Dear Friends,

It’s with great sadness I relay the passing of Gary Lamprecht, beloved Musical Director of the San Luis Obispo Vocal Arts Ensemble for 47 years. Gary Established the choir in 1977 and developed it to become an internationally acclaimed choir, especially recognized for its dynamic repertoire. His song selections were legendary…. The music, a combination of traditional and classic songs sprinkled with surprising delights from past centuries and other lands. His concerts built bridges of understanding between people. Gary believed that music could bring people together, calm our anxious hearts, and bring hope for a better world. In addition to being a choir leader, Gary taught music and choir at both San Luis Obispo and Morro Bay High Schools for over 34 years. Gary and Cricket Handler brought the San Luis Obispo and Morro Bay High Combined Concert Choir twice to New York City. In 2003, they travelled with 144 students to give three performances at the American Choral Directors Association National Convention attended by 6,000 delegates and returned in 2005 with 122 students which was one of 3 choirs selected from around the county to participate in the inaugural year of this prestigious festival.

Gary strived for excellence from his students and from his singers in Vocal Arts. He established the Central Coast Choral Festival which brings together high school and junior high school choirs from all over California to perform on a professional stage at the Cal Poly Performing Arts Center. Touching the lives of thousands of students and giving them a voice amongst their peers, Gary believed that music could heal the spirit.

In furtherance of his goal to enhance music education in the county, the Gary and Patricia Lamprecht Music Education Endowment was established to award yearly scholarships to seniors in San Luis Obispo County who excel in choral music and orchestral strings. Gary shared with us his love of choral music and brought us the gift of song to enrich our lives. He built a family in Vocal Arts, one that will carry on his memory. He taught us that together we can create a more harmonious world by singing from the heart…

Rest in peace dear Gary.

Donations to Vocal Arts Ensemble, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, in Gary’s name can be mailed to Vocal Arts Ensemble PO Box 4306 San Luis Obispo CA 93403. Please indicate if you would like to donate to the Vocal Arts general fund or to the Gary and Patricia Lamprecht Music Education Endowment.