Great River Chorale

09/11/2026

We are so excited to announce that Sean Jacobson will be our new collaborative pianist for GRC. Sean and the choir will begin fall semester rehearsals this Sunday. We can't wait to start making music again. Here's a little more about our new team member:

Originally from Montevideo, MN, Sean graduated from Saint John's University with a BA in music education, studying piano with Dr. Ed Turley and trumpet with Dr. Dale White. A passionate educator and musician, Sean teaches music at Saint John's Preparatory School, where he directs the Concert Band, Middle School Band, Middle School Choir, and Jazz Ensemble. As a performer, he is an active pianist and trumpeter, having played with groups including the Saint John's Boys' Choir, the Minnesota Center Chorale, Lykke Theatre, GREAT Theatre, the St. Cloud Symphony Orchestra, the Saint Mary's Cathedral Choir, and the Youth Chorale of Central Minnesota. Currently, he serves as the principal trumpet of the Amadeus Chamber Symphony (with whom he will also be featured as the soloist in Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 21 in their 2026-27 season) and plays keyboards and accordion with St. Joseph-based art rock band Telestela. Aside from music, Sean enjoys spending time with his wife, hiking with their dog, and growing entirely too many houseplants.

08/24/2026

There is still time to join us this season! We had a great round of auditions yesterday, and you have another opportunity to audition next Sunday, August 30th. If you aren't available this coming Sunday, please still fill out the audition form below to schedule an audition on another day.

Whether you’ve sung in choirs for years or are looking to return after some time away, we welcome singers who are passionate about making beautiful choral music in a supportive, dedicated, and joyful community.

Go here to learn more about the audition process: https://docs.google.com/document/d/11D36Le_67KJeyJx-KKhg5D5ApDPUtS4Br4qnk9oTDgI/edit?usp=drivesdk

Go here to sign up for an audition: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1SkwmhbhCOuGWXEAl4fV6k5hHOhNmx_oplDXGRWqMHiI/edit?usp=drivesdk

Come discover, or rediscover the joy of singing together. We can’t wait to hear you!

07/25/2026

Love to Sing? Live near St. Cloud, or you are willing to drive to be in a wonderful community choir?

Come Join Great River Chorale!

Great River Chorale and our Treble Choir are holding auditions for our upcoming season on Sunday, August 23 and Sunday, August 30, and we’d love to meet you!

Whether you’ve sung in choirs for years or are looking to return after some time away, we welcome singers who are passionate about making beautiful choral music in a supportive, dedicated, and joyful community.

As we prepare for an exciting season of inspiring performances, now is the perfect time to become part of the Great River Chorale family.

📅 Audition Dates:
• Sunday, August 23
• Sunday, August 30

Go here to learn more: https://docs.google.com/document/d/11D36Le_67KJeyJx-KKhg5D5ApDPUtS4Br4qnk9oTDgI/edit?usp=drivesdk

Go here to sign up for an audition: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1SkwmhbhCOuGWXEAl4fV6k5hHOhNmx_oplDXGRWqMHiI/edit?usp=drivesdk

Come discover, or rediscover the joy of singing together. We can’t wait to hear you!

07/22/2026

We are searching for a new Collaborative Pianist.

Here's a link to the job description:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_kkSy9aOkoE1pDr3GQbCz2YeVDx37Vyg/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=117835465000920669432&rtpof=true&sd=true

Please share with all the strong pianists in the area!

Job Description: Collaborative Pianist Supervised by: Artistic Director Purpose of Position: To provide the piano accompaniment for rehearsals, auditions, and concerts. Time Commitment: Approximately 4-5 hours per week Choir Description: The Great River Chorale, a 60-voice adult community ch...

05/31/2026

Great River Chorale bids a fond farewell to Dr. Mary Kay Geston, Artistic Managing Director from 2010 – 2026, who has retired after leading our organization through a period of remarkable growth and stability. Best wishes, Mary Kay!

And we are thrilled to announce the appointment of Dr. Brett Robison, Great River Chorale’s new Artistic and Executive Director, who joins us June 1st. Welcome, Brett! Read more about Brett on our website, and stay tuned for exciting news about next season. https://greatriverchorale.org/artistic-staff-and-board/

05/16/2026

For the past 15 years, GRC has been guided by exceptional leadership - leadership that has blended musical excellence with the deeper meaning of music making. Dr. Mary Kay Geston has never just conducted music, she has shaped experiences.

Mary Kay, as you enter into retirement next month, we reflect with gratitude on the ways you have shaped us. Your passion, vision, patience, humor and friendship are treasured. You are a fiercely compassionate leader and your impact will continue to ripple forward in all of us. We wish you a beautiful retirement!

05/05/2026

To our Saint Cloud, MN area church choir director colleagues:
We are in search of extra copies of "Shepherd Me, O God" by Marty Haugen for Mark Nelson's funeral next Tuesday, May 12 in Saint Cloud, MN (we have some, but not enough). Do any of you have this piece in your choir library, and if so, may we borrow it? Please email me at [email protected]. Thanks! MKGeston

05/04/2026

All of us in Great River Chorale are saddened by the death of long-time member Mark Nelson who died on May 1, 2026 in Saint Cloud, MN. Mark's wife Ardis and daughter Kirsten Nelson Roenfeldt sing in the GRC Treble Choir. A funeral will be held Tuesday, May 12 at 11:00 a.m. at Salem Lutheran Church, 90 Riverside Drive, Saint Cloud, MN 56304. Visitation is at 10:00 a.m., and a lunch will follow the service. Past and present GRC members are invited to sing a piece at the service under the direction of Mary Kay Geston. The choir will rehearse at 9:15 a.m. before the visitation.

View Mark Lyndon Nelson's complete obituary, share memories, and explore heartfelt tribute posts from the community.

04/28/2026

That’s a wrap! GRC's 25th anniversary season came to an exuberant close with a full house at our concert "The Music of Living" on Sunday, April 26th. Thank you to everyone who attended! Stay tuned for exciting news about next season. And thank you to our concert sponsors:

AIS Planning
Revermann Lund Ross
Donna Harris, in honor of GRC’s 25th anniversary
Douglas Geston, in honor of Mary Kay Geston
Charles & Judith Welter, in honor of GRC’s 25th anniversary

04/15/2026

Great River Chorale is 25 years old so we're posting some group photos from years past. Be sure to join us on Sunday, April 26 at 3 pm at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in St. Cloud for our 25th anniversary concert "The Music of Living"!