David Schrader, Organist

A resident of Chicago, Mr. Schrader leads an active musical life at home. He performs with Baroque Band (Chicago's period instrument orchestra), Music of the Baroque, the Newberry Consort, and Bach Week in Evanston. Mr. Schrader has appeared with Chicago Chamber Musicians, Contemporary Chamber Players, Chicago Baroque Ensemble, and The City Musick. He is a frequent guest on WFMT radio (Chicago) on recordings and in live broadcasts as part of WFMT's "Live From Studio One" programming.

Mr. Schrader is on the faculty of Roosevelt University, Chicago College of Performing Arts - Music Conservatory for performance and academic studies where he has taught both graduate and undergraduate courses since 1986. From 1993 through 1995 he also directed the Collegium Musicum at Northwestern University. He has also taught at the Music Institute of Chicago (formerly know as The Music Center of the North Shore.) Since 1980, he has been the organist of the Church of the Ascension, whose liturgies command a national reputation for musical integrity.

Mr. Schrader received a Doctor of Music degree in organ from Indiana University as well as the coveted Performer's Certificate. He received a Bachelor of Music in piano and a Bachelor of Music in organ from the University of Colorado. His principal teachers have been Storm Bull, Abbey Simon, Oswald Ragatz, Anthony Newman and Everett Jay Hilty.

CUBE

CUBE Contemporary Chamber Ensemble brings music of today to Chicago audiences. Within its varied and imaginative programs, the ensemble explores music from around the world - as well as local works from Chicago's estimable music community. Specializing in chamber music for winds, piano, and percussion, performances may also include dance, performance art, and sculpture.

Chicago Children's Choir

Founded in 1956, the Chicago Children's Choir is a multiracial, multicultural choral music education organization, shaping the future by making a difference in the lives of children and youth through musical excellence.  The Choir currently serves nearly 3,000 children, ages 8-18 through choirs in 50 schools; after-school programs in six Chicago neighborhoods; and the internationally acclaimed Concert Choir.  As a national and international touring ensemble, the Chicago Children's Choir has performed throughout the United States, South Africa, Japan, Canada, Eastern Europe, Italy and Great Britain and for such dignitaries as former President and Senator Clinton, former South African President Nelson Mandela, and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.  The Choir has also performed with or for such celebrities as Luciano Pavarotti, Quincy Jones, Enrique Iglesias, Celine Dion, Samuel Ramey, Bobby McFerrin and Ladysmith Black Mambazo, and collaborates regularly with Lyric Opera of Chicago, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Joffrey Ballet, Ravinia Festival and Grant Park Music Festival.

North Shore Baptist Church Chancel Choir

Comprised of members and friends of North Shore Baptist Church, this intergenerational group provides worship leadership and choral selections every Sunday, ranging from Haydn to Moses Hogan. Rehearsals are Thursday evenings at 7:00 and are a lot of fun.  Call the church at 773-728-4200 for more information. 

Casey Nielsen, guitar

Casey grew up in Geneva, Illinois, and began studying classical guitar at age 13 with Roosevelt University professor Paul Henry. Soon discovering a love for jazz music, he began separate lessons with jazz guitarist Neal Alger. Casey continued his private lessons until attending Northern Illinois University where, in 2004, he received his bachelor’s degree in Jazz Studies. At NIU, he had the privilege of studying jazz and classical guitar extensively with internationally renowned guitarist Fareed Haque. In 2002, he was a member of the Northern Illinois University Jazz Ensemble.  

Since graduating, Casey has made his living teaching, studying and performing throughout North America. Between 2006 and 2009 he enjoyed studying with classical guitarist Denis Azabagic. In 2008 Casey was selected to participate in a master class with David Russell. He has given solo concerts for Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Downers Grove, Baker Memorial Episcopal Church in St. Charles, the Northbrook Public Library’s Fine Arts Fall program and Salon Series, and Geneva Cultural Arts Commission’s Riverpark series. Casey has regularly performed at popular Chicago restaurants and cafes such as Geja’s and Julius Meinl. Since 2007, he has periodically performed with the Hot Club of Detroit at jazz festivals in Canada and the United States. Casey currently resides in Chicago where he has continues to study and perform. His 2004 recording with renowned saxophonist Ron Dewar, The Casey Nielson Quartet/Trio, features Casey’s jazz quartet and drummer-less trio playing hard swinging, off-the-beaten-path standards.  His 2006 classical guitar recording, A Guitar Recital, features solo classical guitar music from the Baroque period to the 20th century. 

Carl Grapentine

WFMT radio personality and former music director for North Shore, Carl Grapentine returns to the Second Sunday series for another interesting discussion. Carl first joined WFMT in 1986 and is now the co-host of the Morning Program. He has given pre‑concert lectures for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Lyric Opera of Chicago, the Symphony of Oak Park‑River Forest, and many other groups. An alumnus of the University of Michigan School of Music, Carl has been the “stadium voice” of the Michigan Marching Band for 35 seasons ‑ his voice being heard on national telecasts of 14 Rose Bowls and numerous other bowl games.   

Andrew Coffill, tenor