About gracenotes

Gracenotes Orchestra began its journey in 2005 as a small brass ensemble founded by Gary and Nancy Groubert at Our Savior's Wesleyan Church in Mukwonago. Early on, Jim Clark, a retired violinist from the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and fellow church member suggested expanding the group to include string players. This pivotal moment led to the ensemble adopting the name "Gracenotes" and setting its sights on becoming a full orchestra.

As the orchestra expanded to over 50 musicians, it outgrew its original space and began performing at Brooklife Church in Mukwonago. Over the years, Gracenotes evolved into a full symphonic orchestra and ensembles with over 100 musicians and a 40-member choir. To accommodate this expansion and increasing audience demand, the orchestra began rehearsing at Mukwonago High School and performing in the state-of-the-art Greenwald Performing Arts Center located on the school campus.

Our musicians have been encouraged to refine their skills through workshops led by guest clinicians and conductors. The repertoire has also become progressively more challenging. In 2018, Michael Poytinger joined as conductor, bringing enhanced expertise and leadership to Gracenotes and further elevating its artistic quality.

In 2023, Gracenotes Orchestra reached a significant milestone by achieving 501(c)(3) non-profit status. This accomplishment not only solidified its role as a vital cultural institution but also deepened its partnership with the Mukwonago School District. As a result, the Greenwald Performing Arts Center officially became the orchestra’s home.

Continuing its tradition of growth and innovation, Gracenotes recently expanded its offerings by adding two ensembles: a jazz band led by Bernie Fiedler and a brass choir directed by Jay Huenink. These groups now perform independently throughout southeastern Wisconsin, further enriching the region's music scene and extending the orchestra's influence.

Today, Gracenotes Orchestra stands as a testament to the power of collaboration, community, and the transformative impact of music. From its humble beginnings as a small brass ensemble to its current status as a thriving symphonic orchestra, Gracenotes continues to inspire audiences and musicians alike.

Gracenotes: Building a Legacy of Music and Community Engagement

Gracenotes is on a mission to create a vibrant and inclusive organization that inspires both its members and audiences while fostering a love for music that will resonate for generations to come. With a strong focus on financial stability, ethical operations, and exceptional experiences, Gracenotes aims to be a cornerstone of the musical and cultural landscape in Southeastern Wisconsin.

We are committed to enriching our community through music. By growing our audience base, increasing free performances, and dedicating time to volunteer efforts, Gracenotes strives to give back to the community in meaningful ways. Our orchestra, jazz band, and brass choir are at the forefront of this mission, delivering accessible performances across the region.

To ensure the enduring impact of symphonic music, Gracenotes is launching an outreach program designed to engage youth and cultivate future musicians. By connecting with young people and sharing the joy of music, we aim to inspire the next generation to embrace the world of orchestral and symphonic sounds.

Creating a rewarding and welcoming environment for our members is a cornerstone of our values. We strive to offer challenging musical programs while nurturing a sense of family within the organization. Efforts to attract younger musicians and expand our membership ensure Gracenotes remains dynamic and diverse.

Collaboration is key to our vision. Gracenotes is building strong relationships with local schools, businesses, churches, and other music organizations to foster community support. These partnerships not only enhance our outreach efforts but also help us maintain free concerts and eliminate membership dues through sponsorships and donations.

In today’s digital age, engaging with our audience is more important than ever. Gracenotes actively uses social media and other communication platforms to connect with our community, share our mission, and celebrate the joy of music together.

Through these initiatives, Gracenotes is ensuring its legacy as an organization that uplifts, inspires, and makes a lasting impact in Southeastern Wisconsin.