25th Anniversary

Touching Hearts Through Music: Celebrating 25 Years of Choral Excellence

The Story of Northwest Repertory Singers

The Vision Begins: Founding NWRS

In 2001, a visionary conductor with a passion for choral artistry, Dr. Paul Schultz, founded the Northwest Repertory Singers (NWRS) in Tacoma, Washington. What began as a group of dedicated volunteer singers quickly grew into one of the South Sound’s most respected and artistically accomplished choral ensembles.  Dr. Schultz said, “The name selected for this ensemble was Northwest Repertory Singers because we wanted to represent our entire region. And we wanted to be known for the repertoire we performed: repertoire that would touch the lives of those who would hear us perform.”

A Richmond, Michigan native, Dr. Paul W. Schultz enjoyed a five-decade career as a nationally recognized teacher and conductor. His choirs earned top honors, and he received multiple leadership and lifetime achievement awards from the American Choral Directors Association and other prestigious organizations.

Setting the Standard: Early Seasons and Signature Moments

Dr. Schultz’s goal was simple yet ambitious: to bring high-caliber choral music to the Puget Sound. The group’s debut concert season featured a repertoire both challenging and inspiring, setting a precedent for musical excellence that continues today. Early audiences were treated to fresh interpretations of classical masterworks, contemporary compositions, and rarely performed choral gems. Word spread quickly as the NWRS set a standard of excellence that challenged singers and delighted audiences from across Western Washington. 

From the very first concert, one of Dr. Schultz’s most defining strengths was his ability to instill in the singers a shared passion and purpose: to seamlessly unite music and text, breathing life into every piece through expressive and emotional storytelling. That guiding philosophy remains at the core of NWRS today. With each performance, the singers work diligently to uphold the standard of excellence he established, crafting moments where words and music intertwine to move, uplift, and inspire audiences.

Just one year after its founding, NWRS helped place Tacoma on the international stage by participating in the global “Rolling Requiem” in 2002. Along with musicians from across the region, NWRS performed Mozart’s Requiem to commemorate the first anniversary of the September 11 attacks. This event solidified NWRS’s identity as a group rooted in both artistry and community service.

Recognition and National Acclaim

Over the next decade, NWRS continued to grow artistically and in community impact. Annual concert traditions including Christmas concerts, spring masterworks, and artistic collaborations captivated audiences season after season.

In 2007, NWRS performed at the prestigious American Masterpieces Choral Festival, earning national attention. After that performance, celebrated composer Morten Lauridsen called NWRS “a jewel among chamber choruses in America,” while esteemed conductor Dale Warland praised their performance as “superb.”

A standout moment came in 2008 when NWRS and the Northwest Sinfonietta joined forces for Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, a concert that received critical acclaim from local media.

Creative Collaborations: Expanding the Musical Horizon

Collaborations became a hallmark of the ensemble’s identity. NWRS has shared the stage with an eclectic mix of artists and ensembles over the years including The Coats, Tacoma Youth Chorus, Cora Voce, Rainier Symphony, Magical Strings, Total Experience Gospel Choir, Northwest Sinfonietta, Federal Way Chorale, Rainier Family Opera, Kareem Kandi Band, Lyric Brass Quintet, Sounds of Brass, Evergreen Brass Quintet, choral ensembles from the University of Puget Sound, Pacific Lutheran University, Clark College, Curtis High School, Emerald Ridge High School, Geiger Montessori School, Tacoma School of the Arts Dancers, and numerous solo guest artists.

Championing New Music: Commissions and Premieres

NWRS’s commitment to new music and regional composers has been just as strong. Starting with its 10th anniversary in 2011, the ensemble began commissioning and premiering new works nearly every season.

In 2014, the group fulfilled one of Dr. Schultz’s original goals by performing Brahms’s Ein deutsches Requiem with Rainier Symphony. That same year, NWRS performed for a special screening of Shining Night: A Portrait of Composer Morten Lauridsen, with Lauridsen himself in attendance.

Lauridsen returned again in 2018 for Dr. Schultz’s final concert, joining the choir on piano for “Sure on This Shining Night,” a fitting and emotional tribute to their enduring friendship.

Resilience Through Challenges

Like all arts organizations, NWRS has faced its share of challenges. The 2008 financial crisis strained resources, and the 2020 global pandemic forced concert halls to close. Yet NWRS adapted, offering virtual performances and finding creative ways to stay connected with audiences and singers alike. The group’s resilience during these times speaks to the dedication of its board, singers, patrons, and volunteers.

Passing the Baton: A New Chapter of Leadership

A major milestone in NWRS’s history came in 2018, when Dr. Schultz retired after more than 60 years in music education and conducting. At the time of Dr. Schultz’s retirement, the NWRS had performed 65 concerts, presented more than 550 choral works and collaborated with 27 music groups. Fortunately, the choir didn’t have to look far for its next leader.

Kyle Haugen, who had served as Assistant Director for 8 seasons was named the second Artistic Director of NWRS. A Tacoma native and University of Puget Sound graduate, Haugen also holds a Master of Sacred Music degree from Luther Seminary in conjunction with St. Olaf College.

Known regionally and nationally as a conductor, organist, freelance choral singer, and published composer, Haugen brought both continuity and fresh artistic vision to the ensemble. Haugen has continued to lead NWRS with creativity, passion, and a deep respect for the choir’s founding legacy.

The Artistic Hand at the Piano: Marjorie Skreen-Dickerson

Also central to the NWRS story is Marjorie Skreen-Dickerson, the ensemble’s collaborative pianist since its founding. Holding music degrees from the University of Puget Sound and the University of Washington, Skreen-Dickerson has been the choir’s steady musical partner for 25 years. Her artistry has enriched every concert, from delicate chamber pieces to full orchestral collaborations.

Honoring Our Founder and Legacy

The passing of Dr. Paul Schultz in 2021 marked a deeply emotional chapter for the NWRS family. Paul’s vision, artistry, and humanity shaped the organization at every level. His legacy lives on through every rehearsal, every concert, and every audience member moved by the power of choral music.

To honor his contributions, NWRS established the Paul Schultz Memorial Fund which ensures that Dr. Schultz’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations of singers and audiences. This fund supports artistic initiatives and educational outreach, extending the choir’s mission well into the future.

Honors and Community Recognition

In recognition of its contributions to the arts, NWRS has received multiple honors. In 2007, the ensemble earned the Jim Smith Award from the Pierce County Arts Commission for its cultural impact. In 2011, Tacoma Mayor Marilyn Strickland officially declared June 4 as “Northwest Repertory Singers Day” to mark the choir’s 10th anniversary.

Looking Ahead: The Next 25 Years

As NWRS celebrates its 25th Anniversary Season, the 2025 concert series reflects both on the past and looks boldly toward the future featuring audience favorites from the last quarter-century alongside new works that represent the choir’s ongoing artistic evolution. (possibly expand on the exact composers/pieces that will be performed).

One of Dr. Schultz’s guiding mottos, inspired by his early involvement in the 4-H Club, was “To make the best better.” Throughout his time with the Northwest Repertory Singers, he embodied this philosophy, continually raising the standard of musical excellence and artistic expression. Today, we honor his legacy by striving to do the same…elevating our music and touching hearts with every note we sing.

With Gratitude and Hope for the Future

To every singer who has raised their voice…

To every audience member who has shared in the music…

To every donor, volunteer, and board member who believed in this vision…

We thank you.

Here’s to the next 25 years of harmony, artistry, touching hearts through music and community connection.