Meet the Conductors of the Milwaukee Children’s Choir!
Dr. John Bragle
Director, Lyric Chorale
Dr. Bragle is a passionate music educator, singer, researcher, and arts advocate with more than 20 years of teaching experience in public and private school music programs, higher education, and community-based music settings. He earned a bachelor’s degree in music education and a master’s degree in choral conducting from Michigan State University, and his doctorate in music education from Boston University. Currently, Bragle serves the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music as their Senior Director of Education, where he leads a team of more than 90 music teachers serving more than 13,000 students throughout southeast Wisconsin. Previously, Bragle served as the Director of Choirs and Instructor of Voice at the Interlochen Arts Academy, a premiere boarding arts school in Michigan. While at Interlochen, choirs under his direction performed with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Traverse Symphony Orchestra, and Interlochen’s World Youth Symphony Orchestra in venues such as Lincoln Center, DAR Constitution Hall, and Detroit’s Orchestra Hall.
Jessica Marks
Director, Introductory and Preparatory Choirs – WEST
Ms. Marks received her bachelor’s degree in music (Vocal Performance) from Millikin University and her master’s degree in music education from UW-Milwaukee. Ms. Marks has taught general music and chorus (Pre-K-5th) at the Academy of Accelerated Learning (Milwaukee Public Schools) since 1999. She has served multiple times as a District Elementary Choir Conductor for the MPS Biennial Music Festival (2012, 2014, 2016, 2020, 2022). In addition, Ms. Marks is a private voice instructor, and has directed an advanced Vocal Ensemble for teens. Ms. Marks has extensive experience with Youth Musical Theatre, both as a teaching artist and Vocal Director for multiple productions. As a professional educator, Ms. Marks has led numerous teacher training sessions, presented as a clinician, collaborated with community Arts organizations, and is a mentor to new teachers. Previous awards include General Music Excellence Award (Civic Music 2004, 2016) and WJZI Teacher of the Month (February 2007), Jerry Award Nominee (2018, Peter Pan).
Lexi Smith
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Director, Introductory and Preparatory Choirs – NORTH
Lexi Smith holds a a bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Missouri State University, and her masters degree in Vocal Performance from the UW-Milwaukee. At UWM, she served as Vocal Teaching Assistant, where her responsibilities included assisting conducting the Alta Voce and Kameradan Plus ensembles, teaching a private voice studio, and organizing UWM Choral Festivals. As a performer, Lexi has received numerous honors in recognition of vocal ability and artistry. She is a 2026 Winner of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s Concerto & Aria Competition, and holds multiple first-place awards in the NATS Advanced Classical Upper Treble and American Spiritual categories. She is a two-time National Opera Association Scenes finalist and has further developed her artistry through intensive training programs including Jennifer Rowley’s Aria Bootcamp, the Bay View American Spirituals Intensive, and the Orvieto Musica Voice Intensive program in Orvieto, Italy. Whether on the operatic stage, in the classroom, or on the conductor’s podium, she is passionate about connecting with audiences and students through expressive, thoughtful, and energetic music-making.
Annemarie Weyer
Director, Introductory and Preparatory Choirs – EAST.
Mrs. Weyer holds a bachelor’s degree in music education from UW-Eau Claire, and her master’s degree in music education (with Kodaly certification) from Silver Lake College. Ms. Weyer joined the Community Partnerships department of WCM in 2017, where she has taught early childhood music, general music, and choir. Prior to coming to WCM, she taught for more than 15 years in general music and choral programs in Wisconsin. She directed the MCC Prelude Choir for several years and has served as the president of the Association of Wisconsin Area Kodaly Educators. She is also a Smart Start teacher trainer for the Royal Conservatory of Canada.