About Legacy Choirs

Our Mission: We bring people together across ages and abilities through the creation and sharing of beautiful vocal music.

The Legacy Chorale of Greater Minnesota was established by founding director Sarah Aamot in 2001. The choir received its nonprofit status in the fall of 2002 and has since presented more than 100 concerts around the Brainerd Lakes Area and beyond.

 

In the fall of 2022, the organization expanded to offer youth programming. The Legacy Youth Chorale program now supports resident choirs for singers in grades 3-12.

 

In recent years, programming has expanded to include a summer youth camp and a memory choir called Still We Sing, which is designed to support people living with dementia and their care partners.

 

The Legacy Chorale of Greater Minnesota is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides participants and audiences from 20+ greater Minnesota communities access to quality vocal music programming.

 

In 2026 the organization rebranded in response to the expanded programs and variety of populations it serves, now known as Legacy Choirs of the Lakes Area: a nonprofit organization rooted in the Brainerd Lakes Area and supporting many vocal music opportunities for all ages and abilities.

 

Kennedy Niska, MANAGING DIRECTOR & LEGACY YOUTH CHORALE DIRECTOR

Kennedy Niska

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR &
YOUTH CHORALE CONDUCTOR

Kennedy Niska’s career blends nonprofit administration and music education as the Executive Director of the Legacy Chorale of Greater Minnesota and Conductor of the Legacy Youth Chorale. Kennedy strives to curate creative and educational programs that result in enriching, memorable experiences for singers and audiences alike. Kennedy is an integral part of the local performing arts community, serving as a frequent collaborator with area theater companies and as a board member of the Heartland Symphony Orchestra. He holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Concordia College-Moorhead and is an active member of the Minnesota Music Educators Association and American Choral Directors Association, currently fulfilling the role of Central District Chair for ACDA of Minnesota.

Stubbs Headshot

Brian Stubbs

LEGACY CHORALE CONDUCTOR

Brian Stubbs has been a high school vocal music director and church musician in Brainerd, Grand Rapids, and Kenyon. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota and his Master of Music Education degree from the University of Northern Colorado at Greeley. Brian is an alumnus of the Blandin Foundation Community Leadership program, chosen in his community as a leader for the arts and education. He has served as President of the American Choral Directors Association of Minnesota, and as Choral Vice President of the Minnesota Music Educators Association. He serves as a guest director, judge and clinician throughout the state and region. In 2021 Brian was named Choral Director of the Year by the American Choral Directors Association of Minnesota.
Koreann Martin

Koreann Martin

COLLABORATIVE PIANIST

Koreann Martin accompanies the Legacy Chorale and Legacy Youth Chorale. She obtained her professional Music degree from The School for Music Vocations in Creston, IA. For a decade, she taught music privately in the Twin Cities area and served as Youth Choir Director at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Shoreview, MN. She now teaches virtual lessons from home and is involved in the community as the collaborative pianist for the BHS Music Department and Worship Leader for Lord of Life Lutheran Church.

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