Witt choir director set to take final bow

The Wittenberg University Choir

SPRINGFIELD — Comparing the position of choir director at Wittenberg University to the president of the United States doesn’t do it justice.

The position is even more exclusive than that.

It’s more like royalty — and after 28 years, the Busarowian era is about to come to a dramatic close.

Donald Busarow, only the fourth director of the 40-voice Wittenberg Choir in its 76-year history, will retire after he leads his final concert Friday, March 19, in Weaver Chapel.

“It’s been a remarkable journey,” Busarow said.

Coming at the end of the choir’s annual spring tour, which saw the ensemble hit six states throughout the Northeast, it’s the end of the road for the Wisconsin native.

Hey, when you get to be age 76, it would be for you, too.

“Twenty-eight bus rides,” he smiled. “If I had special accommodations, it might be different, but I’m on the bus with the kids.”

A first-generation American whose parents were born in Lithuania and Russia — the choir does two Russian pieces every year — Busarow came to Witt in 1975 to teach church music, organ and theory.

A composer of church music himself, he got the choir appointment in 1982 on an interim basis.

“I couldn’t have asked for more because it came at a perfect time for me,” he said.

By then, the number of organ students had dwindled from 50 when he started to practically nothing.

“Now,” he added, “I teach church music courses once every three years.”

He’s most proud of strengthening the choir’s ties to the Lutheran church and Weaver Chapel during his tenure — before, the choir rarely set foot in the chapel.

“In my background, the church and the chapel are at the top of my list,” he said. “What better way to showcase them than the services?”

Busarow technically is only half-retiring. He’ll stay on to teach theory.

“It’s been a great ride,” he said. “That’s all I can say.”