Wolfgang A. Calnin is a retired vocal music teacher. He grew up in De Pere, Wisconsin and began his teaching career in 1980 in Baraboo, Wisconsin. He relocated to South Milwaukee, WI in 1987 and was employed by the School District of South Milwaukee for 27 years as director of choral and vocal activities at the Senior High School. Under his leadership he developed a grew the choral program into four distinct choirs, namely one for each grade level nine through twelve. Additionally, each year his Vocal Jazz Ensemble, the Madrigal Consort and countless vocal students have consistently performed at a high level at the WSMA Local and State Solo and Ensemble Festivals. During his tenure at South Milwaukee High School his choirs have appeared at Carnegie Hall on four separate occasions: once under the direction of Professor Dudley Birder and three times under the direction of the eminent English composer/conductor John Ritter, including the World Premiere of: Feel the Spirit in 2001. 1n 1994 his students performed in Honolulu, Hawaii under the direction of both Weston Noble and Paul Salamunovish.
Mr. Calnin holds a Bachelor of Music Degree (1977) from St. Norbert College in De Pere, WI. In 1980, he earned a Master of Arts in Teaching Degree (MAT) from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire while serving as a Teaching Assistant to the renowned Professor Morris Hayes for two years. While in South MIlwaukee Mr. Calnin conducted the Cantare Choral for 15 years and lead the Milwaukee Liedertafel, for 17 years. In 2003 Calnin directed the Wisconsin Sängerbezirk in Berlin, Germany and in 2006 conducted the choir on a tour of Germany, France and Switzerland. In 2013 Wolfgang had the honor of serving as the Executive Music Director of the 63rd NASB Music Festival held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Fro 27 years Mr. Calnin directed the Divine Mercy Church Choir of South Milwaukee.
After retiring from teaching, Wolfgang and his wife,Susan returned to Baraboo in 2016. Here they enjoy cooking together, camping and kayaking; but most importantly spending as much time as possible with their four lovely granddaughters. Currently Wolfgang is exploring his love of woodworking at his Urbanwood Studio Baraboo. He designs live edge furniture and produces the ONQOR Audio Speaker, which is a unique design successfully developed over the last 5 years. The ONQOR speaker needs to be experienced to be fully appreciated. Come in for a private listening session.