductor’s Competition, ACDA National Conference: San Antonio, TX
  • High School Clinics

Juried Performances by the Wisconsin Lutheran Choir

  • Katharinenkirche, Oppenheim, Germany
  • St. Martin-in-the-Fields, London, England
  • La Madeleine, Paris, France
  • St. Marien Kirche,  Lemgo, Germany
  • St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin, Ireland
  • St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral, Cork, Ireland
  • Holy Trinity, Stratford-upon-Avon, England

Broadcasts

  • Christmas Festival Concert Broadcasts, Milwaukee Public Television: “All My Heart This Night Rejoices” – 2010 and “Jesus, I Adore Thee, Word of Truth and Grace” – 2006

Recordings

  • Virtual Choir - "Abide With Me" - 2021
  • Shout the Glad Tidings - 2020
  • A Spotless Rose - 2015
  • United Kingdom and Ireland Concert Tour - 2013
  • European Concert Tour – 2009
  • Hail, Gladdening Light – 2007
  • Christmas at Wisconsin Lutheran College – 2006
  • International Concert Tour – 2005
  • Christmas at Wisconsin Lutheran College – 2003
  • European Tour – 2001
  • O Come, All Ye Faithful - 1998

Service

  • Music Department Chair
  • Active member of ACDA
  • Advisor of ACDA Student Chapter