Our Story
In 2002, the Lincoln Scottish Rite Preservation Foundation provided the resources needed to re-establish the Lincoln Boys Choir. At that time, the men of the Lincoln Scottish Rite hired Burton Schernikau and Nolan Schmit as Artistic Director and Associate Director, respectively. In the first year of operation, the choir was one large ensemble of over 100 boys. Kevin Scheele and Judy Welch served as volunteer assistants for the first two years. The following year, boys were placed in two separate choirs: Chorale (under the direction of Mr. Schernikau) and Concert Choir (conducted by Mr. Schmit). In 2004, Kevin Scheele was named Associate Director and conductor of Concert Choir. Judy Welch was hired as an Assistant Director and Administrative Director and remained with the organization until May of 2012. A third choir, Cantare, was added to allow boys with changed voices to remain in the organization in 2008.
In 2019, Lincoln Boys Choir became permanent Artists in Residence at Saint Paul United Methodist Church. Weekly rehearsals and the annual December concert are held in the beautiful, historic sanctuary. At the conclusion of the 2018-2019 performing season, Kevin Scheele was named Artistic Director of the Lincoln Boys Choir organization. Mr. Scheele continues to direct Concert Choir and also directs Chorale. Eric Wyler was hired as Associate Director to conduct Cantare and assist with the artistic goals of the organization.
During the Covid-19 pandemic season of 2020-2021, the choir rehearsed virtually through Zoom and created performance videos instead of performing in-person.
After 20 years with the organization, Kevin Scheele retired during the 2023-2024 season and became Emeritus Artistic Director.
At the start of the 2024-2025 season, Dr. William Wyman became the Artistic Director and Andrew Suerferer and Eric Wyler were hired as Music Directors for an unchanged voice choir named Noteworthy and a changed voice choir named Vocal Point.
The choirs have performed with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Varsity Men's Chorus, Nebraska Wesleyan University Choir, Saint Paul United Methodist Church Chancel Choir, Lincoln Choral Artists, Omaha Symphonic Chorus, Omaha Symphony, and Lincoln's Symphony Orchestra. They have been featured on both public television and radio. Lincoln Boys Choir has performed at the National Orff and Kodaly convention, the Nebraska Music Educators Association conference, the Nebraska Choral Directors Association conference, the Nebraska governor's inauguration, and many other community events. Touring has included Kansas City, New York City, Chicago, Austria, the Czech Republic, Italy, and Ireland.
In 2014, Lincoln Boys Choir received the Richard Hay Arts Organization Award selected by the mayor of Lincoln and the Lincoln Arts Council. The award recognizes an arts group that has made significant contributions to Lincoln's arts community. The Lincoln Boys Choir organization is an incorporated 501c3 non-profit entity governed by a board of directors.
A previous version Lincoln Boys Choir existed as a part of the Lincoln Public Schools from approximately the 1950s to the 1970s and was directed by Hugh Rangler. We are pleased to celebrate the alumni of that separate organization.
