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.
Denise Fandel
Chair
I am on board with the St. John’s Boys’ Choir because it’s about more than the music, it’s about helping boys grow into caring, young men who will be strong, thoughtful leaders of our communities for years to come.
Joel Barten | Vice Chair
Brother Jacob Berns, OSB | Treasurer
Suzanne Ellis | Secretary
Nancy Fandel
Mary Jo Leighton (not pictured)
Sarah Maloney
Lisa Treanor
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 works as the K-2 General Music Teacher at Becker Primary School. 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
Associate Artistic Director | Training Choir Conductor
Matt Kiminski is excited to move into his new position as Associate Artistic Director where he will serve as the director of the Training Choir and assist 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. Outside of the Boys’ Choir, Mr. Kiminski teaches music at Becker Middle School.
Collaborative Pianists
“We are…highly in tune with the vision of the choir.”
It takes a dedicated team to educate the boys and our collaborative pianists ensure the best experience for our choristers.
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 Theater, and the Minnesota Center Chorale. He is in his fifth year teaching elementary band for the St. Cloud Area Catholic Community Schools.
Corinne Anderson
Training Choir & Junior Varsity Choir Collaborative Pianist
Corinne Anderson is excited to join the St. John’s Boys’ Choir staff as a collaborative pianist. She will accompany the Junior Varsity Choir and teach the piano class. Corinne teaches elementary music for Ogilvie Public Schools and is also their Director of Community Ed and District Communications. She holds a Bachelor of Music from the University of Minnesota Duluth where she studied piano with Jeanne Doty and Patricia Laliberte. She received her Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from St. Mary’s University. She worked at St. Andrew Catholic School for many years, teaching music and directing and accompanying their Children’s Choir. She also has performed in numerous musical theater productions, including Mary Poppins and Sleeping Beauty. She was an accompanist and associate director for the Land of Lakes Choirboys. She resides in Elk River with her two cats.
Office Staff
“We are…committed to keeping things in rhythm.”
Our student and office staff keep things moving and organized, oftentimes as the unsung heroes behind the scenes.
Kristi Anderson
Director of Marketing & Development
Kristi Anderson’s work as an award-winning journalist enables her to see our unique history and tradition. She will help us build on that history by continuing to tell the stories of our remarkable choristers, devoted families, outstanding alumni, and incredible fans and supporters. A 2014 alum of Saint John’s School of Theology and Seminary, Kristi holds a Master’s Degree in pastoral ministry. Kristi is excited to be back on the beautiful grounds of Saint John’s as the Director of Marketing and Development and welcomes the opportunity to be an integral part of 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
Clayton Fuller
Gilbert Torvinen
Alexis Martinez-Meiji
Luke Bordsen
Ellie Buntrock
William McKeever
