Sharing The Gift of Song
Scott Nauman
Conductor/Artistic Director
Conductor, instrumentalist, vocalist, Scott Nauman is a lover of the arts. As conductor of the Parker Chorale, Scott has helped the group share the joy of music. Scott Nauman hails from Minnesota where he grew up attending concerts performed at St. Olaf College, located just ten minutes from the farm on which he was raised. Having received his musical training at the University of Northwestern (Minnesota) in conducting, vocal, trumpet and percussion performance and church music, Scott started as a studio singer both in Minneapolis and Denver. One of his greatest joys was performing as a backup singer with Celine Dion at Red Rocks. His involvement in studio and backup singing led to an interest in the recording industry and he worked as a sound engineer/producer for numerous Christian artists. Influenced by rich choral music throughout his childhood and younger years, he began directing choirs, vocal ensembles, big bands and orchestras at the age of twenty one and has performed in all fifty states and twenty countries. For many years, Scott conducted the in-house orchestra at the “Praise in the Rockies” music seminar in Estes Park directing for artists such as Steve Green, Dino Kartsonakis, Sheila Walsh, Wintley Phipps, Michael Card, Michael W. Smith and Sandi Patty. Over the years, Scott has continued his musical career by serving in some of the largest churches in Minnesota and, since 1985, Colorado. He is grateful for the influence he has received from choral conductors such as Jerry Rubino, Mark Hayes, Gary Bonner, Janet Vlachos and Dale Warland. They have each impacted and shaped his musical leadership. So when introduced in February 2015 to the opportunity to serve as the assistant conductor of the Parker Chorale under Paul Smith, Scott replied, “it was (and is) a privilege to glean from yet another wonderful and gifted choral conductor such as Paul”. Fun facts: Scott enjoys spending time with people from his Fellowship Family, flying his (or anyone else’s) airplane, motorcycling and fishing as well as downhill skiing with his wife Lynn.
William Kretzer
Associate Conductor
A Chorale member for a number of years, William became Associate Conductor in Spring 2023 and has helped the group achieve new musical goals. William is a highly accomplished musician and educator, currently serving as the Associate Conductor of the Parker Chorale. With a Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance and a minor in Conducting from Southwest Baptist University, William has established himself as a skilled vocalist and conductor with a passion for music. Throughout his career, William has demonstrated his musical talents and leadership abilities through various roles. With over 25 years of experience, he has led numerous church choirs and orchestras, showcasing his expertise in choral direction and orchestral conducting. His dedication to music education is evident in his work with public high schools in Missouri and Colorado, where he has mentored students and prepared them for solos and ensemble performances in district and state contests. Currently, William is making a significant impact as a music educator at Southeast Christian School, where he teaches 4th-8th grade band and orchestra. His commitment to fostering a love of music in young students and helping them develop their musical talents is truly commendable. William's teaching style is engaging and inspiring, and he goes above and beyond to ensure that his students receive a comprehensive music education that nurtures their creativity and musical abilities. As the Associate Conductor of the Parker Chorale, William brings a wealth of experience, expertise, and passion to his role. His background in vocal performance, conducting, and music education equips him with the skills necessary to lead and inspire the choir to achieve musical excellence. With his dedication to music and his commitment to nurturing the talents of others, William is a valuable asset to the Parker Chorale and the broader music community.
Stefanie Kiester
Accompanist
A new addition to the choir, Stefanie has already shown herself to be an excellent pianist. We are excited and thankful to have Stefanie be a part of the group. A Colorado Native, Stefanie began her piano studies here in Denver with Bernard and Carolyn Shaak at the age of 5. She played her first concerto at age 8 and began competing on the State Level at age 9. Stefanie attended Cherry Creek High School where she sang in, and also accompanied for, the choirs under the directions of Charlotte Adams, Bill Erickson, and Dick Larson. Awarded 4 university scholarships, Stefanie received her Bachelor of Music Degree in Piano Performance and Pedagogy from Utah State University. While there, she studied with Gary Amano, Ralph van der Beek, and Kelly Anderson. Stefanie has been playing professionally and teaching in the Denver area for over 20 years. She is thrilled to be a part of Parker Chorale as their accompanist. Stefanie and her husband, Dan, live in Centennial and have 5 children.