ABOUT US | kenoshachamberchoir

Our Mission

The Kenosha Chamber Choir is a not-for-profit organization that seeks to enrich the already vibrant Kenosha arts culture with choral performance and education. In dedication to our strong community roots, it is important to us that everything we do remain accessible to every interested individual.

Mission

Leadership

Artistic Director

Michael Gutierrez (he/him/his) is proud to direct the Kenosha Chamber Choir and brings a broad background in music education, arts administration, and community engagement. He currently works remotely as the Administrative Manager of Teacher Education at the Longy School of Music of Bard College in Cambridge, MA, and is also Associate Editor for The Ensemble Newsletter, a publication focused on ensemble music education for youth empowerment and social change. Additionally, he serves as the bass section leader at St. Giles Episcopal Church in Northbrook, IL.

Previously, Michael was the choir director at Grayslake Central High School in Grayslake, IL, and taught general music at Zion Central Middle School in Zion, IL. An active performer in the Chicagoland area, he has sung with the Apollo Chorus of Chicago, the College of Lake County's Chamber Singers, and most recently, the Kenosha Chamber Choir.

Michael earned his Bachelor of Music Education degree from Illinois State University in 2016 and his Master of Music in Music Education degree from the Longy School of Music of Bard College in 2025. His master’s thesis focused on implementing Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) strategies in the choral setting.

He is deeply passionate about the role of music in building meaningful connections and fostering a sense of belonging. He believes that choral music holds a unique power to cultivate empathy, community, and collective expression. His work is grounded in the belief that every voice matters and that music can be a healing and transformative force, especially when approached with care, inclusivity, and joy. Whether working with young singers, seasoned vocalists, or fellow educators, Michael is committed to creating spaces where people feel heard, supported, and inspired to make music together.

Assistant Director & Accompanist

Michelle Nuetzmann Gutierrez (she/hers) is honored to be a part of Kenosha Chamber Choir community and has a background in music education, foreign language studies, and higher education administration and advising. She currently works as a Lead for the high school College and Career Navigator team at the College of Lake County, fostering relationships with local high schools and developing programming for recruitment and advising. She is also an adjunct instructor & freelance piano teacher.

Previously, Michelle was the Choir Director at Deerfield Community High School in Madison, WI, and taught general music at Sherwood Elementary School in Highland Park, IL. Before music teaching, she taught English in Germany via a Fulbright Fellowship in the small hillside village of Obernkirchen.

Board of Directors

President: Agnes Gray

Vice President: April Schultz

Treasurer: Susan Johnsen

Secretary: Donnie Larkin

General Board Members: Amber Junkel, Gerry Slavek, and Kyle Miskovic

Board meetings are held on the second Monday of each month at St. Matthew's Episcopal Church (Guild Hall) at 9pm.

Michelle completed her Master of Music in Music Education from Northwestern University in 2021 (go 'Cats!) and a Bachelors in both Music and German from Carthage College in 2016. Michelle is particularly interested in the intersection of music and culture, and believes that music transcends the barriers of culture and language both globally and in our home communities. She believes that music is a vehicle for dialogue for many subjects, from literature to social commentary to emotional expression, and enjoys inviting the perspectives of choir members in rehearsals.

Elections

The Kenosha Chamber Choir is a democratic organization, and we are looking for qualified individuals to join our board.

What We Do

The KCC Board of Directors is responsible for guiding the growth and protecting the well-being of the Kenosha Chamber Choir. We manage operations for rehearsals and events, select singing opportunities that we believe to be in line with our mission and culture, define policy, and seek outside funding opportunities.

What We Are Looking For

The KCC holds open elections for four of its eight positions at the end of every Spring Season. Qualified individuals will have a love for choral music, an interest in protecting the organization and our community culturally, legally, socially and ethically, as well as a willingness to contribute as able to any number of side quests, including - but not limited to - event planning, music and event selection, community building, policy building, and administrative tasks.

Board Member Expectations

Minimally, individuals elected to the board will be expected to educate themselves on the core tenets of our organization, including our organizational bylaws, non-profit law, choral and music performance copyright legalities, and Robert's Rules of order (which outline parliamentary procedure for boards of all types). While exceptions are made, Board Members are expected to attend each of our monthly board meetings, as well as ad hoc meetings normally happening at the beginning and end of each season. Board Members are encouraged to sponsor a funds-seeking initiative of their own and otherwise contribute as able to supporting the needs of the Kenosha Chamber Choir and its ongoing initiatives. Furthermore, as representatives of the organization, Board Members are required to comply with organizational non-discrimination and anti-harrassment policy at all times and in all arenas.

How Do I Apply?

Further information regarding the application process will be coming soon. In the meantime, consider attending one of our board meetings, usually scheduled for the second Monday of every month.