Our People

Richard Carrick is a conductor, clinician, singer, and educator based in Duluth, MN. He serves as the Director of Choral Activities at The College of St. Scholastica, the Director of Music at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary, co-founder and conductor of the Borealis Chamber Artists, and Chorus Master for the Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra. Richard holds a D.M.A. in Choral Conducting from the University of Washington, where he studied with Geoffrey Boers and Giselle Wyers. He is also the managing editor of ACDA-MN’s Star of the North. When not working with choirs, Richard enjoys exploring trails in the woods or baking with his children.

Dr. Michael Fuchs has enjoyed an active career as a conductor, educator, and singer. He is the Director of Choral Activities at the University of Wisconsin-Superior where he conducts the UWS Singers and Chorale and also serves as the Chair of the Department of Music. He has taught courses in conducting, choral methods, ear training, and music history. Dr. Fuchs is the Chorus Director for the Lyric Opera of the North and is also the Director of Choral Activities at First Lutheran Church in Duluth where he oversees an active and vibrant choral program. Prior to moving to the Twin Ports, Dr. Fuchs was the Director of Choral Activities at Clayton State University in Morrow, GA where he conducted the Chorale, the Collegium Vocale, and founded the Masterworks Chorus at Spivey Hall. Choirs under his direction have performed across the United States and internationally while receiving numerous honors and awards. He has prepared choruses for performances with Joe Miller, Annunziata Tomaro, Mark Gibson, Dirk Meyer, and Joseph Flummerfelt. Previous professional positions include Artistic Director of Musica, the premier chamber choir of Dayton, OH, and the Founder and Artistic Director of the Westminster Bach Consort.

Dr. Fuchs has sung professionally throughout the United States. He has performed with the Vocal Arts Ensemble, May Festival Chorus, and the Kinnara Ensemble. He has appeared as baritone soloist with Princeton Pro Musica and the Southern Crescent Symphony Orchestra. As a recitalist, he has performed at Spivey Hall in Morrow, GA and in the Twin Ports.

Active in research, Dr. Fuchs’ interests include early music performance practice, the vocal music of J.S. Bach, and vocal pedagogy for the choral rehearsal. He is co-author of Bach’s St. John Passion for the 21st Century, published by Rowman & Littlefield in October 2023. His doctoral dissertation was a choral application of vocal pedagogical principles titled A Conductor’s Guide to the Incorporation of ‘Bel Canto’ Methodology in the Choral Rehearsal. Dr. Fuchs holds degrees in choral conducting from the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music and Westminster Choir College in Princeton, New Jersey as well as a degree in Music Education from Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota. He has studied conducting with René Clausen, Joe Miller, James Jordan, Andrew Megill, Earl Rivers, Brett Scott, and Mark Gibson.

Patrick Russell is an active performer and educator. He is the Director of Music at Pilgrim Congregational Church in Duluth, where he directs the choir. He maintains a teaching studio at Encore Music Studios and regularly accompanies soloists, choirs, and cabarets. He is a founding member of the Twin Ports Choral Project and a co-founder of Borealis Chamber Artists.

Patrick is an active theater artist in the Duluth area as a music director, pianist, and actor. Recent shows include Spitfire Grill, Singin’ in the Rain, The Fantasticks, She Loves Me, Assassins, Guys and Dolls, and Company. As an actor: Iolanthe (Lord Chancellor), A Midsummer Night's Dream (Snug), and Les Misérables (ensemble). As composer: Humpty Dumpty: The Musical (Rubber Chicken Theater) with collaborator Chani Ninneman.

Dr. Bret Amundson is the Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences at The College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, MN, where he also directs Bella Voce. Dr. Amundson is also the Artistic Director of the Lake Superior Youth Chorus. He holds a BA in Music Education and Vocal Performance from Saint John’s University, a MM in Choral Conducting from Saint Cloud State University, a DMA in Choral Conducting from the University of Washington, and an MBA in Change and Leadership from The College of St. Scholastica.

Choirs under Dr. Amundson’s direction have performed at state and regional conventions. In 2007, the Cathedral High School Concert Choir performed at the Minnesota Music Educators Association’s Mid-Winter Clinic. That same year, he was awarded the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) of Minnesota’s Outstanding Young Conductor Award. In 2015, Twin Ports Choral Project was invited to perform, under his direction, at the ACDA-MN State Conference and, in 2016, the North Central ACDA Regional Conference. In 2017, Bella Voce was invited to perform at the ACDA-MN State Conference; in 2018 and 2023, the Lake Superior Youth Chorus' Cantemus was invited to perform at the same conference. In 2020, Bella Voce performed at the North Central ACDA Regional Conference, In 2014, Dr. Amundson was awarded The College’s Benedictine Professorship in General Education, and in 2015, he was named one of Duluth’s 20 Under 40.

Emily Nast is the Staff Accompanist and Fine Arts Department Administrative Assistant at The College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, MN, where she enjoys working both onstage and behind the scenes as she collaborates with the CSS Choral Ensembles, accompanies vocal and instrumental music majors, and organizes the inner workings of the department. Emily is an accompanist for the Lake Superior Youth Chorus (Cantemus), and she performs regularly as a collaborative pianist with the Twin Ports Choral Project.

Emily holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music (Piano Performance and Pedagogy) from The College of St. Scholastica. As a Nationally Certified Teacher of Music, she maintains a private piano studio in Duluth and is active in the Minnesota Music Teachers Association at the state and local levels. Emily received the Advocate for Choral Excellence Award from the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) of Minnesota in 2015, and she is blessed to be surrounded by beautiful choral music nearly every day.

Emily Bergstedt is delighted to rejoin the Twin Ports Choral Project after a five-year hiatus while completing her medical residency. A graduate of Luther College, she majored in English and performed with both the choir and band as a vocalist and trumpet player. She earned her medical degree from the University of Minnesota Duluth and has recently returned to Duluth to practice as a family medicine physician. Emily is thrilled to once again make music with this inspiring ensemble.

Nathan is in his second year in TPCP and has loved making music with such dedicated musicians. Outside of the choir, he works in academic success at St. Scholastica and is passionate about Education and helping students find their learning path to success. In his free time, Nathan enjoys photography and spending time outdoors.

Emilie Bowman began her choral singing career in the 4th grade. During undergrad at Concordia College, Emilie sang in The Concordia Choir and studied voice with Dr. Barbara Schramm. Since moving to Duluth, she has sung with Twin Ports Choral Project, Duluth Superior Symphony Chorus, Arrowhead Chorale, Lyric Opera of the North, and the First Lutheran Church Choir. In addition to music, Emilie is passionate about helping non-profit organizations serve our community. She holds an MBA from the College of St. Scholastica, works as a Business Analyst for Essentia Health and serves as Treasurer for Borealis Chamber Artists.

Grace Brinkert has been singing all her life, in choir or otherwise. She joined Twin Ports Choral Project after graduating from the College of St Scholastica in 2022, and has been singing with them since. While Grace does not work in the arts full-time, she performs when she can - whether that be with TPCP, Lyric Opera of the North, or Duluth Playhouse. Off-stage, she can be found watching actual-play shows, playing games with her friends, or simply relaxing at home with her partner and two cats. Grace hopes that the Twin Ports and greater MN continues to be a thriving space for music and artists.

Rhonda Card is in her first year as the Choir Director at Cloquet Middle and High School. Rhonda graduated from the University of Minnesota-Duluth in 2022 with a Bachelor's degree in music education. She was very active in the university’s vocal ensembles, serving as President and Vice President of University Singers and President of the ACDA student chapter. Rhonda had the honor of participating as a Student Conductor with ACDA-MN in the 2021 Summer Dialogue with Dr. Axel Theimer. As a vocalist, she has reached both the semi-finals and finals of Minnesota National Association for Teachers of Singing (NATS) in both musical theater and classical, as well as the National NATS for Musical Theater.

Rhonda is an active member of the Twin Ports Vocal scene. She worked as a Choral Scholar at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary for three years, teaches voice lessons and works as a director with the Lake Superior Youth Chorus. When she's not singing, Rhonda likes to go for hikes with her dog or find new restaurants around Duluth with her friends. Rhonda feels very lucky that she gets to surround herself with wonderful colleagues in this beautiful city. She loves everything Duluth has to offer!

Born in Texas and raised in Minnesota, mezzo-soprano Kathryn Engstrom is also an accomplished pianist and Horn player. Kathryn was a member of the renowned Texas All State Choir, and was selected to study Horn, Voice, and Piano at St. Olaf Summer Music Camp in Minnesota, studying under Dr. René Clausen and Dr. Paul J. Christiansen. Kathryn received a Scholarship to study Music Education at the University of Minnesota, studying voice with Dr. Lawrence Weller, Conducting under Dr. Thomas Lancaster, and was accepted with Scholarship into the Graduate program in Vocal Performance. A section leader for 5 years with the Minnesota Chorale, Kathryn also held section leader and soloist positions at Central Lutheran and St. John's Episcopal Churches in Minneapolis. Kathryn has performed extensively under conductors Christoph Eschenbach, Hugh Wolff, Eiji Oue, Helmuth Rilling, Roger Norrington, David Zinman, Phillip Brunelle, Robert Shaw, and Christopher Seaman, with the Houston Symphony Orchestra, Oregon Bach Festival Orchestra, Minnesota Orchestra, and Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra. A member of acclaimed Oregon Bach Festival for 9 years, Kathryn sang in the Grammy-winning recording of the Penderecki Credo under Helmuth Rilling. A successful audition during the Oregon Bach Festival led Kathryn to Germany, where she sang in numerous projects of the International Bach Academy under Helmuth Rilling, with performances and Master Classes in Stuttgart and Munich, with tours in Greece, France, Hungary, Austria, and Italy.

Jen Fuchs has enjoyed performing with amateur and professional choruses from around the country. In the 24-25 season, she is looking forward to performances with Lyric Opera of the North and Borealis Chamber Artists, in addition to concerts with TPCP and Sunday anthems at her home congregation, First Lutheran in Duluth. By day, Jen is a school social worker and enjoys hiking, camping and visiting National Parks with her husband and two daughters.

Brittney Harrison is a new member of the Twin Ports Choral Project and new citizen in Duluth, MN! She recently moved from Oshkosh, WI, where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Choral Music Education. For over 14 years, Brittney has shared her love of music through active involvement in vocal and instrumental ensembles across the country. In addition to performing with TPCP, she currently sings with the Arrowhead Chorale and plays trumpet with the Duluth Symphonic Winds. By day, she teaches choir to students in grades 6 through 8 and offers private voice lessons. Outside of music, she enjoys paddleboarding, hiking, and playing tennis or pickleball.

Finnegan is a recent college graduate pursuing a career in environmentalism and land management. Originally from Albuquerque, NM, he is living in Esko while working a temporary job in environmental management. Finnegan would like to thank the TPCP for giving him the opportunity to continue singing in choir post-college!

As a Duluth native, Riley has been singing with various music groups around the twin ports! Although a recent graduate of UW-Superior and first year singer with TPCP, he has been seen performing with Borealis Chamber Artists, DSSO Chorus, and Lyric Opera of the North. When Riley is not seen performing, you can find him either golfing, hanging out with friends, or assuming the role of Captain for the Vista Fleet!

Rachel Holte has been singing in the Duluth area her entire life. She graduated from The University of Wisconsin Superior in 2016 with a Bachelors of Music Education Degree. During college, Rachel enjoyed singing with the UWS Acapella and Chamber choirs as well as being involved with the campus operas. She has also had the great pleasure of singing with the Duluth Superior Symphony Chorus and has been a chorus member in Lyric Opera of the North productions. Rachel currently works as an Elementary Music Educator in Cloquet, MN. When not teaching, she spends her time with friends, family, and her many pets.

Matthew Hunke is a UMD grad and the choir director at Harbor City International School in Duluth. Since coming to Duluth, he has been involved in the music community in many capacities. He interned with the Lake Superior Youth Chorus, served as music director for the Animal Humane Society’s production of Go Dog Go!, sang in barbershop quartets, and has played numerous bass gigs at local school concerts. This summer he had the opportunity to play bass in the pit for RENT at the Zeitgeist Theater and again at Duluth Pride. He is currently teaching private lessons in voice, piano, and bass guitar through Lakeside Music Academy, as well as collaborating with the Lake Superior Youth Chorus as an accompanist and Prelude site instructor for North Star Academy. He would like to thank Hannah, Mary Jo, Lori, and Steve; your support means the world. This is his third season with the Twin Ports Choral Project.

Brian is the owner of Encore Music Studios, and an instructor of Voice, Piano, and Organ. He is a native of central and southern Illinois, holding a Bachelor of Music degree in Keyboard Performance from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and a Master of Arts degree in Liturgical Music with an emphasis in Voice Performance from St. John's University in Collegeville, MN. Brian is Organist/Pianist at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary in Duluth, accompanist of the dementia-friendly community choir, The Victory Chorus, and a Co-Founder and Co-Artistic Director of Borealis Chamber Artists.

Tasha Kapp is a MN native who graduated from UMD with a Bachelor of Music, Vocal Performance. Over the course of her career, Tasha attended Tanglewood Institute, performed on NPR's From the Top, and been a featured soloist with the Arrowhead Chorale, Arrowhead Guild of Organists, Borealis Chamber Artists, DSSO, Friends of the Felgemaker, Twin Ports Choral Project, and Victory Chorus. She is a member of Strikepoint Handbell Ensemble and sits on the Board of Directors for Borealis. In her free time, Tasha enjoys spending time with her beloved husband and 3 cats, caring for her houseplants, and crafting.

Derrick is in his first year with the TPCP and is thrilled to be making music with such a talented and welcoming group of singers. A recent graduate of The College of St. Scholastica, where he studied piano and sang in choir, Derrick now works in accounting but continues to stay connected to his love of music through piano and choral singing. When not crunching numbers or rehearsing, he enjoys spending time outdoors, staying active, and being with loved ones.

Anneliese LaFond set the tone for her musical career when she perfected the art of practicing piano to get out of washing dishes. She considers herself lucky that this plan worked out, as music is an integral part of her life now. She graduated from Luther College where she majored in elementary education, and music with an emphasis in horn. Anneliese teaches elementary and middle school music and reading in Cloquet. In addition to singing in TPCP, she plays horn in the Twin Ports Wind Orchestra and is a collaborative pianist with the Lake Superior Youth Chorus. She is excited to be singing with the Twin Ports Choral Project!

Joshua up in Proctor MN and has been around Duluth his whole life. He graduated from the University Of Minnesota Duluth with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics with an additional major of Statistics & Actuarial Science. Throughout all of college he was a member of the University Singers and took part in the Vocal Chamber Ensemble and Opera program. He is excited to continue his passion of music with this talented group! He is in his second year with the group.

Carolyn Mikel works as the music teacher for Stella Maris Academy’s Holy Rosary and St. John’s schools. She is a graduate of the College of Saint Scholastica where she obtained her degree in vocal and instrumental education. She has performed with groups such as the Borealis Chamber Artists, Duluth Superior Symphony Chorus, and the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary Schola Choir. She has active membership in groups such as the American Choral Directors Association, the Minnesota Band Directors Association, and the Minnesota Music Educator Association. She also serves as a choir director for the Lake Superior Youth Chorus.

Aine feels so fortunate to be able to call Duluth home. She graduated from UMD in 2015 with a degree in Psychology and from UWS in 2020 with a degree in Vocal Music. While at UWS she studied with Dr. Vicki Fingalson, and after graduating she continued to study on and off with Dr. Jeffery Madison, Georgia Jacobson-Wolfe, and Caroline Kouma. She is heavily involved in the music scene of the Twin Ports including performances with Lyric Opera of the North, The Ashland Chamber Music Society, the Music Ministry at First Lutheran Church, the Percussion Ensemble at UW-Superior, and working as the Chorus Administrator for the DSSO-Chorus. When she isn’t doing music, you can find Aine bartending at Vikre Distillery or spending time with her dog McCoy.

Gunnar Molstad is a music educator and performer based in Duluth, Minnesota. He directs 5-8 vocal music at North Star Academy, leading four choirs, three musical theater courses, and the school’s GSA. Gunnar also serves as director of Camerata, Lake Superior Youth Chorus's advanced Tenor-Bass choir, and as guest music director for Denfeld High School's production of Evil Dead The Musical (2024) and Heathers: the Musical (2025). In addition, Gunnar coached the Bass II section for the Minnesota Music Educators Association (MMEA)'s 2024 All-State TTBB chorus.

Since moving to Duluth in 2022, Gunnar has been active in the local music scene, performing with groups such as Twin Ports Choral Project, Borealis Chamber Singers, and Lyric Opera of the North. Recent roles with LOON include Bartender in Speed Dating Tonight (2023) and featured ensemble parts in Cavalleria Rusticana (2023) and the upcoming Radio Hour (2025). Outside of LOON, Gunnar played Peter in the debut reading of Duluth composer Wendy Durrwachter's comic opera 86 DESSERT (2024). He also enjoys participating in sacred projects, including holy day performances at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary.

He lives in Duluth’s Lincoln Park neighborhood with his wife Zoe Blumhardt and their four cats.

Singing has always been an important part of Taj Munson’s life. Previously, Taj performed with a wide variety of ensembles, from chamber and symphonic choruses to pop a capella groups, from street corners to Boston’s Symphony Hall. In addition to singing, Taj enjoys playing a variety of instruments in kitchen bands and pick-up sessions, especially when he can rope his wife and two sons to join in. Recently returned to his hometown of Duluth, he is delighted to once again be involved in choral music.

Dawson has been singing with TPCP since 2019/2020 and is thrilled to be returning for another season. When he is not singing, Dawson enjoys teaching Social Studies at Lincoln Park Middle School in Duluth and keeps himself busy in the summer working as a recreation specialist for the Duluth Parks and Rec department. In his free time, you will find him acting in theater productions, singing sea shanties, or playing card games with friends. Dawson would like to thank everyone for their support of Twin Ports Choral Project and for the opportunity to perform with such talented, inspiring musicians.

Rylee Newton serves as the choir director at Superior Middle School in Superior, Wisconsin, where she directs a variety of curricular and co-curricular ensembles. She also brings her passion for community engagement to her work with the Lake Superior Youth Chorus, where she serves as Outreach Coordinator and Choristers Conductor.

A 2021 magna cum laude graduate of The College of St. Scholastica with a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education, Rylee first joined the Twin Ports Choral Project in 2020 for their encore performance of Considering Matthew Shepard. This season marks her fifth year performing with the ensemble.

Al Odean has been singing in various groups in the Twin Ports for the past three decades including Twin Ports Choral Project since 2012 and more than fifteen years with the Arrowhead Chorale. The son of a choral music director, his interest in choral music has always been at the forefront of leisure activities and he enjoys singing with this professional organization.

Hannah Osborne is a graduate of The College of St. Scholastica where she sang with the women’s ensemble, Bella Voce, under the direction of Dr. Bret Amundson. While singing with Bella Voce, she had the opportunity to perform at the 2017 American Choral Directors’ Association of Minnesota’s State Conference as well as the 2020 American Choral Directors’ Association Central-North Regional Conference. Hannah holds a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Nursing, working as a maternal-child public health nurse in the Duluth area. She is eager to contribute to the meaningful stories, values, and mission that the Twin Ports Choral Project extends to its audience.

My name is Kirsten Papas, and I am a 22 year old soprano from Cloquet, Minnesota. I recently received my BFA in vocal performance at the College of Saint Scholastica, and hope to continue my studies soon as I prepare to audition for grad school in the upcoming months. Music has been a part of my life ever since I was a little girl, and my first opportunities to sing came from the Catholic mass tradition. Being that I wasn't able to take part in the sacraments, I took to cantoring and found that I loved sharing music with others in this way. I feel very honored to be able to perform the Vaughn Williams mass as my first project with TPCP, and am very excited to take part in more projects in the future. Some of my notable past involvements include the DSSO's Carmina Burana, the St. John's Passion with UWS and Saint Scholastica, and the MMEA 2019-2020 All-State Mixed Chorus.

Claire Salo is returning to TPCP after a two-year hiatus in which she completed her Master of Music Education through Georgia College and State University. A proud alumna of the University of Minnesota Duluth, Claire has been an active member of the Twin Ports music community for several years. Claire currently teaches elementary music at the Hermantown School District, and enjoys exploring the outdoors with her husband and dog in her free time. Claire is delighted to be singing with TPCP once again and looks forward to a season of joyful music making.

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Elise Sterling is an English teacher at Superior High School in Superior, WI where she runs the school’s esteemed student-driven newspaper and webcast, Spartan Spin. Additionally, she is the Choir Coordinator at the Lake Superior Youth Chorus. Elise is a graduate of The College of St. Scholastica where she studied Secondary English Education with a minor in music. During her time at St. Scholastica, she sang in the advanced treble ensemble, Bella Voce and studied voice under Dr. Jennifer Lien. She is excited to join TPCP for another performance!

Brianna has been a vocalist for over two decades. She has performed with the Minnesota State University–Moorhead Choirs, the Fargo Symphony Orchestra, and the University of Wisconsin–Superior Choir and student opera company. Currently, she is a member of the Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra Chorus and serves as a cantor at the Cathedral of Christ the King in Superior, Wisconsin. Brianna has appeared on stage with Lyric Opera of the North and the Duluth Playhouse, showcasing her versatility across both classical and theatrical repertoire. She is proud to be part of the vibrant performing arts community in the Twin Ports and is deeply grateful for the ongoing support and generosity of local patrons who help sustain the arts.

A Duluth native, Zach Wood loves spending time outdoors, whether he's playing ultimate frisbee with Duluth's own club team, cross country skiing in the winter or hiking northern Minnesota's beautiful trails.

Since 2010, he sang throughout his time in the Duluth Public Schools system from Ordean East Middle School, Duluth East High School and The University of Minnesota Duluth, as well as two years singing with the choirs at St. Olaf University in Northfield, Minnesota. He credits his successful singing experiences to the wonderful direction and encouragement from previous choir directors; Sheila Schusterich, Jerome Upton, Tina Thielen-Gaffey, and Christopher Aspaas (respectively).

He is very excited for the opportunity to sing alongside the talented musicians of TPCP and looks forward to sharing music with the community.