Board of Directors
“We are…on board with a great mission.”
Our stalwart Board of Directors is committed to continuing what was started 40+ years ago and to bringing in new zeal and innovative ideas.
Joel Barten
Chair
Joel Barten is a partner at XS Consulting Group/West Central Indexing, a small computer software and consulting firm in Alexandria, MN. When at work he splits his time between application development and providing support to customers. Joel has a wonderful wife, Lynn and 3 children, including former SJBC member Colin (’16). Joel is a leader in his office and uses his positive attitude to encourage others to work hard and succeed. In his free time, Joel enjoys biking and telling “dad jokes” to anyone who will listen.
Pictured L-R: Mary Jo Leighton, Lisa Treanor, Steve Bresnahan, Denise Fandel, Br. Jacob Berns OSB, Joel Barten
Not pictured: Aksel Krafnick, Michele Danielson, Suzanne Ellis, Stefanie Rothstein
Joel Barten | Chair
Denise Fandel | Vice Chair
Br. Jacob Berns, OSB | Treasurer
Steve Bresnahan | Director
Michele Danielson | Parent Representative
Suzanne Ellis | Secretary
Aksel Krafnick | Director
Mary Jo Leighton | Director
Stefanie Rothstein | Director
Lisa Treanor | Parent Association President
SJBC Staff
Aaron J. Carpenter
Artistic Director | Varsity Choir & Nova Voce Conductor
The St. John's Boys' ChoirAaron is thrilled to be able to serve as the fourth Artistic Director with SJBC. His first experience with SJBC was as a student at Saint John‘s University where he was fortunate to serve as the Training Choir director (1994-1997). While at SJU, Aaron studied conducting with Dr. Axel Theimer and Ms. Mary Jo Bot, and voice with Dr. Scott Dewese and Dr. Carolyn Finley. After graduating, Aaron embarked on a career in liturgy and music having served parishes in Illinois and Minnesota. He was also honored to work in the boys’ choir world for more than 15 years serving as associate director, artistic director, and executive director before rejoining the SJBC.
Matt Kiminski
Director of Marketing and Outreach | Associate Artistic Director
The St. John's Boys' ChoirMatt Kiminski serves as Director of Marketing and Outreach, where he’s an enthusiastic champion for the SJBC in Central Minnesota and beyond.
In addition, Mr. Kiminski continues as Associate Artistic Director, conducting the Training Choir and assisting with the other choirs. Mr. Kiminski earned his undergraduate degree in Choral Music Education and Vocal Performance from Saint John’s University, where he studied voice with Dr. Carolyn Finley. Currently, he is pursuing a master’s degree in Choral Music Education at University of St. Thomas. Prior to his full-time employment with the Boys’ Choir, Mr. Kiminski taught K-12 music and choir.
Cynthia Hogenson
Associate Artistic Director | Junior Varsity Choir Conductor
The St. John's Boys' ChoirCynthia is a graduate of St. Cloud State University with a Bachelor of Science in Vocal Music Education. This degree accompanies her Bachelor of Arts in Vocal Performance from the College of Saint Benedict. She currently teaches Classroom Music at Discovery Elementary in St. Cloud. Ms. Hogenson also spent seven years as an office assistant and volunteer coordinator for the Youth Chorale of Central Minnesota and was the Handbell Choir director at Sacred Heart Parish in Sauk Rapids, MN for four years. These positions have given her extensive experience working with musicians as well as preparing and organizing musical events and performances.
Michael English
Varsity Choir & Nova Voce Collaborative Pianist
The St. John's Boys' ChoirMichael hails from Las Vegas, Nevada. He relocated to Minnesota in 2023 and has played piano professionally for 25 years; accompanying instrumentalists, vocalists, and bands during that time. He has done studio work for artists in Los Angeles, Boston, Las Vegas, and Phoenix.
Michael studied voice as his primary instrument and decided to add piano to help his ear and to give him marketable skills as a music instructor. He and his partner are still exploring Minnesota and finding new things they love about their new home. In their free time they enjoy restaurants, karaoke, binge watching their favorite shows, cuddling with their cat (Dutchess von Coconut), and road trips.
Sarah Maloney
Development Director
The St. John's Boys' ChoirA proud parent of a SJBC alum, Sarah is thrilled to serve as Development Director. An Omaha, NE native, Sarah began her career in 2001 with Omaha Theater Ballet as a professional company dancer, instructor, and director of the Youth Ensemble. She later graduated summa cum laude with a degree in healthcare administration from Bellevue University. Sarah’s love for the arts never waned, and she served as a founding member on Omaha’s American Midwest Ballet advisory board. She accepted the position of Development Director there in 2014, and continues that role today. A Sartell resident for the last 10 years, Sarah is excited to share her unique experience as a company artist, nonprofit administrator and fundraiser with the SJBC family.
Brittany Prigge
Bookkeeper
The St. John's Boys' ChoirBrittany Prigge attended St. Cloud State University where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting. Since receiving her degree, she worked for three years in nonprofit auditing and is now an accountant at the Diocese of St. Cloud. These roles have given her a great depth of nonprofit finance knowledge. She is also involved in her parish choir and was very involved in her middle and high school choral programs. Brittany looks forward to bringing these experiences to the SJBC team.
Beth Dabré
Wardrobe Professional
The St. John's Boys' ChoirBeth Dabré graduated from MSU, Mankato with a major in Costume Technology. Her mother taught her to sew in grade school and she has been sewing ever since. She has many years of experience and has worked with various theatre groups in St. Cloud, Melrose, and Mankato, designing and sewing costumes for plays and musicians.
Ella Johnson
JV & Training Choir Collaborative Pianist
The St. John's Boys' ChoirElla is a first-year student at the College of Saint Benedict studying biology on a pre-med track. She hopes to go to medical school to become an orthopedic surgeon. Along with studying biology, Ella plays piano for the CSB/SJU orchestra and runs track and field. In high school, she worked as an accompanist for the Calvin Presbyterian Church, her school choir, and played for all of her school events. Ella has been playing piano for 15 years and is looking forward to continuing her skills working with the SJBC!
Student Staff
Each year, students from the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University gain valuable experience working with and teaching choristers through the CSB/SJU work-study program. In addition to office work, they teach theory, piano, voice lessons, and assist with music rehearsals and sectionals.
Pictured left to right: Luis Luna, Clayton Fuller (SJBC ‘19), Isaac Beuning, Gavin Swift, Gilbert Torvinen
Not pictured: Alexis Martinez Mejia (SJBC ‘18), Ethan Eltgroth (SJBC ’20)
