About the Longmont Chorale
The Longmont Chorale is a vibrant ensemble of over one hundred singers and proudly holds the distinction of being our city’s oldest choral tradition, with roots dating back to 1937. We welcome singers of all ages, high school and up, and membership is open year-round. As one of the few non-auditioned choral groups in the region, we embrace vocalists of all backgrounds, regardless of experience or skill level.
The Chorale’s supportive environment ensures that every singer has the resources they need to grow, while our commitment to artistic excellence allows us to present high-quality performances of major choral works. We invite you to become part of this longstanding musical community and lend your voice to the tradition.
Mission
The Longmont Chorale provides and supports an open, non-auditioned community choir, enriching the lives of singers and patrons through the study, creation, and performance of beautiful choral music.
History
The Longmont Chorale, one of Colorado’s longest-running arts organizations, traces its roots back to 1937 when a group of friends gathered to perform Handel’s Messiah. Formally organized by founder Albert James, the non-profit group is Longmont’s premier SATB (Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass) non-audition community choir, welcoming both professional and amateur singers.
Throughout its 89-year history, the chorale has expanded its repertoire far beyond its classical origins. Today, performances span a diverse range of styles, including Broadway hits, jazz, classical masterworks (like Mozart’s Requiem), and traditional folk music.
Operation
The Chorale is led by Artistic Director Nathan Wubbena, and currently puts on four major concerts each season. The Chorale frequently collaborates with local groups like the Longmont Symphony Orchestra for major seasonal and community events.
Artistic Staff
Nathan Wubbena
Artistic Director
Nathan Wubbena received his Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Northern Colorado in 2011, and his Master of Music in Music Education with a Conducting Specialization at Colorado State University in 2018. He has conducted ensembles and taught students of all levels – elementary through adults, on both the Front Range and Western Slope. Nathan has had extensive experience teaching choral, musical theater, and contemporary a cappella genres, and is an accomplished performer in each.
He is also the Artistic Director of the Boulder Children’s Chorale, as well as Board President and Artistic Director of Ascent Vocals. In 2015, he received the Outstanding Young Music Educator Award from the Colorado Music Educators Association, which honors outstanding achievement in an educator with up to 5 years of experience. His experience and recognition have since resulted in him being requested as guest clinician throughout the state of Colorado. He is Chair Emeritus of the Colorado Middle All State Choir board, of which he was a founding board member. Nathan resides in Longmont with his wife, Anna, his son, James, and daughter, Claire. He enjoys cheering for the Broncos and spending time outdoors with his family and dog.
Carly Neumann
Associate Artistic Director
Carly Neumann is a passionate and empathetic music educator who hails from the small town of Peyton, Colorado on the Eastern Plains. In addition to her teaching experience, Carly has a background in youth development and youth mental health support. Carly’s passion for music education extends beyond the classroom. She has experience conducting church choirs, leading community choir programs, and organizing musical events. Her commitment to providing diverse performance and musical opportunities for students in both rural and urban communities has made a significant impact on the lives of her students.
Most recently, Carly served as the Vocal Music Director at Westview Middle School in Longmont, Colorado, where she instructed seven choirs, including treble choirs, tenor-bass choirs, mixed choirs, and an auditioned mixed show choir.
Carly brings over seven years of experience as a dedicated music educator to the team. She graduated with honors from University of Colorado-Boulder with a degree in Music Education. In the fall, Carly will be pursuing her Master of Music Degree in Choral Conducting at Colorado State University, where she will also be serving as a graduate teaching assistant. She is an active member of the National Association for Music Education, American Choral Directors Association, and holds a certification in Youth Mental Health First Aid.
Karlie Carter
Accompanist
Karlie Carter holds a BA in piano performance from Wake Forest University and an MA in music education from George Mason University. With an impressive background in both education and collaborative piano, Karlie has spent 27 years accompanying various choral programs, vocal soloists, and community groups, showcasing her versatility and dedication to the art of accompaniment. Her recent work with Young Voices of Colorado’s international choir festival, Sing a Mile High, has underscored her ability to shine on the international stage.
In addition to her role with the Longmont Chorale, Karlie continues to teach music at Mountain View Elementary in Longmont. Her commitment to education and her collaborative spirit will undoubtedly enrich the musical experience for both the Chorale and the broader Longmont community. Karlie’s enthusiasm for creating beauty through music is infectious, and her presence will undoubtedly inspire the next generation of musicians.
Matthew Sebald
Collaborative Pianist
As a pianist, Dr. Matthew Sebald is known for his bold performance presence and is often
praised for his dedication and artistic passion. Matthew’s professional engagements have
included continuo player for the NMPAS performance of Bach’s St. John Passion and a trip to
the XVIII World Saxophone Congress in Croatia where he collaborated with Dr. Scott Sandberg
(UND) in the premiere of Catherine McMichael’s Duality for tenor saxophone and piano. As a
solo pianist, some of his accolades include winner of the 2016 Bismarck-Mandan Symphony
Orchestra Concerto competition and UND’s 2015 Mozart Piano Concerto competition, and
runner-up for the 2017 Greater Grand Forks Concerto Competition. He holds a Master of Music
and Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Collaborative Piano from the University of Colorado
Boulder. Dr. Sebald’s research in CU’s doctoral program has provided practical tools for
beginning vocal coaches, specifically through a written guidebook that compliments the
literature available for this fascinating field.
Currently, Matthew accompanies the choirs at Altona Middle School, the Boulder Children’s
Chorale, and the Longmont Chorale. In addition, he remains active as a vocal coach, as well
performing with his duo partner, Alice del Simone (soprano). When not playing piano, Matthew
can be found reading or playing board games with friends and his wife, Melody.
Board of Directors
Sharon Cohen-Lehman, President
Katie Bailey, Vice President
Laura Bonnet, Secretary
Shannon Kim, Treasurer
Nathan Wubbena, Artistic Director
Carly Neumann, Associate Artistic Director
Karlie Carter, Accompanist
Sam Benton, At-Large
Michael Bonnet, At-Large
Chrissy Dappen, At-Large
Susan Feigenheimer, At-Large
Joice Gibson, At-Large
Brook Richardson-Jenkins, At-Large
Ian Tinney, At-Large
Lauren Wubbena, At-Large