On the evening of Friday, Oct. 23, Department of Music Program Lead and Arts Division Chair Dr. Charles P. Brown was announced as the new Fred and Jane Wittlinger Endowed Chair in Music Performance at Concordia University Chicago. The news was shared during the home concert of three of the University’s music ensembles: the Wind Symphony, Chamber Orchestra, and Kapelle, the latter of which is conducted by Brown. 

“His attention to programming deeply meaningful, theological repertoire has enriched the faith of students and audiences alike,” said University President Dr. Russell P. Dawn at the concert. “His expertise has prepared hundreds of music alumni to serve throughout the church and abroad. In every way possible, Dr. Brown has nurtured the church's song.” 

The endowed chair, named after Mr. and Mrs. Fred and Jane Wittlinger, was established in 2013 to support a full-time faculty member who teaches music. The chair is chosen based on the recipient's potential to instill expertise in music performance and serve as a resource for the wider church and international community. This includes writing, speaking, teaching, and conducting at various performances, music tours, workshops, and conferences.  

“The Lord has blessed us, and we are pleased to see this endowed chair continue with the quality leadership and the mission it was established for,” noted the Wittlingers, whose generous support throughout the years has been a gift to the chair and his enduring impact on young musicians.  

The award recognizes Brown, who has served at CUC for more than 26 years, for excellence in his craft and dedication to the Concordia-Chicago Music program. As conductor of the Kapelle, the University's premier choral performance ensemble, Brown has toured extensively with the group throughout the United States and internationally in Argentina, Chile, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, and Russia. In addition to conducting, he also teaches classes in choral conducting, applied voice, and music education and oversees the academic and artistic development of the Music department and Arts division more broadly.  

Highlighting his impact on the Kapelle, Deaconess Kristin Wassilak (BA '86, MA '96), dean of the College of Theology, Arts & Humanities, said: “Dr. Brown chooses repertoire that challenges the choir both musically and spiritually, deepening their faith and trust in our Lord. Together, they bring that gift of beauty to the ears and hearts of audiences.” 

Before coming to CUC, Brown earned a Bachelor of Music and a Master of Music from Westminster Choir College of Rider University in Lawrenceville, New Jersey, and his Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of Arizona. Later, he taught in public schools in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, where he conducted children’s choirs, taught general vocal music, and developed curricula. He also directed church choirs of all ages.  

Succeeding the previous endowed chair, Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Music Dr. Richard Fischer, Brown will continue to strengthen Concordia-Chicago's music program and share his gifts with the wider community—faithfully bringing music and song to the church and the world. 

“I receive this honor with sincere gratitude to the Wittlingers for their generous support and for their heart for music offered in service to the church and to the glory of God,” Brown reflected. “It is a joy and privilege to make music alongside students as we grow in our gifts and use them in faithful service.”