Aaron Carpenter
Artistic Director
The St. John's Boys' ChoirAaron’s first experience with the 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. He has more than 20 years of working in the boys’ choir world, serving as associate director, artistic director, and executive director. He has also taught private voice lessons and served as clinician and guest conductor in Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Ohio, and Texas. In addition to his time with the SJBC, Mr. Carpenter serves as the Director of Music Ministries at First United Methodist Church in Sartell, MN.
Cynthia Hogenson
Associate Artistic Director
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.
Lisa Atkinson
Development Director
The St. John's Boys' ChoirLisa Atkinson serves as Development Director for St. John’s Boys’ Choir. She leads the choir’s fundraising, grant work, and donor relations. Lisa came to this role after seven years as a choir parent. Her oldest son graduated from the program, and she has one son currently in the boys’ choir. She holds an MS in Community Development and brings more than 15 years of experience across municipal government, community development, and nonprofit leadership. Lisa believes deeply in the choir’s power to shape boys into confident young men through music, mentorship, and a standard of excellence that stays with him for life.
Olivia Sletteland
Marketing Director
The St. John's Boys' ChoirOlivia previously worked as the music department coordinator for the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University, where she first learned about the St. John’s Boys’ Choir and all the amazing work they do, so when the opportunity to join the team arose, she was thrilled to do so. Olivia is excited to share her experience in arts administration and love of music education with the SJBC family! In addition to her work with the SJBC, Olivia works as the percussion professor at Winona State University, drumline instructor at UW-La Crosse, front ensemble instructor at River City Rhythm and Eastview High School, and Operations Manager at the Minnesota Philharmonic Orchestra.
Sarah Maloney
Development Advisor
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 12 years, Sarah is excited to share her unique experience as a company artist, nonprofit administrator and fundraiser with the SJBC family.
Brittany Prigge
Business Manager
The St. John's Boys' ChoirBrittany 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 a Senior 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 music ministry and was very involved in her middle and high school choral programs. Brittany is proud to bring these experiences to the SJBC team.
Beth Dabré
Wardrobe Professional
The St. John's Boys' ChoirBeth 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.
Isaac Beuning
Student Staff
The St. John's Boys' ChoirCSB+SJU Senior • Accounting • Circle Pines, MN •
Me in 3 words: Aspirational, Patient, Tall
Ethan Eltgroth
Student Staff • SJBC Class of 2020
The St. John's Boys' ChoirCSB+SJU Junior • Saint Augusta, MN • Economics and Data Analytics • Me in 3 words: Dedicated, artistic, lively
Clayton Fuller
Student Staff • SJBC Class of 2019
The St. John's Boys' ChoirCSB+SJU Senior • Sartell, MN • Biochemistry and Hispanic Studies • Me in 3 words: Driven, adventurous, sleep-deprived
Gavin Maloney
Student Staff • SJBC Class of 2024
The St. John's Boys' ChoirSartell High School Junior • Sartell, MN • Me in 3 words: Adaptable, Creative, Curious
Gretta Grzadzielewski
Student Staff
The St. John's Boys' ChoirCSB+SJU Sophomore • Choral Music Education • Thief River Falls, MN •
Me in words: Encouraging, Energetic, Accountable
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: Clayton Fuller, Gretta Grzadzielewski, Gavin Maloney, Issac Beuning
Phone
(320) 363-2558
Address
Boys’ Choir Dept. Box 8850
2746 Sexton Drive
Collegeville, MN 56321
United States Of America