Kate Larson is a passionate choral conductor with 20 years of experience in music education. She earned her Master of Arts in Music Education from the University of St. Thomas, studying conducting under Angela Kasper, and holds a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Music Education from St. Olaf College, where she was fortunate to study conducting with Anton Armstrong and Robert Scholz. During her time at St. Olaf, she also had the opportunity to serve as student conductor of the Manitou Singers under the guidance of Sigrid Johnson.

Kate's teaching journey began in Davenport, Iowa, and developed over nine fulfilling years at Mound Westonka High School in Minnesota. Her choirs had the privilege of performing at various notable events, including the MMEA and ACDA of Minnesota state conferences, and twice at the Minnesota Choral Arts Finale at Orchestra Hall. In 2014, she was honored as the Outstanding Young Choral Director of the Year award by the American Choral Directors Association of Minnesota, reflecting her commitment to excellence in choral music.

After returning to her roots in the Eau Claire area, Kate embraced a new chapter focused not only on her family—enjoying every moment with her three children, Emily, Henry, and Annika, and her husband, Rick—but also on enriching her community through impactful music. She continues to work with high school students and has been grateful for the chance to conduct both the Cloverbelt Conference Honor Choir and the Dairyland Conference Honor Choir. In 2019, she founded Chorale NouvEAU and currently serves as the choir director at Christ Church Cathedral and Musical Director of the Stand in the Light Memory Choir.

Outside of her musical pursuits, Kate finds joy in boating, water skiing, gardening, tackling DIY home projects, and spending valuable time with family and friends.