Meet William Gade

I have had the privilege of serving as the Music and Worship Director at Immanuel since 2000. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Western Illinois University, later completed the Colloquy program through Concordia University Chicago, and received my Master of Music Education with an emphasis in conducting from Northwestern University.

My career in music education has included teaching instrumental music at Immanuel and other local Lutheran schools in the early 1980s, followed by 15 years as a middle school band director in Bradley, Illinois. Since returning to Immanuel, I have been blessed to direct our adult choir and instrumental ensembles, lead worship, plan music and liturgy for both traditional and contemporary services, and support worship through technology, including sound and presentation. I also continue to serve as our school’s instrumental music director.

My wife, Kay, is deeply involved in the life of our church community, and together we have been blessed with a son, Samuel, who serves at Concordia University Wisconsin. It has been a joy for our family to make Immanuel our church home and to serve alongside so many faithful brothers and sisters in Christ.

I am grateful for the opportunity to serve the people of Immanuel through music and worship. As I look ahead, I continue to thank God for His faithfulness and pray that He will use the gifts He has given me to glorify Him, strengthen His Church, and share the hope of Christ with others.