Mark Uecker 2001

I am semi retired. My wife and I split the time between our home in Eagan and our cabin in Wisconsin. Much of my time is spent attempting to "poop" out my two adopted border collie/flat coated retriever dogs. I like to travel and enjoy almost anything which involves viewing the mountains or being on or by the water.

My choral experience includes singing with the Owatonna High School choir when Roger Tenney was "Teacher of the Year" and 4 years singing with the Concordia Choir under the direction of Paul J. Christiansen. Besides Evangelion, I also sing with the National Lutheran Choir (26 years) where I serve as treasurer on the board. Music, thanks to my parents, has been a part of my life since childhood.

This will be my sixth trip to Ukraine. I became involved when a friend told me Dr. Port needed another tenor for a tour to the Ukraine. I wasn't sure what to expect; but, I was up for the adventure and appreciated the fact that the music was faith based.

One of my most memorable moments happened during my first tour. I had been noticing the strong emotional reactions from some members of the audience when we sang religious pieces or a Ukrainian Folk Song. Eventually I became aware of the fact that many forms of religious and nationalistic music had been forbidden during the soviet era. It was at that point the concept of musical freedom first entered my mind. I had known nothing but musical freedom all of my life. Ukrainians had not. It was a sobering moment. That type of experience, the message, the knowledge that the listeners may have been spritually enriched, and the realization that one should be thankful for your blessings have joined forces to keep me returning for my sixth visit.