Mark Potvin
Norskkor, Cathedral Choir
About
Education:Â D.M.A., Music Education, Boston University;Â M.M., St. Cloud State University (St. Cloud, MN); B.A., Luther College
Mark Potvin conducts Cathedral Choir and Norskkor at Luther College, where he also teaches conducting, secondary choral methods, musical theatre, class voice, and supervises student teachers. He further serves the college as the technical director for Christmas at Luther and as faculty director of the Dorian Summer Music Camp program, which welcomes over 600 middle and high school students to campus each June.
Prior to his appointment at Luther, Potvin was the longtime director of choirs at Princeton High School (Minn.), served as artistic director of the East Central Minnesota Chorale, founded and led ECMC’s Unum Vox honor choir, and was on the conducting faculty at St. Cloud State University. On more than a dozen occasions, choirs under Potvin’s direction have been selected to perform for events sponsored by the Minnesota Music Educators Association, the Iowa Choral Directors Association, and the American Choral Directors Association. This includes Cathedral Choir’s performance for ACDA of MN in 2024 as well as Norskkor’s berths at the Iowa Choral Showcase in April 2023 and Minnesota Music Educators Association in 2025. Potvin maintains a busy schedule as a guest conductor. Recent engagements include honor choirs in the United Arab Emirates, Wyoming, Illinois, Virginia, Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin.
While teaching and working in Minnesota, Mark served ACDA-MN as editor of Star of the North and R&R Chair for Men’s Choirs; he was named Outstanding Young Choral Director by the organization in 2008. Now an active member of the Iowa Choral Directors Association, Potvin recently completed a five-year tenure as the R&R Chair for College and University Choirs.
Potvin holds a DMA from Boston University, a MM from St. Cloud State University, and a BA from Luther College.
- D.M.A, Music Education, Boston University
- M.M., Choral Conducting, St. Cloud State University
- B.A., Luther College
MUS 115Â Class Instruction- Voice
For voice majors and nonmajors with little or no background in those areas. Beginning guitarists will study music notation, tablature, chording, and classical guitar literature. Additional fees will be assessed for this course.
MUS 116Â Class Instruction- Voice
Continuation of MUS 115. For majors and non-majors who have had some piano or voice. Emphasis is on developing good reading and practicing skills. Additional fees will be assessed for this course.
MUED 387Â High School Choral Methods
Students learn choral literature, pedagogy, rehearsal techniques, rehearsal planning, music literacy strategies, assessment and grading, rehearsal management, and administration of a high school choral program.
MUED 486Â Teaching Practicum
Observation and teaching in area schools. Student teaching experiences are offered in each of the following areas: elementary education, secondary education, and K-12 student teaching in music. Those who do 18 weeks of MUED 486 to meet the Wisconsin certification and additional licensure endorsements will register for 2 additional credits during January term.
MUS 300Â Norskkor:
Norskkor is one of five auditioned choral ensembles at Luther College and is conducted by Mark Potvin. Established in 1981, the group is primarily comprised of first-year tenors and basses, selected each fall and spring by audition. The ensemble participates in worship services, performs at the Family Weekend concert, participates in Christmas at Luther and Dorian Vocal Festival, and presents an annual spring concert with Aurora, Luther’s choral ensemble for sopranos and altos.
MUS 300Â Cathedral Choir:
Cathedral Choir is one of five auditioned choirs at Luther College. The ensemble is comprised of select singers drawn mostly from the rich talent of the college’s sophomore class. Cathedral Choir participates actively in campus worship, in the Christmas at Luther concerts, and at special events and concerts during the academic year, including an annual spring tour.