Valley Gospel Choir formed in 1992 to contribute to the musical arts in the Chippewa Valley. The first choir numbered more than 120 voices and was directed by Paul Nixdorf. The first performance by the Valley Gospel Choir occurred on a Sunday morning along the banks of the Chippewa River for Country Jam USA. In July of that year the choir presented its first concert at Memorial High School in Eau Claire. Whether singing outdoors or indoors, the choir’s interpretation and performance of a variety of gospel music was well received by its audiences. In 1996, Cathy Reitz became the choir’s director. Under her direction, the Valley Gospel Choir gained momentum, grew in numbers and in recognition. The choir not only performed an annual summer concert and sang at Country Jam USA, but traveled to other Wisconsin sites bringing gospel music to stages in Fondulac and in LaCrosse. With the growth of the choir and its audience, the concert venue changed to the Eau Claire Regional Arts Center in Eau Claire and two concerts were performed each summer. A winter benefit concert was added to the performance schedule along with an annual church tour where gospel music was delivered to a variety of denominations in Eau Claire, Chippewa Falls, Mondovi and Menomonie. Additional changes occurred in 2006 when Merlyn Aude became the choir’s director. Under his leadership, the choir was joined by a consistent group of band members who brought energy to the gospel music performed and provided audiences with an expansive musical experience. The annual summer concerts were performed to ‘sold-out’ audiences in the sanctuary of Grace Lutheran Church, Eau Claire. Merlyn continues as our Director.