BRET AMUNDSON
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR, CANTEMUS
Dr. Bret Amundson is the Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences at The College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, MN where he also directs Bella Voce, The College's select treble ensemble. In addition to his work at CSS, Dr. Amundson is the Artistic Director of the Lake Superior Youth Chorus. He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music Education and Vocal Performance from Saint John’s University, a Master of Music in Choral Conducting from Saint Cloud State University, a Doctorate of Music in Choral Conducting from the University of Washington, and an MBA in Change and Leadership from The College of St. Scholastica.
Choirs under Dr. Amundson’s direction have performed at state and regional conventions. In 2007, the Cathedral High School Concert Choir was invited to perform at the Minnesota Music Educators Association’s Mid-Winter Clinic. That same year, he was awarded the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) of Minnesota’s Outstanding Young Conductor Award. In 2015, Twin Ports Choral Project was invited to perform at the ACDA-MN State Conference and, in 2016, the North Central ACDA Regional Conference. In 2017, Bella Voce was invited to perform at the ACDA-MN State Conference and in 2018, the Lake Superior Youth Chorus' Cantemus was invited to perform at that same conference. In 2020, Bella Voce performed at the North Central ACDA Regional Conference. In 2014, Dr. Amundson was awarded The College’s Benedictine Professorship in General Education and in 2015, he was named one of Duluth’s 20 Under 40.
Dr. Amundson maintains an active schedule as clinician, adjudicator, presenter, and guest conductor for choral festivals and conferences around the country. He is a member of the American Choral Directors Association, the National Association for Music Education, the College Music Society, Chorus America, and the VoiceCare Network.