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
Joel Barten | Chair
Denise Fandel | Vice Chair
Br. Jacob Berns, OSB | Treasurer
Suzanne Ellis | Secretary
Mary Jo Leighton | Director
Aksel Krafnick | Director
Steve Bresnahan | Director
Michele Danielson | Parent Representative
Lisa Treanor | Parent Association President
SJBC Staff
Artistic Directors
“We are…setting the bar high.”
Our artistic directors are committed to providing the best experience for the boys and for concert-goers.
Aaron J. Carpenter
Artistic Director | Varsity Choir & Nova Voce Conductor
Aaron 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.
Cynthia Hogenson
Associate Artistic Director | Junior Varsity Choir Conductor
Cynthia Hogenson 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. Mrs. 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.
Matt Kiminski
Director of Marketing and Outreach | Associate Artistic Director
Matt Kiminski is excited to move into his new position as Director of Marketing and Outreach, where he will continue to be a champion for the SJBC in Central Minnesota and beyond.
In addition, Mr. Kiminski will continue his work as Associate Artistic Director, conducting the Training Choir and assisting with the other choirs. Mr. Kiminski earned his degree in Choral Music Education and Vocal Performance from Saint John’s University, where he studied voice with Dr. Carolyn Finley. Prior to his full-time employment with the Boys’ Choir, Mr. Kiminski taught K-12 music and choir.
Collaborative Pianists
“We are…highly in tune with the vision of the choir.”
It takes a dedicated team to educate our choristers, and our collaborative pianists are an integral part of that team.
Sean Jacobson
Varsity Choir & Nova Voce Collaborative Pianist / Organist
Since 2016, Sean Jacobson has been a collaborative pianist with The St. John’s Boys’ Choir. Mr. Jacobson graduated from Saint John’s University in 2013 with a degree in instrumental Music Education, studying piano with Dr. Ed Turley and trumpet with Dr. Dale White. He remains an active pianist and trumpeter, having played with numerous groups in the region, including the Amadeus Chamber Symphony, St. Cloud Symphony Orchestra, GREAT Theatre, Curtain Call Community Theater, Great Northern Theatre Company, and the Minnesota Center Chorale. This year, he is excited to start his new full-time position as Director of Bands at Saint John’s Preparatory School.
Administrative Staff
“We are…committed to keeping things in rhythm.”
Our administrative staff keep things moving and organized, oftentimes as the unsung heroes behind the scenes.
Sarah Maloney
Development Director
A proud parent of an SJBC chorister since 2018, Sarah Maloney is thrilled to take on the role of 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 bring unique experience as a company artist, nonprofit administrator and fundraiser to the SJBC family.
Brittany Prigge
Bookkeeper
Brittany 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
Beth 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.
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 ‘19, Isaac Beuning, Gavin Swift, Gilbert Torvinen
Not pictured: Alexis Martinez Mejia ‘18, Ethan Eltgroth ’20
