Matthew Nelson
Musical Director
In his fourth season as Musical Director of The Singing Co. of LaPorte, Matthew Nelson couldn't be more excited for this organization and for the community of LaPorte County. It is his goal to create a growing program that instills appreciation for all styles of music and a respect for the performing arts, and to mold young musical minds into possible future performers.
Prior to organizing The Singing Co. of LaPorte, Matthew served as Chorus Master of the LaPorte County Symphony Orchestra’s Children’s Chorus for nine seasons. He also served as Director of Music Ministries and Education at St. John's Lutheran Church and School in LaPorte. During his time there, he directed and taught general music to classes in kindergarten through eighth grade. He also continued the tradition of the historical annual Walther League Chorus Christmas concerts at the Civic Auditorium in LaPorte. Matthew integrated the elementary school children from St. John's School into those concerts and added orchestral accompaniment and chorus members from other churches in the LaPorte area.
He served as choir director for First Christian Church of
LaPorte and Agape Christian Church and has played for services for the First Free Will Baptist Church of Rolling Prairie, Bethany Lutheran Church of LaPorte, and First Baptist Church of LaPorte. He has also served at Agape Christian Church as a Worship Leader and Church Deacon. Matthew also shared his appreciation for educating children by aiding Bethany Lutheran Church as Education Director and redesigned their Sunday School program to be geared towards a kids' style worship.
Matthew's study and love of music was fostered by his parents at a young age by enrolling him in private study of both piano and vocal performance. He carried that on through his education by studying Music Education and Piano Performance at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. He pursued further studies at St. Joseph College in Rensselaer, Indiana through their Church Music and Liturgy program.
Currently, Matthew is the lighting designer for the LCSO's concerts held at the LaPorte Civic Auditorium. Matt resides in LaPorte with his wife and three children.
Matthew wishes to thank the Board of Directors for their undying support and assistance with creating The Singing Co. Many thanks also to Bethany Lutheran Church for encouragement, support, and use of facilities. And a special "Thank you" to Russell Wagoner and Philip Bauman for their constant mentoring.
