Aaron J. Carpenter
Artistic Director | Varsity Choir & Nova Voce Conductor
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. This year he celebrates 20 years of working in the boys’ choir world, serving as associate director, artistic director, and executive director. In addition to his time with the SJBC, Mr. Carpenter teaches voice lessons at Saint John’s Prep and serves as the Director of Music Ministries at First United Methodist Church in Sartell, MN.
Matt Kiminski
Director of Marketing and Outreach | Associate Artistic Director
The St. John's Boys' ChoirMatt 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.
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!
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 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 music ministry 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 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' ChoirSJU Junior • Circle Pines, MN • Accounting • Me in 3 words: Aspirational, patient, tall
Ethan Eltgroth
Student Staff • SJBC Class of 2020
The St. John's Boys' ChoirSJU Sophomore • 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' ChoirSJU Junior • Sartell, MN • Biochemistry and Hispanic Studies • Me in 3 words: Driven, adventurous, sleep-deprived
Evelyn Gould
Student Staff
The St. John's Boys' ChoirCSB First-Year • Fargo, ND • Vocal Performance and Theater • Me in 3 words: Creative, fun, adventurous
Luis Luna
Student Staff
The St. John's Boys' ChoirSJU Sophomore • Dallas, TX • Global Business Leadership • Me in 3 words: Hardworking, energetic, fun
Alexis Martinez Mejia
Student Staff • SJBC Class of 2018
The St. John's Boys' ChoirSJU Senior • Annandale, MN • Psychology and Hispanic Studies • Me in 3 words: Empathic, passionate, driven
Gavin Maloney
Student Staff
The St. John's Boys' ChoirSJBC Class of 2024 • Sartell, MN • Me in 3 words: Thoughtful, hardworking, detail-oriented
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: Evelyn Gould, Ethan Eltgroth (SJBC ’20), Clayton Fuller (SJBC ‘19), Isaac Beuning, Alexis Martinez Mejia (SJBC ‘18), Luis Luna, Ella Johnson
