Charles Lazarus, trumpeter, is a multi-faceted performer who has charted a unique course over his career including tenures in several of the best-known brass ensembles in the world, including Canadian Brass, Dallas Brass, Meridian Arts Ensemble, and in the Minnesota Orchestra. As a soloist, composer and bandleader, Lazarus has created four original crossover orchestral shows featuring him as soloist with his jazz ensemble: "A Night in the Tropics", "American Riffs", "Fly Me to the Moon", and most recently "The New American Songbook" featuring the Grammy Awarding winning family quintet, The Steeles.

David Cherwein, former Artistic Director of the National Lutheran Choir, is a nationally known conductor, composer, and organist. Recognized for his contributions to the field of church music and liturgy, he is in demand as a clinician and hymn festival leader across the country. David serves as Cantor at Mount Olive Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, a parish known for its passion for traditional liturgy and creative, high-quality music. A prolific composer, Cherwien has published more than 150 works for both chorus and organ. Cherwien composed 25 new works for the National Lutheran Choir during his 21-year tenure with the prestigious organization.