Instrumental ensembles to celebrate longtime director with April 17-18 retirement concerts.
For 34 years, Dr. Louis A. Menchaca has stood at the front of Concordia University Wisconsin’s instrumental ensembles — baton raised, listening for more than the right notes. He has listened for growth. For confidence. For the moment when a student begins to understand they belong on the stage.
This spring, that chapter comes to a close.
On April 17 and 18, Concordia will host a retirement concert weekend in honor of Menchaca, professor of music and director of instrumental music since 1992. The celebration will feature the University Band and Jazz Ensemble at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 17. The weekend continues at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 18, with the Symphonic Wind Ensemble and Chamber Orchestra under Menchaca’s direction, joined by special internationally renowned artists Seraph Brass Quintet. The Saturday performance will also include alumni performers as part of an Instrumental Weekend celebration.
For Menchaca, it will be his final concert as CUW’s director of instrumental music. For Concordia, it will be an opportunity to give thanks.
“Seeing alumni, friends and family all in one room will be both remarkable and overwhelming,” Menchaca said. “It has truly been a generational effort, with remarkable students — and now their children — striving to excel in their God-given gifts of music.”
A program shaped over decades
Since arriving at Concordia in 1992, Menchaca has coordinated all aspects of the instrumental music division, including recruiting, ensemble leadership, instruction and administration. He served as music department chair from 1998 to 2025 and was named Faculty Laureate for outstanding teaching in his 10th year at the university.
Under his leadership, Concordia ensembles performed in 38 states and internationally in Ireland, the United Kingdom, Italy, Germany, Austria, Greece and Spain. The Symphonic Wind Ensemble and Chamber Orchestra recorded seven CD projects, now available on major streaming platforms. His scholarly work and guest appearances have included presentations for the National Endowment for the Arts and at institutions such as the Eastman School of Music, the University of California, Los Angeles, and the University of South Carolina.
Locally, he served as music director of the Lakeshore Symphonic Band from 1997 to 2006 and the Northshore Symphony Orchestra from 2002 to 2006. He has been recognized by Milwaukee Northshore Lifestyle as one of its Favorite Musicians and has been named among Ozaukee County’s People to Watch.
Yet Menchaca is quick to point to a different accomplishment.
CUW music alumni remain his greatest source of pride. Former students now serve as music educators and administrators across the United States, in the military and at Concordia itself. Music teacher preparation has long been central to his work. In addition to directing ensembles, he has supervised student teachers and taught instrumental conducting and brass methods, forming future educators who will shape their own classrooms and communities.
“Helping and advising students as they find their calling and unique niche has always been rewarding,” he said. “Each of our students has something musical and educational to contribute through their gifts. Seeing that discovery and growth is deeply rewarding.”
A weekend of music and gratitude
The April concerts are designed to showcase the artistic breadth and depth of Concordia’s instrumental program. Audiences will hear accomplished student soloists, experience the artistry of Seraph Brass and celebrate alongside alumni who return to perform.
Saturday evening’s performance will mark Menchaca’s final appearance at the podium in his official role.
Admission for both concerts is complimentary. In lieu of ticket fees, guests are invited to contribute to the newly established Dr. Louis Menchaca Scholarship Endowment Fund. The fund will support future instrumental music students, extending Menchaca’s commitment to excellence and opportunity for years to come.
When the final piece concludes April 18, the applause will honor more than a single performance. It will recognize 34 years of steady leadership, faithful teaching and music shared across generations.
Retirement will bring a new rhythm. But the sound of Menchaca’s work will continue in rehearsal rooms, classrooms and concert halls far beyond Concordia’s campus.
“Our work is far from done at CUW Music. The liberal arts music space is competitive and crowded,” he said. “We need to distinguish ourselves, especially as we have built an incredible array of instrumental ensembles for a school our size.”
Menchaca still plans to admire from a distance as he and his wife, Lori, begin their travels to see family and friends along the West Coast and in the Southeast.
Join CUW’s instrumental ensembles April 17 and 18 as they celebrate the music, the mentorship and the man who helped define instrumental music at CUW.
More to explore
- CUW Music alumni reflections: Sarah Stolarczyk
- CUW Music alumni reflections: Craig Toerpe
- KFUO: Dr. Menchaca talks the tradition of Christmas at Concordia
- 10 reasons to be involved with music at CUW
Want in?
Concordia University Wisconsin is a Lutheran higher education community committed to helping students develop in mind, body and spirit for service to Christ in the Church and the world.