During the summer of 1995 the staff of the Mokena, IL Park District was looking for ways to expand their programs to the community, and the suggestion was made to sponsor the formation of a community choir. Some of the staffers had participated in the excellent choral programs at nearby Lincoln-Way High School, so they contacted their former choir director, Charles (Chuck) Stark, to see if he would be willing to direct an adult community chorale. Chuck had retired in 1991 after 25 years as Lincoln-Way’s choral director, having established the Lincoln-Way choral music program as one of the premier high school programs in state. Chuck agreed to give it a try, but only if they could get a large enough turnout to make it worthwhile. They scheduled a “call out” rehearsal for September of 1995, and were hoping to get at least 32 singers (8 per section). That night over 70 people showed up, and the Lincoln-Way Area Chorale was born. Many of those who attended were Chuck’s former students or parents of former students, and many were active in their local church choirs. It was an unforgettable and inspirational evening for all who attended.
That first year, the Chorale rehearsed every other Monday night, and in the spring of 1996 presented their first concert, featuring John Rutter’s “Requiem”, as well as selections from classic Broadway musicals. In their second season the Chorale was incorporated as a 501(c) non-profit organization and a Board of Directors was elected from the membership. Rehearsals were increased to every Monday night, and in December of 1996, the Chorale presented its first Christmas Concert. LWAC has been presenting annual Christmas and Spring concerts ever since.
The Chorale has performed with many local musical organizations over the years. For several years, they were one of the featured choirs for the Christmas concerts presented by the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra. They have also performed with the Joliet American Legion Band and the New Lenox Community Band.
Chuck Stark retired as the Chorale’s Artistic Director in the spring of 2012.
After an extensive search and interview process, Gregory Day was hired as the new Artistic Director. Under Greg’s direction the Chorale continued to grow and flourish.
Greg Day served as Artistic Director for the Lincoln-Way Area Chorale from the spring of 2012 through the 2017-2018 concert season. Under his leadership, the Chorale captured the attention of other professionals in the choral field both nationally and worldwide. In the fall of 2017, Greg announced his retirement from the Chorale, and in the spring of 2018, he directed his final Chorale concert.
Artistic Director, Elisé L. Greene, has been with the Chorale since 2018. She came to us with a wide variety of experiences in the field of vocal music. It Includes teaching music and directing choirs from 1979 to the present. She has taught music at all levels from pre-school through adults. She retired from teaching after 38 years, with the last 16 years being in New Lenox Schools.
Elisé holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education with an emphasis on Choral Music, and a minor in Music Theory and Literature from Michigan State University. She also holds a Master’s Degree in Music Education with an emphasis on Choral Music from VanderCook College of Music in Chicago.
In addition, Elisé has done vast amounts of accompanying, and has experience as an actress, director of shows, and costuming many shows for both school and community theater productions. She is also in demand for adjudicating at Solo and Ensemble Contests, Choral Festivals, and ILMEA Festival Auditions. She comes to us with an instrumental background, and was an Assistant Band Director at the high school level.
She has performed in Choirs, Ensembles, Bands, Orchestras, Pit Orchestras, in Musicals, Plays, on Television, in the Recording Studio, at Banquets, at Weddings, Marching Band, and just about any place you can think of!
Elisé has directed Choirs, Madrigals, various Ensembles, Show Choir, Musicals, Bands, Bell Choirs, Talent Shows, and taught piano and voice privately.
Elisé has come to love the members of LWAC, and considers them her extended family!
Jason Randall is excited to return to the bench to accompany the Chorale in their 30th Season Spring Program! He was the Chorale’s regular accompanist from 2011 through 2020 having worked for and with all three of the Chorale’s Artistic Directors. He has also accompanied the Sounds Good choir in Homer Glen and choral concerts at Jefferson Junior High School in Naperville. He is the Music Director for St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Lemont, a position he’s held since 2008. In addition to accompanying, Mr. Randall also enjoys teaching piano students, having taught at the British School of Chicago, Music and Arts in Naperville, and privately at his home.
When not playing music, Jason enjoys time with his family, playing with his three young daughters, travelling with his wife, Stephanie, gardening, and tinkering with woodworking and household projects.
Accompanist, Jeremy Landig, is the founding director of the Lewis University (Romeoville) Chamber Choir. He holds degrees in Choral Music from Millikin University and Western Michigan University and has been fortunate to sing in some of the Midwest’s finest early music groups, collegiate choirs and vocal jazz ensembles. Previously, Jeremy taught high school choir for ten years. He frequently serves as music director for regional musical theater productions, as well as guest director and accompanist for vocal jazz ensembles for the Illinois Music Educators Association. Jeremy is also in demand as a commissioned arranger and composer for high school and collegiate jazz, concert, and competitive show choirs throughout the country.
