A conversation with MCE Artistic Director and Conductor Ben Luedcke  

Rachel Benton

Anytime this column has given JOLT readers sneak peeks of Masterworks Choral Ensemble (MCE) performances, it has all been to the credit of the group's incredible Artistic Director and Conductor Ben Luedcke.  

Luedcke is also Director of the Bellevue Chamber Chorus and will begin teaching voice lessons out of his Olympia home. If you are interested in signing up, email him at olympiavoicelessons@gmail.com.  

Luedcke is kind, generous, joy-filled, talented and a great conversationalist, and I hope you enjoy getting to know him as much as I have!  

The conversation 

Benton: Where did your love for music begin? 

Luedcke: “I’m primarily a classical music conductor; that’s what my training is in, and I’m finishing up my doctorate in choral conducting. Though, I wasn’t even in choir in high school. I came to music via the guitar. 

“I got an acoustic guitar for an eighth grade graduation present. I loved singing and playing Classic Rock artists like Cat Stevens, The Beatles, Neil Young, stuff like that. I loved vocal harmony, and that’s why I loved the Beatles and Neil Young in particular. I was drawn into music that way, but I was never in choir in high school. 

“It wasn’t until my freshman year at the University of Wisconsin that I joined a choir by the urging of a friend of mine. I was surprised at how much fun it was and decided quickly, within a year, that this was what I wanted to do with my life.

“It was kind of a big process too, because I was really torn. At the time, I was studying environmental science and sociology, and I didn’t really know what I wanted to do. I was constantly thinking things like, ‘That job would be cool, but man, I won’t have enough time for music’ or ‘How can I have more music in my life?’ I was inspired by my choir director at the University of Wisconsin, Dr. Bruce Gladstone, who recently retired. I wanted to do what he does, and I was hooked.” 

Benton: What would you say to somebody who feels that thing inside them, telling them they need to pursue the arts in a bigger way in their lives?  

Luedcke: “I would say that you should go for it if you really do have that constant burning drive deep down that keeps telling you that you need to prioritize the arts, because if you do have that nagging in your heart and soul, it will stay there for the rest of your life. You never will have enough time unless you make it your primary focus. 

“Now, what I will say is if you’re just kind of in between and you’re not really sure, say you like music but are not sure that you want to make it your all in all, I do advise caution because the arts are not an easy career and it’s not for everybody. 

“You have to love it so much, be a little crazy, and must go full throttle to be successful. If you know that you love it deep down and you know that it’s that itch that you can’t scratch, absolutely, you got to go for it.” 

Benton: That is the nice thing about groups like MCE, is that people can still have that sense of musicality in their daily lives without going full throttle. Thinking along those lines, why do you think the arts are a necessity, not an elective in our lives? 

Luedcke: “The first thing that came to my mind is thinking about the unprecedented levels of depression, anxiety and suicide in our world right now. I’m especially concerned about these levels in the younger generations.

“That is one of the beauties of the arts and specifically choral music — it offers not only a community, but within that a support system, a connection to other people, but also an opportunity to embrace the fun and silliness that can happen in singing and rehearsals.

“Psychologically, it is shown that literally just smiling can make you happier. Singing can boost your immune system and is literally good for your heart. Music can boost brain development of children who learn to sing or play instruments at a young age. As folks get older, the effects of music and specifically singing help retain memories and motor function.

“Throughout my career, I have met people who joined choral ensembles and shared with me how singing in choir helped them find their voice in other parts of their life. Some have carried childhood trauma with them, and have found joy, hope and their voice in choir. I’m getting kind of choked up thinking about those individuals right now — choral singing has just like so much to offer.” 

 Interested in joining a choir? Check out Masterworks Choral Ensemble.  

Rachel is a writer, arts advocate, performing arts enthusiast, and passionate about our beloved Thurston County. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with a double major in History and Political Science and minor in Music. You can enjoy more of Rachel's writings by visiting her website. All inquiries for Rachel can be submitted here.