Dr. James and Barbara Fritschel will be grand marshals of Wartburg College’s 2012 Homecoming parade Saturday, Oct. 20.

Dr. Fritschel, a 1951 Wartburg graduate with a bachelor’s degree in music education, is one of only four directors of the world-renowned Wartburg Choir.  He led the choir from 1968 to 1984, succeeding founder Dr. Edwin Liemohn (1937-68) and expanding the choir’s international reputation.

The Fritschels were selected as grand marshals to honor their contributions to the legacy of the Wartburg Choir, which is celebrating its 75^th anniversary.

Fritschel, who earned his master’s degree at the University of Northern Colorado and his Ph.D. at the University of Iowa, joined the music faculty in 1959. He also directed the Castle Singers jazz ensemble from 1959 to 1971. In addition, he is a highly regarded choral composer.  

The former Barbara Wuest is a 1952 graduate with a bachelor’s degree in music education. She maintained a private piano studio until her retirement.

The Fritschels live in Thousand Oaks, Calif., where they moved in 1984, when Jim accepted a position on the music faculty at California Lutheran University. 

The parade begins at 10 a.m., traveling south on Fifth Street NW from the intersection with Fifth Avenue NW, then turning west on Bremer Avenue, and finishing at the intersection of Bremer Avenue and 12^th Street NW.