Singers
Biographies
Beth Althof, Soprano 1, earned a music education degree from the University of Illinois. This is her 7th season with The Singers. She has performed with the Arvada Center Chorale in Denver, The Elysian Singers, the LaCrosse Chamber Chorale, with the Dale Warland Singers during its final nine seasons, and the Minnesota Beethoven Festival Chorale. She is the elementary music specialist at Centennial Elementary in Circle Pines. Beth lives in White Bear Lake with her husband Jay and daughters Katie and Kristin.
Duane Andersen, bass-baritone and proud father of Ella Marie, made his solo debut in England in 1994 singing Beethoven’s Mass in C at the International Church Music Festival, conducted by Sir David Willcocks. Previously active in Abendmusik-Lincoln, Duane performed the title role in Mendelssohn’s Elijah and was a soloist in Horatio Parker’s Hora Novissima, a release by Albany Records. Duane performed with the Dale Warland Singers for the final two seasons, and received honorable mention in the Metropolitan Opera auditions in 1989 and 1994. He holds a Bachelors Degree in Business/Computer Science from Union College in Lincoln, NE and works as a software engineer in St. Cloud.
Jeremy Anderson holds a BM Performance degree in voice from St. Olaf College and is a freelance drummer and percussionist in the Twin Cities. He has made music at a professional level with a wide range of groups differing greatly in style, size, and performance practice. Currently, Jeremy is employed as a Musician in the Dance Department at the University of Minnesota. He is also a skilled recording engineer and prolific songwriter; three of Jeremy’s self-produced albums are available from iTunes and other online merchants, with a fourth on the way.
Soprano Hannah Armstrong is honored to be a member of The Singers since the 6th season. She graduated from Luther College in 2009 with a B.A. in Music Education and Africana Studies, where she sang under the direction of Dr. Craig Arnold in Nordic Choir, Dr. Sandra Peter in Cathedral Choir and Dr. Juan Tony Guzman in the Vocal Jazz ensemble. She currently is the Director of Music at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Minnetonka and teaches voice lessons at Burnsville High School.
Jill Baller, alto, originally from Crown Point, IN, earned her Bachelor of Music Degree in Vocal Music Education at St. Olaf College. While there, she had the opportunity to sing in the St. Olaf Choir under the direction of Dr. Anton Armstrong and to study with Harriet McCleary. Jill is currently the music specialist at Prairie View Elementary School in Eden Prairie, MN as well as the director of the K-2 children’s choir at Trinity Lutheran Church in Long Lake, MN.
Kristen Patton Bauer, mezzo-soprano, is thrilled to be in her 6th year with The Singers. Kristen teaches K-6 music at Lincoln Elementary in Saint Cloud, Minnesota. She graduated from the College of Saint Benedict with a B.A. in music education and vocal performance, studying under Dr. Axel Theimer. She also plays the violin in the Saint Cloud Symphony and Amadeus Orchestra. She lives in Sauk Rapids with her wonderful husband Josh and cuddly dog Tessi. Kristen and Josh are expecting their first baby in May!
Bryan Blessing, tenor, is the vocal music teacher at Oak Grove Middle School in Bloomington. A native of Staples, MN, Bryan has sung with many choirs throughout Minnesota. Bryan received his Bachelor Degree in Music Education from Saint John’s University, where he studied under Axel Theimer. Additionally, Bryan is an amateur composer and guitarist who has instructed classical guitar at Crown College.
Bruce Broquist
Timothy Bruett, baritone, is a bass section leader in the Senior Choir at Mount Olivet Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He holds a Master of Music Degree in Vocal Performance from the University of Minnesota and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. Originally from Winterset, Iowa, Timothy now lives in the Uptown neighborhood of Minneapolis and works as a Tommy Hilfiger Specialist for Macy’s Department Stores at Southdale Center in Edina, Minnesota.
Soprano Melissa Culloton is a native of Halden, Norway and is a 1998 graduate of St. Olaf College, Northfield, Minnesota, where she graduated cum laude with a double major in vocal performance and music education. She holds a Doctorate of Musical Arts in vocal performance and pedagogy from the University of Minnesota. Melissa recently debuted for Thursday Musical and has also given guest recitals at Bemidji State University in Bemidji, MN and St. Olaf College, Northfield. She is a private voice instructor at Burnsville and Armstrong High Schools and is the soloist and section leader at Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Hopkins. Melissa is also a certified hatha yoga instructor.
Samuel Eckberg (2) grew up on a small dairy farm near Gaylord, MN where he began piano lessons at age seven. He is a 2008 graduate of Gustavus Adolphus College where was bass section leader and student conductor under Dr. Gregory Aune. He currently teaches classroom music at Meadowvale Elementary in Elk River. Sam is thrilled to be in the Singers, where he met his bride-to-be.
Benjamin Fink, bass (2) has sung with VocalEssence, the University of Minnesota Chamber Singers, Chicago Chorale, the Humboldt University Philharmonic Chorus, and the Yiddish Choir of Berlin. Off the risers, Ben teaches cultural studies and comparative literature at the University of Minnesota and Theatre of the Oppressed at the Twin Cities Experimental College.
Joel Fischer, tenor section leader, is in his fourth season as a member of The Singers – Minnesota Choral Arists. He is a native of Sleepy Eye, MN and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music from Iowa State University. Joel sang with the Dale Warland Singers from 1998-2004, serving as Tenor Section Leader in 2003 and 2004. He also has sung with the Rose Ensemble. Joel serves as Director of Liturgy and Music at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church in St. Louis Park. He has been a soloist at Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church in Minneapolis and at St. Philip the Deacon Lutheran Church in Plymouth.
Hannah Fleming is an alto hailing from Alexandria, MN. She graduated from Concordia College in 2008. While at Concordia, Hannah sang in The Concordia Choir, under the direction of Dr. René Clausen, for three years. It was during these years that Hannah met her husband, fellow The Singers-Minnesota Choral Artists member Matthew Fleming. Hannah is currently the vocal music instructor at North Branch Middle School. She lives in St. Paul with her husband, and enjoys reading, attempts at cooking, and MPR.
Tenor, Matthew Fleming was born and raised in the wine-country of Napa, CA. Upon completion of high school, Matthew braved the arctic winds of Moorhead, MN in order to attend Concordia College where he studied Music and English Literature and sang under Rene Clausen with The Concordia Choir. Matthew has sung with the Santa Fe Desert Chorale, the Napa Valley Chorale, the Minnesota Chorale and various collegiate ensembles. He returned to Concordia College this summer to marry fellow Minnesota Choral Artist, Hannah Fleming. Matthew is looking forward to a year of study at Luther Seminary and singing once again with the Concordia Choir as a member of The Singers.
Jon Gathje is originally from Nebraska where he taught music for four years after graduating from the University of NE-Lincoln. He holds a Masters degree from UNL as well, and is currently teaching junior high music in Eden Prairie, attending Luther Seminary full-time, and serving at Trinity Lutheran Congregation in Cedar-Riverside.
Erika Gesme, soprano, completed her Master of Music degree at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois and her Bachelor of Arts degree at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa where she majored in Music and Psychology. She currently works as Business Operations Manager for The Hearing Stores of Minnesota, L.L.C. and alto section leader at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Minnetonka. Erika also sings with the SPCO Chorale under the direction of Dale Warland.
Tenor John Grau is a 2003 graduate of St. Olaf College, Northfield, Minnesota, where he graduated with a double major in music and biology. He holds a master of music – vocal performance degree from Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona. John is currently working towards a Doctor of Musiscal Arts in vocal performance degree from the University of Minnesota where he is a graduate instructor in class voice and has a private voice studio. John is an active performer and also sings with the South Dakota Chorale.
Elizabeth Gullick, soprano, grew up in Downers Grove, IL, and sang for six years with the Glen Ellyn Children’s Chorus. She graduated from Luther College and holds a Bachelors degree in Vocal Music and Music Education. While at Luther, she sang with the Cathedral Choir and Collegiate Chorale under the direction of Dr. Timothy Peter, and the Nordic Choir under the direction of Weston Noble. Elizabeth has also previously performed with the Minnesota Chorale, was a project singer with Magnum Chorum, and served as soprano section leader and director of Children’s and Youth Choirs at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Minnetonka. Currently, she teaches choir at Cottage Grove Middle School and is a member of the VoiceCare Network. Elizabeth is proud to be in her 7th season with The Singers!
Jocelyn Hagen, alto, from Valley City, ND, graduated with distinction from St. Olaf College in 2003 with degrees in Theory and Composition and Vocal Music Education. She also recently completed her masters degree in music composition at the University of Minnesota. For four years Jocelyn has sung with and been composer-in-residence for The Singers—Minnesota Choral Artists. Previously, she was alto section leader of Magnum Chorum.
Alto Elizabeth Hermanson graduated from Millikin University in 2006 with a Bachelors degree in Music Education. While at Millikin she sang with the vocal jazz group, One Voice and with the University Choir under the direction of Brad Holmes for three years. She also soloed with the Millikin Jazz Band. Currently, Elizabeth teaches choir in the River Falls School District and directs the adult choir at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton parish in Hastings. In addition to the singers, Elizabeth also lends her voice to the a cappella group, Deviated Septet. This is Elizabeth’s fourth year in The Singers—Minnesota Choral Artists and she is simply delighted to be a part of the alto section in such a fine ensemble.
Susan Hill, mezzo soprano, graduated with distinction from St. Olaf College with a Bachelor of Arts in Music and Sociology/Anthropology in 2009. She has performed in venues across the world as a member of the St. Olaf Choir under the direction of Anton Armstrong and has participated in collaborative projects with artists such as Eric Whitacre, Vocal Essence, Cantus, The American Boy Choir, and others. In 2009, Susan received a scholarship to begin graduate studies in sociology and opera performance in Budapest, Hungary. During her time in Europe, she sang with the Budapest-based Gabrieli Chorus as soprano section member and soloist. She made her European debut in April 2010 as the soprano soloist in the Gabrieli Chorus performance of Faure’s Requiem in Kecskemét, Hungary, home to the world-renowned Kodály Institute. She now lives, works, and performs in Minneapolis, MN.
Curt Hopmann
Allison Innerbichler is a 2009 graduate of the University of Minnesota, where she sang alto under Dr. Kathy Romey and Dr. Matthew Mehaffey. She currently teaches elementary music in Eden Prairie. She is excited to start her second season with The Singers, where she met her now fiancé.
Lynette Johnson (6) holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree from North Park University in Chicago, IL. She enjoys singing in the chancel choir and worship team at her home church, Excelsior Covenant. Weekdays find her loving the challenges of her administrative assistant position at Westfield Insurance.
Justin Karch
Diane Koschak, soprano, is in her second year with The Singers. In addition to her work with The Singers, she is also the soprano section leader with the Saint Louis, King of France choir. She has been a member of The Minnesota Chorale, the Rose Ensemble, Consortium Carissimi, and the Waltham Abbey Singers, as well as performing free-lance work. She has a Vocal Music Education degree from Bemidji State University, and a Masters in Education from Saint Mary’s University. During the day, she is an Elementary Music teacher at Valley Crossing Community School, in Woodbury. When not singing or teaching, you’ll probably find her on a dog-walk with her husband Kurt, as well as her golden retrievers Lily and JoJo.
Alto Laura Krider serves as Student Services Specialist and K-12 Outreach Coordinator at the University Of Minnesota-Twin Cities School of Music, where she has also been a small ensemble coordinator, and an assistant to the Assistant Director. She received her BM in Vocal Music Education at the University of Minnesota in 2005, where she sang under the direction of Kathy Saltzman-Romey. Laura has also had the opportunity to sing several works in collaboration with the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra and the Minnesota Orchestra and Chorale. In addition to her fourth season with The Singers—Minnesota Choral Artists, Laura lends her voice to the octet, Deviated Septet. Laura has recently become the Executive Director of the non-profit organization, The Alchemy Project, which strives to empower the arts to transform our community.
Bari-tenor John McDaris is in his second year with The Singers—Minnesota Choral Artists and having a ball. He has been a member of the Rose Ensemble, the Minnesota Chorale, and the Raleigh Oratorio Society and continues to sing with The Gregorian Singers. He is also baritone section leader of the parish choir at St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church in Roseville, MN. John has a Masters Degree in Geophysics from the University of Minnesota and currently works as a web content developer for the Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College in Northfield, MN. John enjoys gardening, running, and working on the craftsman era home in St. Paul that he shares with his partner and their two dogs.
Rachel Mollick earned her Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from Concordia College, Moorhead, MN. At Concordia, she sang in The Concordia Choir under the direction of Rene Clausen, also serving as Alto Section Leader. Rachel is currently the Vocal Music Instructor at the Main Street School of Performing Arts in Hopkins where she teaches choir and music theory. Outside of school, Rachel serves as the pianist at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Minnetonka, where her husband Steve, is the music director. She spends her free time playing with her adorable, but not so bright dog, Sunshine and working on the endless projects of their 108 year old house.
Baritone Steve Mollick is a 2006 graduate of Concordia College, Moorhead, where he sang for Dr. Paul Nesheim and Dr. René Clausen. He is the director of choirs at Rogers Middle School and Rogers High School, and is married to his wonderful wife, Rachel, a fellow music teacher and member of The Singers—Minnesota Choral Artists. He is also the director of the choir at St. James Lutheran Church in Crystal.
Paul Ogren, baritone, moved to the Twin Cities in 2001 and since then has sung in The Rose Ensemble, The Gregorian Singers, The Summer Singers, Minnesota Chorale and the Plymouth Music Series chorus. He has degrees from Allegheny College in Pennsylvania and the University of Wisconsin (Madison) and makes his living as a software developer.
Ron Pearson studied voice with Charles Peterson at SCSU. He is married and has 3 teenagers (!). Ron has a graduate degree in Environmental Health and consults to Minnesota companies.
Vicki Peters enjoys an active career directing The Summer Singers, teaching private voice, and judging state contests. She graduated from St. Cloud State University where she is listed as an outstanding music alumni, taught music at Fridley High School, was a Dale Warland project singer, and was in music ministry for 16 years.
Tenor Nate Ramsayer hails from the gorgeous land of Bemidji, MN. As a new member, it has become a well-known fact that he is the single-most excited person to sing in this group! Nate has previously sung under the direction of Brad Logan at Bemidji State University, and Jo Ann Miller and Mike Weber at NDSU in Fargo, ND. Nate is currently enrolled in the Honor’s program at the U of M studying the mysterious history of Christianity. While not immersed in his studies, you can find Nate either nerding-out to choral music, watching football, learning the majestic art of samurai sword, or chillaxin’ at home with his cats.
Kendra Sampson
Meghan Scherer
Benjamin Seltzer, tenor, is enjoying his fourth season with The Singers—Minnesota Choral Artists. A native of Pennsylvania, he graduated from Vassar College with a B.A. in Music and Psychology in 2007. While there, he performed in the Vassar Madrigal Ensemble under the direction of Drew Minter and served as musical director of Premium Brew, the campus’ premier barbershop ensemble. Benjamin is currently pursuing his PhD in Industrial/Organizational Psychology at the University of Minnesota, and also serves as section leader at Central Presbyterian Church in St. Paul.
Bass Thomas W. Shaffer earned his baccalaureate degree in music and music education from Augsburg College where he was a member of The Augsburg Choir; a masters degree in music education from the University of Minnesota; and doctorate from the University of St. Thomas in educational leadership. Dr. Shaffer is a retired music educator, school administrator, and university instructor. In addition to solo work in North America and Europe, he was a singer with and founding member of The Dale Warland Singers; a singer with and the stage manager for The Norman Luboff Choir; a chorister with The Minnesota Bach Society Chamber Chorale, The Plymouth Music Series, The Sateren Choir; and a soloist, dancer, and chorister with The Minnesota Opera. He was a founding board member of The Singers – Minnesota Choral Artists.
Renée Spicka, soprano, is in her third season with The Singers. Originally from Omaha, Nebraska, Renée holds a BM from the University of Nebraska at Omaha in Vocal Music Performance, where she studied under Z. Randall Stroope, Cina Crisara, and Anne Hagan-Bentz. After serving as the Executive Director of the Nebraska Choral Arts Society in Omaha, she recently relocated to Hammond, Wisconsin. She currently is completing an MBA degree, with a focus in Strategic Leadership. She is also a substitute cantor for St Patrick’s in Hudson, and enjoys spending any free time with her husband, Rick, and daughter, Ellen.
Brian Steele, bass, is a graduate of Indiana Wesleyan University and received his Master of Fine Arts degree in Vocal Performance from the University of Minnesota. He has worked as a solo performer, a church soloist, as voice-over talent in commercial and industrial projects and recording artist with Augsburg Publishing, the Montana Chorale, the Grammy Award winning Oregon Bach Festival Choir and, for 10 years, the Dale Warland Singers. When not singing, teaching voice, or working as a music host for Minnesota Public Radio, Brian works as a home restoration professional. He and his wife, Jackie, enjoy the 1886 Victorian home they restored.
Mike Steiner holds a BA in Choral Music from Michigan State University, an MA in Choral Music Ed from the University of Montana, and a BFA in Furniture Design from the Kendall School of Design. Mike is a retired a choral director, now teaching string bass, a section leader at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church and a member of the Kantorei Chamber Choir. He is currently a self-employed personal organizer, landscaper and handyman. His son Sean is also a member of the Singers.
Sean Steiner
Caroline Swanson teaches vocal music at Chaska Middle Schools East & West, is a cantor at St. Victoria Catholic Church in Victoria, and is the soprano section leader at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Minnetonka. She has earned degrees from Bemidji State University and the University of St. Thomas. Caroline enjoys cooking, photography, and summer gardening, as well as spending time with her husband Paul and children Elsa & Bjorn.
Tenor Michael Tambornino is a graduate of the University of Minnesota, where he studied Mathematics and Vocal Performance. When he is not daydreaming of being a world renowned concert pianist, he can be found rock climbing, bird watching, or playing keyboards with local electric folk rock group, Citizen Sage. Michael is in his third year with the Singers and still marvels at the way the ensemble becomes stronger with every project. Favorite Singers’ venue: Nativity in St. Paul Favorite Singers’ performance: Tie between the Rachmaninoff Vespers and the Martin Mass for double choir. Favorite Culloton quote: “I’m calling an audible”
Soprano, Allie Tunseth, is excited to be singing with The Singers for her sixth season! A graduate from Concordia College in Moorhead, MN singing under the direction of Dr. Paul Nesheim and Dr. Rene Clausen in the Concordia Choir, Allie, currently works as the Director of the Love Grows Here Wellness Center in St. Paul. In addition she is attending graduate school at Luther Theological Seminary where she is working on a Master’s degree in Children, Youth and Family Ministry and Urban Studies.
Lauren Vick earned her BA in Theater and American Studies from St. Olaf College. In addition to The Singers, Lauren also sings in the Schola at the Basilica of St. Mary, with the SPCO Chorale, and Consortium Carissimi. Lauren sings at the Cathedral in St. Paul, where she also helps lead the Children’s Chorus. When not singing, Lauren works as a caretaker for children with Autism.
Danielle Ringuette Vinup, soprano, is delighted to enter her first season with The Singers—Minnesota Choral Artists. A varied career of conducting and composing has complemented her work as General Manager of Paulus Publications, publishing the music of Stephen Paulus. She graduated from Butler University with a degree in Music Theory and Composition, then moved on to the University of Minnesota for a master’s degree in Choral Conducting. Along the way, she studied with Henry Leck, James Mulholland, Steven Stolen, Thomas Lancaster and Kathy Romey. Danielle sings at St. Gerard’s Church in Brooklyn Park, where she also directs the children’s music program. She has two children, Chase and Anna, with her husband, Shane.
