DD ARTIST PROFILE SERIES – Bret Amundson, Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences at The College of St. Scholastica – Artistic Director of Lake Superior Youth Chorus
The name Bret Amundson has become synonymous with excellence in vocal teaching and conducting, including his inspirational leadership in programs at the College of St. Scholastica (CSS), with the Lake Superior Youth Chorus (LSYC), and with many other music organizations.
LSYC Cantemus after performing at the American Choral Directors Association of Minnesota’s State Conference in November 2023. Photo submitted.
Path Since High School
Born and raised in Coon Rapids. Minnesota, Bret graduated from Coon Rapids High School. He recalled, “I was a busy young person, always playing sports, being in shows, and participating in choir at every level. I had a wonderful high school choir director, Patrick Geiger, who helped me understand that choir was about building community, developing strong relationships, hard work, and working to understand ourselves better.”
In high school, he was a member of the top Concert Choir, the select Chamber Choir, and in the All-State Choir. “I was surrounded by extremely high-level musicians. Then, I knew I had to do this as a career,” he explained.
He went on to earn a B.A. in Vocal Music Education and Performance from St. John’s University; Master of Business Administration in Change and Leadership from CSS; Master of Music in Choral Conducting from St. Cloud State; and a Doctor of Music in Choral Conducting from the University of Washington (Seattle).
Building a Home at the College of Scholastica
When Amundson came to CSS in 2010, he was their first full-time choir director. Building their choral program, he has conducted Vox Anima (a non-auditioned treble choir), Cantus Corde (a non-auditioned tenor/bass choir), Vocal Revolution (a jazz and vocal pop group), and their auditioned Concert Choir and Bella Voce.
Bret Amundson. Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences at The College of St. Scholastica – Artistic Director of Lake Superior Youth Chorus Photo courtesy LSYC.
“I have loved working with every ensemble at CSS . . . but Bella Voce sticks out, not just because it’s the ensemble I’m currently conducting. Bella is a special place where highly-motivated sopranos and altos come together on Tuesday and Thursday nights for an hour and a half to build community, share their stories, and work toward something much larger than themselves.”
“They see the choir as a place to practice who they are in the community. We have a saying, ‘That’s not just a choir lesson; that’s a life lesson.’”
Amundson is now the CSS Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences. “I see my role as Dean is primarily to support faculty to be the best they can be. As a leader in higher education, my passion lies in allowing faculty, staff, and students to make themselves available to their communities, inspire others, lift others, and look up and out, becoming people for others.”
He added, “As Dean, I encourage real connections that will enable our community members to become the next generation of change-makers in all fields who will transform our communities in meaningful, creative, and sustainable ways that uplift the dignity of all humans.”
Finding a Community of Many Voices
Since coming to Duluth, Bret has also conducted the Pilgrim Church Choir, the Twin Ports Choral Project, the Lake Superior Youth Chorus, and various vocal organizations.
“The Twin Ports Choral Project (TPCP) grew from a one-time project initiated by Sarah Lawrence, Cal Metts, and various local choir directors. It then bloomed into what we know today,” he said. “I loved getting the chance to do high-quality music with some of Duluth’s best musicians. I stepped down as director of TPCP because of my own time and attention, but I still love singing with them!”
The annual LSYC Sunset Serenade Concert is held in May. Photo LSYC Facebook Page.
Discovering Voices at Lake Superior Youth Chorus (LSYC)
A non-profit organization, the LSYC provides a holistic music education that is based on the premise that all children are capable of discovering their voices. The program provides students in grades K-10 with “a creative musical outlet for discovering the joys of teamwork, cultural awareness, self-confidence, self-discipline, and unparalleled musical opportunities.”
LSYC’s Concert Choir performs with the Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra – Jan 2024. Photo LSYC Facebook Page.
LSYC has five resident choirs and three outreach programs, including their Cantemus Advanced Treble Choir, Camerata tenor/Bass Choir, Concert Intermediate Choir, Choristers Beginner Chorus, and Cadenza Training Choir. LSYC has approximately 180 singers in their resident choirs per year and another 300+ in their outreach program
As their Artistic Director, Amundson stated, “The Lake Superior Youth Chorus is dear to my heart. This organization is celebrating its 32nd anniversary this year. I have been the artistic director since 2013 and am so proud of the work of the entire staff and board to bring high-quality musical opportunities to young singers in the Twin Ports region.”
Bret noted, “My favorite part about LSYC is seeing the growth of young people through our organization. We can’t take full ownership of that growth, of course, but I hope we play a significant role in developing these young singers into thoughtful, caring, hard-working leaders who will go out and change the world!”
Bret celebrates a successful season with the LSYC staff. Photo submitted
Amundson is also thrilled about the opportunity to be a guest conductor around the U.S. and in a few other countries. “My favorite part is meeting new people and, hopefully, helping them to find something new about themselves they didn’t know before. This is when music really comes alive!”
Bret and his partner Alex (Loch) vacation in Caen, France, in October 2022. Photo submitted.
Home Life
Bret has a partner of sixteen years, Alex Loch, a Physical Therapist and dancer. Over COVID, Alex started a virtual physical therapy clinic, motivPT (www.motivpt.com).
“Alex and I love to travel, so we’ve always had plans to get away, but we love living in Duluth. We love the people, the connections you can make, the opportunities to participate in or be a patron of the arts and the outdoors, and the ability to start something new!”
Goals and Advice
As to his current job at CSS and his future, Bret says, “I want to keep doing good work in music and education. I want to continue to become a better administrator and work toward becoming a Provost and, someday, a college President.”
His advice for parents and community members, “Support the arts, teachers, and our education system. Set high expectations for your kids, but support them through the process. And sing more!”
