Mike Esser

MIKE ESSER received his Bachelor of Music Education Degree from the University of Northern Iowa. He furthered his studies at the University of Northern Iowa, University of Iowa, Northern Arizona University and the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music. 

In 2021, Mr. Esser retired after teaching 10 years in Iowa and 30 years at Central High School in La Crosse, WI.  Now based in Des Moines, he worked part time at a bank and for the National Assessment of Educational Progress.  Currently, he is thoroughly enjoying working as a vocal clinician/judge at various schools across Iowa and the Midwest.  Also, he is serving as a mentor for first and second-year vocal teachers through the Iowa Alliance of Arts Education.

Mr. Esser's choirs were invited to perform at various college choral festivals in the Midwest, Iowa Public Television, State and Regional Music Educators Conventions, and State and Regional American Choral Director's Conventions. Over 70 of his CHS voice students were selected as finalists at the National Association of Teachers of Singing Fall Competitions and his soloists performed at regional vocal festivals. Mr. Esser served as Musical Director for several theatre productions at the University of Northern Iowa and the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse.  

Mr. Esser was the director of the Grand Central Station Show Choir for 28 years.  Over three decades, GCS was selected Grand Champion in numerous competitions and was awarded several vocal, band, and choreography awards. Also, the select concert choir from Central received consistent 1st place awards in concert choir competitions held in the upper Midwest region.