CONDUCTORS
RAY WIFFLER 1971-1972
Ray Wifler served as the founding conductor of the Fond du Lac Community Choir in 1971. He conducted the first concert of Mendelssohn's Elijah in 1971 and the second concert of Beethoven's Mass in C in 1972. Dr. Wifler later became the longtime director of the Fond du Lac Symphonic Band and taught at UW-Fond du Lac and Marian College. This picture is of Ray directing the dress rehearsal of the first concert.
John Bauerlein (1972-1973)
John Bauerlein was the second conductor of the Fond du Lac Community Choir/FDL Oratorio Chorus/South Shore Chorale. While John only conducted the choir for one concert season, he was the first to perform a Christmas concert with the organization. The first Christmas concert was performed in December, 1972 with a performance of The Messiah by George F. Handel. This picture is of John prior to the first Christmas concert in 1972.
Alan Lemery (1973-2005)
Alan Lemery "Lem" holds the longest tenure as the third conductor of the Fond du Lac Community Choir/FDL Oratorio Chorus/South Shore Chorale. "Lem" conducted the Chorus for 32 seasons from the fall of 1973 through the spring of 2005, when the choir was known as the Fond du Lac Oratorio Chorus. During his tenure, the Oratorio Chorus performed many of the great sacred oratorios and other sacred music masterpieces. Mr. Lemery also was the Director of Choral Activities at L.P. Goodrich High School in Fond du Lac and was one of leading forces for choral music in the Fond du Lac community for over 30 years. These pictures are from his first few years as conductor.
Cory Schneider (2005-present)
Cory Schneider has been on the podium as the director of South Shore Chorale since the fall of 2005. As the fourth director in the organization's history, Schneider is thrilled to be able to continue the legacy that Ray Wifler, John Bauerlein, and Alan Lemery developed during their time as directors.
While embracing the rich sacred history of the organization, Schneider has led the organization through growth in membership, repertoire, and performance opportunities. In addition, he has developed a He has directed three performance tours to New York, England/Scotland, and Canada.
Schneider said, "It truly is an honor to stand on the podium every week in front of these amazing singers! The singers are what makes this organization thrive. I am thrilled to be a part of this vibrant choir and help lead us into the next 50 years as an organization!"
Cory has been a choir director at Fond du Lac High School since 2001. Prior to his time at Fond du Lac High School, he taught choral music at Sabish Junior High School in Fond du Lac and Fox River Middle School in Waterford, Wisconsin.
