David Severtson, collaborative pianist David Severtson holds degrees in theology and music, including a doctorate in piano performance from the University of Minnesota. He has taught at Macalester College, the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, as well as his alma mater, Luther College, before being ordained in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America in 2020. He serves as a pastor at First Lutheran Church in Decorah.
Jason Rausch, artistic director
Jason Rausch Jason Rausch serves as the artistic director of Decorah Chorale, a position he has held since 2014. He holds degrees from Waldorf College and Luther College, and a Masters Degree from the University of Iowa. Jason has served as president of the Iowa Choral Directors Association and MWACDA R & R Chair for High School Choirs, and is currently chair of the Iowa Choral Showcase. He has conducted the 7th & 8th Grade Boys Iowa Opus Honor Choir, and been a clinician for the collegiate repertoire choir at the NCACDA Conference. In addition to Chorale, Jason is the vocal music teacher at Decorah High School. Under his leadership the DHS Concert Choir has been featured at the NCACDA Regional Conference, Luther College Dorian Vocal Festival and Wartburg College Meistersinger Honor Choir Festival. In 2025, Jason was honored to receive the McCowen Award from the ICDA for his service to choral music.
