Digital Press Kit
Singer Biographies
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, bass, is a native of Minneapolis, MN and graduated with a Bachelor of Music degree in Voice Performance from St. Olaf College. He sang in the St. Olaf Choir, serving as bass section leader under the direction of Dr. Anton Armstrong. Jeremy currently works as bass section leader for the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church choir. Also a skilled drummer and percussionist, he is a Staff Musician in the St. Olaf and U of MN Dance departments, plays with local soul-pop band Bluestone Moon, maintains a modest independent teaching studio on drumset, and does freelance drumming work around the Twin Cities area. Jeremy is an engineer at his own JAMusix recording studio, and recently released his second solo album of electronically layered voices & percussion, entitled Anywhere But Here.
Abbie Betinis, alto, holds a BA from St. Olaf College, where she sang in the St. Olaf Choir, founded a women’s a cappella group, and soloed with the St. Olaf jazz ensembles. She has since sung with the Dale Warland Singers, Ensemble of the North, and VocalEssence. Also a composer-in-residence for The Singers—Minnesota Choral Artists, she recently earned her masters degree in music composition from the University of Minnesota. She works at The Schubert Club in Saint Paul, where she has been artist-in-residence since 2005.
Jeffrey Bipes, bass section leader, holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Concordia College, Moorhead, MN. He worked as the vocal music director at Dover-Eyota High School and directed several groups with the Southeast Minnesota Honors Choirs while singing in the Rochester Choral Arts Ensemble and RCAE Vocal Jazz Sextet. Jeff sang for two seasons with the Dale Warland Singers and is in his 4th season performing with The Singers—Minnesota Choral Artists. He currently works as a Project Management consultant in the Twin Cities.
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.
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.
Tenor Mark Bauer studied voice and composition at the University of Minnesota-Morris. Besides performing with The Singers—Minnesota Choral Artists, he conducts and composes for a small vocal ensemble, Quadophony. He has had numerous compositions performed, one of which was premiered at the Minnesota Music Educators Association Conference. He is currently studying voice and composition with Stephen Houtz and is the assistant director of (Mostly) Madrigals. He also performs in musical theatre. Last fall he played Wayne Frake in State Fair at Morris Park Players.
Brent Benrud, tenor, works as a labor and employment law attorney in the Office of the General Counsel at the University of Minnesota. He received his BA from Luther College, where he sang in Nordic Choir under the direction of Weston Noble. He received his JD from the University of Minnesota Law School. Brent is a former member of the Dale Warland Singers, and the Denver-based ensemble Kantorei, directed by Richard Larson. He has also performed with the Colorado Opera Troupe and the Denver Opera Company.
Katie Chen, soprano, is excited to begin her first season with The Singers—Minnesota Choral Artists. She recently graduated from Northern Illinois University with B.A. in Journalism. While at NIU, Katie sang with the both the Concert Choir and Chamber Choir for a total of four years, the last two also participating in the opera workshop program. It was with this opera program that Katie received the role of Beth in Mark Adamo's Little Women. Currently, Katie spends her free time creating and selling art out of her home in New Hope.
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.
Cam Dehlin, alto, is thrilled to join The Singers for their fourth season! Cam grew up in Alexandria, MN where she sang in the Jefferson High School Concert Choir conducted by her father. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Music at Augsburg College where she sang in the Augsburg Choir under Dr. Leland B. Sateren for four years. Since that time, she has sung with many choral ensembles in the Twin Cities including The National Lutheran Choir, the Exultate Chamber Choir and Orchestra, The Summer Singers, and the Choir of the Episcopal Church of St. Clement in St. Paul, MN. By day, Cam is employed in marketing with Kraus-Anderson Construction Company.
Soprano Marie Spar Dymit is happy to be returning to The Singers—Minnesota Choral Artists this year after helping to launch the group in its debut season. Marie previously sang with the Dale Warland Singers during its final 19 years, and served as soprano section leader from 1991 until 2004. She was a frequently heard soloist with the DWS, both in concert and on numerous recordings. Marie is in her 24th year of teaching vocal music in White Bear Lake, where she teaches 11th and 12th grade choir at the South Campus. She holds music degrees from St. Olaf College and Arizona State University.
Tenor Andrew Ellingsen teaches music at Clover Ridge Elementary in Chaska. Originally from Blue Earth, MN, Andrew received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music from Luther College, where he sang under the direction of Weston Noble. Andrew sang for a year with Kantorei and currently sings with the Hosanna Choir of St. Stephen Lutheran Church in Bloomington. Andrew is also a graduate student working on his Master of Arts in Music Education with a combined concentration in Kodaly and Orff from The University of St. Thomas. He lives in Apple Valley with partner Eric Hopkins.
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.
Soprano Cheryl Friedrichs is very excited to join The Singers—Minnesota Choral Artists this season. As an active member of the Minnesota Chorale for four years, she can be heard on Minnesota Orchestra's Grammy-nominated 2006 recording of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony in D minor. Cheryl graduated from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities with a minor in Vocal Performance in May 2003. While at the U, she sang in five collegiate ensembles and served as Soprano section leader in Concert Choir under the baton of Professor Kathy Saltzman-Romey. She is also a member of Quadophony, a contemporary vocal quartet, conducted by fellow Singer Mark Bauer. Cheryl works as an Assistant Buyer II for Macy's in Minneapolis.
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.
Ben Henry-Moreland, bass-baritone, is in his first season with The Singers—Minnesota Choral Artists. A native of Northfield, Minnesota, Ben received his Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance from St. Olaf College in 2007, where he sang with the St. Olaf Choir and St. Olaf Early Music Singers, and appeared in several theater and opera productions. For the past two summers, he has been a member of the Festivalensemble Chorus of the Bachakademie Stuttgart under the direction of Helmut Rilling, touring and performing major choral works throughout Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Currently, Ben is based in Minneapolis, pursuing freelance solo vocal and choral work and preparing for graduate school in voice. He will also appear this year as a member of Consortium Carissimi and the Minnesota Chorale.
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 middle school choir in White Bear Lake and directs the adult choir at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton parish in Hastings. This is Elizabeth's first year in The Singers—Minnesota Choral Artists and she is simply delighted to be joining the alto section of such a fine ensemble.
Tenor Larry Hill is a Salina, Kansas native who moved to the Twin Cities 25 years ago seeking fame and fortune with his Bachelor of Music degree from Wichita State University folded in his hip pocket. After years of freelance choral work and minor roles with Minnesota Opera, he returned to school, received a ELL teaching license and got married to a rich lady lawyer. An employee of the St. Paul Public School District, he now divides his time on evenings and weekends singing as a cantor and choir member for various local churches.
Rachel Howe, soprano, is happy to return for her fourth year of singing with The Singers—Minnesota Choral Artists. She teaches general music for grades first through sixth at two elementary schools in the Burnsville, Eagan, Savage district. Rachel also directs Poco a Poco, the first and second grade choir of the Northfield Youth Choirs. She holds a degree from St. Olaf College in Vocal Music Education, where she sang in the St. Olaf Choir under the direction of Anton Armstrong. Rachel is currently a graduate student working on her Master of Arts in Music Education from The University of St. Thomas. She has completed both her Orff and Kodaly certificate training programs and is looking forward to finishing her MA program soon. (Hopefully!)
Dave Jacobson, baritone, sang in the Dale Warland Singers for its last eight seasons. He also has performed with diverse ensembles, such as the Rod Smith Big Band, Voce Magna, and the Minneapolis Vocal Consort. Currently, besides enjoying his fourth season with The Singers—Minnesota Choral Artists, Dave is a member of The Gregorian Singers and is the bass section leader at St. John the Evangelist Episcopal Church in St. Paul. Originally from La Crosse, Wisconsin, he now lives in Minneapolis with his wife, Donna.
Lynette Johnson, mezzo-soprano, sang in the Dale Warland Singers for 17 seasons. She holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree from North Park University in Chicago. Lynette has appeared with Voce Magna and as guest soloist with the Valley Chamber Chorale and several Twin Cities area churches. Currently, Lynette also sings in the choir and worship team at Excelsior Covenant Church. By day, she tracks down copyright holders as a copyright permissions obtainer for Augsburg Fortress Publishers.
Nathan Knoll, tenor, is thrilled to be in his third year with The Singers—Minnesota Choral Artists. A native of Pequot Lakes, MN, Nathan earned his Bachelors Degree in Music from Concordia College in Moorhead, MN where he studied under René Clausen and Paul Nesheim. Having spent the last six years working in public education, Nathan currently directs the Concert Choir at the University of St. Thomas where he is completing his Masters Degree in Music Education.
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.
Kate Lamb, soprano, is enjoying her first season with The Singers—Minnesota Choral Artists. Originally from Plymouth, Minnesota she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in music from Luther College where she sang under the direction of Weston Noble. Kate is currently studying with Jean del Santo at the University of Minnesota while earning a Master of Music in Vocal Performance and a Master of Science in Communication Disorders at St. Cloud State University. When she is not busy studying, she works at St. Cloud State University as the graduate assistant for the choral department and at the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts in Saint Paul, Minnesota.
Elizabeth Gullick, soprano, grew up in Downers Grove, IL, and is a proud alumnus of 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, and served as soprano section leader and director of Children's and Youth Choirs at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Minnetonka. Currently, she is the Choir Director at Cottage Grove Jr. High.
Chris Larson, tenor, is in his fourth year as vocal music director at Wayzata Central Middle School. He graduated from Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, MI, where he majored in Vocal Music Education. Chris has performed as a member of the Grand Rapids Opera, Cornerstone University Chorale and Chamber Choirs, and the VocalEssence chorus, as well as in musical theatre. In Wayzata, he has served as director of the CMS spring musical, and music director for the summer youth theatre program. He lives in St. Louis Park with his beautiful wife, Vanessa, and his capricious dog, Oscar.
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.
A Golden Valley, MN native, alto Anita Melendez is happy to be returning to The Singers—Minnesota Choral Artists for another season. She has recently relocated back to the Twin Cities after graduating from St. Olaf College in 2006 and then living for a short time in Northfield, MN. Anita sang with the youth choirs of the Minnetonka Association of Music for ten years before proceeding to the St. Olaf choral program for four years. Having graduated with a B.A. in Spanish and Political Science, Anita is now beginning a career in human resources with Cargill's corporate location in Minnetonka. Anita would like to thank her family for their constant support.
Ana Miller, soprano, is a graduate of Concordia College in Moorhead, MN where she studied music and psychology. She sang, soloed and served as soprano section leader under the direction of René Clausen and Paul Nesheim and studied voice with Lucy Thrasher. Ana is a private voice instructor and lives in St. Paul with her husband, Brad. She is thrilled to be singing with The Singers.
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.
Tony Mudra, baritone and native of Milwaukee, Wis., is thrilled to be singing with The Singers—Minnesota Choral Artists in his first year. Tony holds a bachelor’s degree in music education from Luther College, where he sang in Nordic Choir under the direction of Weston Noble. He currently directs several ensembles and teaches vocal music as well as private voice at the high school and middle school in River Falls, Wis. Previously, he directed choirs and musical theatre in Hudson, Wis. Tony also volunteers his talents to local churches and is an accomplished pianist and frequent accompanist.
Paul Ogren, baritone, is in his fourth season with The Singers—Minnesota Choral Artists. Since moving to the area in 2001 he has sung with the Rose Ensemble for two years, the Gregorian Singers for three years, Plymouth Music Series for one year and is in his fifth year with the Minnesota Chorale. He holds degrees in Mathematics and Operations Research and makes his living as a software developer.
Kristen Patton, mezzo-soprano, is thrilled to be joining The Singers—Minnesota Choral Artists for her third season. 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. Kristen sang in the CSB/SJU Chamber choir, Europe choir, and the Collegium choir while attending college. She currently sings in churches around the Twin Minneapolis-St. Paul area and plays the violin in the Saint Cloud Symphony and Amadeus Orchestra.
Vicki Peters, soprano, is a private voice teacher, frequent soloist, an adjudicator for State Vocal/Choral contests, and the conductor of The Summer Singers, a seasonal a cappella choir. She studied voice, choir, and opera with Charles Peterson at St. Cloud State University, majoring in vocal music education. Vicki has been a project singer for the Dale Warland Singers, taught at Fridley High School, and has been a Director of Music for various churches for 16 years. In addition to being an assistant director and soloist for the Two Rivers Chorale, she has had the opportunity to solo in many great European cathedrals and also at ACDA conventions under the direction of Bruce Phelps and Carl Lipke.
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.
Soprano Jodi Rowe is currently in her fourth season with The Singers—Minnesota Choral Artists, where she serves as soprano section leader. Prior to that, Jodi performed as a soprano with the world-renowned Dale Warland Singers. She has performed with and been the featured soloist for these and many other local and regional choirs both in the Midwest and in California. Jodi holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Education and Choral Music from Dr. Martin Luther College in New Ulm, MN. Jodi served as a Professor of Music for 7 years at Martin Luther College in New Ulm, MN, where she conducted the College Chorale, and taught voice lessons and music theory classes. Prior to that, she taught 2nd Grade for 5 years in San Jose, CA, where she also directed several adult and children's choirs. Jodi continues to teach private voice lessons and is the conductor of Harmonic Relief, a vocal ensemble based in Woodbury, Minnesota. Jodi currently lives in Oakdale, MN, with her husband, Cameron, and their two children, Vincent and Madeline.
Sarah Selby, soprano, holds a Bachelors of Music Education degree from Northwestern College in St. Paul, MN. While attending, she sang in the Northwestern College Choir under the direction of Timothy Sawyer for three years, and in the Women's Chorale under the direction of Dr. Mary Kay Geston for one year. She is currently substitute teaching within Anoka-Hennepin, Osseo, and Wayzata Public School Districts, in pursuit of a full-time music educator position. After graduation from college in the fall of 2006, she has worked as a barista at Starbucks, and also served as Music & Worship Coordinator at Immanuel Church in Forest Lake. She is very excited to embark on this new journey with The Singers—Minnesota Choral Artists.
Benjamin Seltzer, tenor, is new to The Singers—Minnesota Choral Artists this season. A native of Pennsylvania, he recently graduated from Vassar College with a B.A. in Music and Psychology. While there, he performed in the Vassar Madrigal Ensemble under the direction of Drew Minter and served as musical director of Premium Brew, an all-male, barbershop ensemble. Benjamin is currently pursuing a graduate degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology at the University of Minnesota, and also sings in the University of Minnesota Chamber Singers.
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 and currently serves as an advisor to the board.
Baritone Joshua Shank holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education from Luther College, where he sang in the Nordic Choir under the direction of Weston Noble. He currently teaches vocal music and music theory at Prior Lake High School and works as a freelance composer. Josh, also a composer-in-residence for The Singers, has been commissioned by organizations such as Kantorei (Colorado), the Choral Arts Ensemble of Rochester, Northern Arizona University and the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music. His music is available through Santa Barbara Music Publishing (choral) and Daehn Publications (band).
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.
Allie Tunseth, soprano, is excited to be joining The Singers again for her third season! She is a graduate of Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Child Development and Family studies, along with a license in Parent Education. While at Concordia, Allie had the privilege of singing under the direction of Dr. Paul Nesheim in the Chapel Choir and Dr. Rene Clausen in the Concordia Choir in addition to studying voice with Ms. Lucy Thrasher and Mr. Peter Halverson. Currently, Allie is living in St. Paul and working at Immanuel Lutheran Church as a Jr. and Sr. High Youth Director.
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.
The Singers—Minnesota Choral Artists | 528 Hennepin Ave., Suite 216 | Minneapolis, MN 55403 | 651-917-1948 |