MUSICIANS

Ryan Deignan is Assistant Professor and Associate Director of Choral Activities at the University of Minnesota Duluth where he conducts the UMD Concert Chorale, leads vocal jazz ensembles Lake Effect and Chill Factor, and teaches voice lessons, ear training, and vocal pedagogy. Deignan is the Artistic Director of theTwin Ports Choral Project and was a fellow at the 2022 Baylor International Choral Conducting Masterclass.

In addition to teaching and conducting, Deignan performs as a professional vocalist. He sang with the new Baton Rouge choir Red Shift in their 2020 Southern ACDA performance, where he also served as tenor soloist. Deignan sang with Dallas’ Orpheus Chamber Singers and Dallas Bach Society, and community choir Denton Bach Society as tenor soloist for their performance of Rossini's Petit Messe Solennelle. He was tenor soloist for the University of Iowa Choirs and Orchestra's performance of Schubert's Mass in Ab in 2017. Deignan performed with the Cedar Rapids Chorale and Iowa Orchestra as tenor soloist and Cedar Rapids Opera Theatre as tenor soloist and young artist. In 2011, he was chorus-master of CROT's production of The Merry Widow.

At the high school level, Deignan was Director of Choirs for the West Des Moines Valley High School choral program of 350 students, seven traditional choirs, two show choirs, and four jazz choirs. Under his direction, Valley Singers performed at the 2016 NC-ACDA Convention in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Prior to West Des Moines, Deignan was Associate Director of Vocal Music at Cedar Rapids Washington High School where he led a Slice of Jazz to the 2012 Iowa Vocal Jazz Championship.

Deignan studied music education with Jeremy Manternach and Jessica Nápoles, voice with Edwin Andereck and Stephen Swanson, vocal pedagogy with Jeremy Manternach and Stephen F. Austin, and conducting with Craig Arnold, Timothy Stalter, and Allen Hightower.

Deignan holds a BA in Vocal Performance from Luther College, an MA in Music Education from the University of Iowa and DMA in Choral Studies with a cognate field in Vocal Pedagogy from the University of North Texas. He is a member of ACDA, NAFME, NATS, JEN, and the Voice Foundation.

Hannah Green serves in a capacity as Student Administrator in the Music Department at the University of Minnesota- Duluth while she pursues her degree in Arts Administration. With her degree, Hannah hopes to someday work in an arts organization that is centered in music. She appreciates a wide variety of art including music, the visual arts, theater, and has become a recent fan of the ballet. Even though she is not artistic, she understands and promotes the value of the arts in our area and has made it her mission to continue to take advantage of any opportunities that arise to advocate for the arts.

In her spare time, Hannah enjoys spending time with her family and boyfriend, cuddling with her cats, cultivating a collection of healthy houseplants, and reading fiction novels. Hannah is excited to further contribute to the Twin Ports Choral Project and exhibit their mission to the upper Minnesota region.

Jennifer Campbell is thrilled to be supporting the Twin Ports Choral Project in an administrative capacity. As a founding member of the ensemble, she looks forward to continuing her contribution to the group remotely as grant writer. She is an award-winning soprano and arts administrator who now calls Mount Pleasant, Michigan home.

Emily Valine 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.

Dr. Bret Amundson is the Dean of the School of Arts and Letters at The College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, MN where he also directs Bella Voce, the college's select treble ensemble. In addition to his work at CSS, Bret is the Artistic Director for the Lake Superior Youth Chorus. He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music Education and Vocal Performance from Saint John’s University, MN, a Master of Music in Choral Conducting from Saint Cloud State University, MN, a Doctorate of Music in Choral Conducting at the University of Washington, and an MBA in Change and Leadership from The College of St. Scholastica.

Choirs under Bret’s direction have performed at state and regional conventions. In 2007, the Cathedral High School Concert Choir was invited to perform at the Minnesota Music Educator Association’s Mid-Winter Clinic. In 2015, Twin Ports Choral Project was invited to perform 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 and in 2018, the Lake Superior Youth Chorus' Cantemus was invited to perform at that same conference. In 2020, Bella Voce performed at the North Central ACDA Regional Conference.

Emilie Bowman began her choral singing career in the 4th grade. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Healthcare Management and Scandinavian Studies from Concordia College, where she sang in The Concordia Choir. Since moving to Duluth, she has sung in Twin Ports Choral Project, the Arrowhead Chorale, and First Lutheran Church worship band. In addition to music, Emilie is passionate about helping non-profit organizations serve our community. She works as a Business Analyst for Essentia Health and serves on numerous non-profit boards.

Anneliese Braaten set the tone for her musical career when she mastered the art of practicing piano to get out of washing dishes. She considers herself lucky that this plan partially worked out for her, 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 is a 6th grade teacher at Cloquet Middle School. She also plays horn in the Twin Ports Wind Orchestra and coaches the Cloquet-Esko-Carlton Nordic Ski Team. She is excited to be singing in the Twin Ports Choral Project!

Grace Brinkert graduated in 2022 with a Bachelor of Arts in Music with a focus in Vocal Performance from the College of St Scholastica. Having been in choir throughout her life, including Concert Choir at Scholastica, she is thrilled to sing with Twin Ports Choral Project for her first season. Currently, Grace is working at various places until she finds a more steady post-college career, but continues to pursue her artistic passions outside of work. She enjoys seeing and performing in live theatre, playing video games, hanging out with her friends, spoiling her two cats, and of course, making music as often as she can.

Derek Bromme is a former graduate of UMD and currently works in the music department as an adjunct trombone instructor. He attended Indiana University after leaving Duluth, and obtained his Masters degree in trombone performance, under the instruction of Peter Ellefson. Along with his teaching responsibilities at the University, he also performs often with the DSSO and travels/records as the solo trombonist for Lorie Line.

Peter Brown grew up in Duluth and is the Director of Music at St. Mary Star of the Sea and a choir teacher at Stella Maris Academy High School. He earned his Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies from the University of Minnesota Duluth in 2018 and has since spent over 3 years studying philosophy and theology through the Saint Paul Seminary in Saint Paul, MN. During his time at Saint Paul Seminary, Peter was also involved in music, ranging from traditional forms such as motets and Gregorian chant to contemporary Christian music. Peter has also gigged for multiple years as a pianist in various bands and musical settings and has played on multiple recording projects. Apart from his involvement in music, Peter enjoys spending time with friends and family, playing sports, and pondering the many and wonderful mysteries of existence.

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!

A San Francisco Bay Area native, Richard Carrick moved to Duluth in 2021 to serve as the Director of Choral Activities for The College of St. Scholastica. In addition to his role at CSS, Richard serves as Director of Music for the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary. Richard spends his free-time with his wife and two young children enjoying the natural beauty of the Twin Ports.

Hannah Christenson, born in Janesville, WI, moved up to Duluth in 2016 with her husband, Paul. As an elementary music teacher in Proctor at both Bay View and Pike Lake elementary schools, she has the pleasure of encouraging the love for music in nearly 900 children's lives. In 2014, Hannah graduated from Luther College with a BA in elementary education and music education (vocal emphasis) and shortly after, completed her masters of education (technology integration) at St. Catherine University. She has performed with Nordic Choir while at Luther College and The Singers while living in the Twin Cities, is occasionally on worship team at the Duluth Vineyard church, and teaches private piano and voice lessons at her in-home studio.

When not participating in music activities, Hannah stays busy taking care of her toddler, Brenley, and twin babies, Vesper and Summit. She also enjoys hiking with her family and two golden doodles, all kinds crafting, playing board games, and baking desserts. A shout out to her husband for caring for (and thriving with) all three kids alone when she is at choir and encouraging her to get back into music outside of teaching!

Patrick Colvin is an active performer and educator. As Director of Music at Pilgrim Congregational Church in Duluth, he directs the choir and plays regularly for services, including the harpsichord every chance he gets. He teaches at Encore Music Studios where he specializes in audition coaching, and regularly accompanies for soloists, cabarets, and choirs. He is a founding member of the Twin Ports Choral Project.

Patrick is an active theater artist in the Duluth area as a music director, pianist, and actor. Recent shows include The Fantasticks, Maxa, Oklahoma!, Sister Act, She Loves Me, Assassins, Guys and Dolls, Next to Normal, and Company. Children's theater: Once Upon a Mattress, Sweeney Todd, Shrek, Cats, and Grease. As an actor: Iolanthe, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Les Misérables, and The Taming of the Shrew. As composer: Humpty Dumpty: The Musical (Rubber Chicken Theater) with collaborator Chani Ninneman.

Ben Ellison is a middle school choir teacher in Duluth, sharing his love of singing and music with students at both Lincoln Park and Ordean East. In addition to singing in the Twin Ports Choral Project’s Bass Section, Ben regularly performs with Lyric Opera of the North and the Duluth Superior-Symphony Orchestra Chorus. When not performing, Ben enjoys attending and supporting concerts of arts organizations and bands in the Twin Ports’ local music scene, as well as spending time in the beauty of the Northland’s natural outdoor areas.

This is my first year with the Twin Ports Choral Project, and I am so excited to be singing with them! I graduated from Saint John's University in Collegeville, MN with a Bachelor of Arts in Biology. Now I work at the Environmental Protection Agency in Duluth, MN through ORISE researching fish toxicology.

Jen Fuchs sings in choir for the magical moments - joining her voice on a sea of sound, and being completely present with the music and her fellow musicians. She hopes TPCP audiences are inspired to bring justice to the world, and believes art and action work together to make transformational change. Jen has enjoyed performing as an amateur and professional chorister around the country. Past ensembles include The Concordia Choir (Moorhead, MN), Master Chorale of Washington (DC), Princeton Pro Musica (NJ), and Grace Episcopal choir (Newark, NJ), as well as church choirs in New Mexico, Virginia, and Ohio. By day, Jen is a social worker for Duluth Public Schools and enjoys hiking, camping and visiting National Parks with her husband and two daughters.

According to his Mom, Jack Gunderson began singing before he could talk, and he hasn’t stopped yet. His professional career as a singer/bassist/trombonist/actor and arranger has taken him across the US, Canada, the Caribbean, and several foreign countries. He enjoys many styles of music and has performed in a wide variety of venues, groups, clubs, concert halls, and theaters. He has a bachelor’s degree in vocal music education from the University of Minnesota, and sang with Robert Shaw at the Meadowbrook School of Music, where he also studied with John Wustman and Blake Stern. He studied for several years with Barbara Kierig, who urged him to audition for the MN Opera Chorus, and they hired him for seven productions. Wearing a kilt and sword, and singing right next to James Morris in “MacBeth” was a unforgettable experience! He’s done a lot of studio recording, including three of his own albums, several albums with David Haas, radio and television commercials, and many live concert recordings. Jack is a founding musician and performer of Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua and still performs there. He is also an accomplished goldsmith, silversmith, and does fine jewelry repairs. His current, most favorite gig is singing his fifth season with Twin Ports Choral Project!

Mark Hakes earned their Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance with minors in History and German from Stetson University in DeLand, FL, their Master of Music in Vocal Performance from the University of Minnesota Duluth, and their Master of Science in Teaching from The College of St. Scholastica. Mark currently works as the Assistant Director of Campus Ministry at The College of St. Scholastica where their work is focused on helping students delve into spirituality, participate in service and justice work, and engage in discernment of identity, values, and vocation. In addition to their paid work, Mark is active at the intersection of faith and queerness and engaged in justice and liberation work. They enjoy brewing beer, cider, and mead, baking, knitting and crocheting, building Legos, and gardening. Mark is also an avid runner and cross-country skier, activities they often do with their yellow lab, Anja. Mark continues to love music; teaching voice as an adjunct at The College of St. Scholastica, singing with Twin Ports Choral Project and Lyric Opera of the North, serving as a cantor at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary, and performing regularly as a soloist.

One of the most enjoyable aspects about Kim’s life in Duluth is singing with the TPCP, which she joined in February of 2017. She started singing professionally with the Schola Cantorum in San Francisco in the last part of the the 1990s and has been been blessed to be singing with a variety of professional and community choral groups since then. One highlight was singing with The Minnesota Beethoven Festival under the direction of Dale Warland for eight seasons.

Before moving to Duluth in 2008, Kim received her Minnesota K-12 Teaching Licence from Bemidji State University, where she taught choir at Voyageurs Expeditionary High School and sang in choral groups there. She earned her Masters degree in Vocal Music Education at University of Minnesota Duluth. In Duluth, she has worked as a substitute teacher, organist and choir director, and has enjoyed singing with other choral groups, including the DSSO Chorus periodically.

Elise Hintzman is a first-year teacher at Superior High School in Superior, WI where she teaches English and co-teaches the student-newspaper program. She 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 treble ensemble, Bella Voce. Elise first performed with TPCP in the spring of 2022 for the group's collaborative concert with East High School: "Cantus Vernus". This will be her first full season with TPCP.

Regan Hjelle graduated from the University of Minnesota Duluth in 2015 with a Bachelors in Music Education where she served as President and Vice President of University Singers, performed at State ACDA 2014, and completed part of her student teaching experience at an international school in Slovenia. She has since performed in Mary Poppins with the Duluth Playhouse, has sung with the Twin Ports Choral Project for four seasons, and hopes to continue in being a part of Duluth's vast music scene. Regan has been working in the Duluth Public Schools as an elementary music specialist for the past 6 years. She is currently working at Laura MacArthur and Myers-Wilkins Elementary Schools and is pursuing a Master of Arts Degree in Music Education: Kodaly Concentration from the University of St. Thomas.

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.

Brian is the owner and operator 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. As a musician, Brian has served in many capacities across Southern Illinois and throughout Minnesota. He is Organist and Pianist at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary in Duluth, accompanist of the dementia-friendly community choir, The Victory Chorus, and serves as Dean of the Arrowhead Chapter of the American Guild of Organists.

Tasha Kapp, a Minnesota native, received her Bachelor's in Vocal Performance from the University of MN-Duluth, and has been singing with TPCP since 2012. She is part of many musical entities in the Twin Ports area, most recently Strikepoint Handbell Ensemble and Youth Scholarship Outreach Event Coordinator for the Arrowhead Guild of Organists. When not making music, Tasha works as a Senior Administrative Assistant at an accounting firm, and spends her free time crafting, trying not to kill her houseplants, and hanging out with her beloved husband and 4 cats.

Randy is a retired school band director and is enjoying working part time for the Duluth Schools and as adjunct staff for the three Twin Ports colleges. He has decades of experience as a jazz and swing dance performer and clinician on woodwinds and has led the Big Time Jazz Orchestra for its 32 years, performing over 100 benefit concerts with, and for, all the regional school and college jazz bands. Randy's had the good fortune of presenting and performing many sessions at music education conferences and has held state and national office in music education organizations, including terms as National Secretary and President of the American School Band Directors' Assoc. and as the Jazz Chair-VP for the MN Music Educators' Assoc. Randy is married to musician and poet, Mary Lee, and they have four adult sons. He enjoys music, fitness, sports, and traveling. He also enjoys singing in his church choir.

Aine has been in Duluth for the last 11 years after moving from Minneapolis for school. She graduated from UMD in 2015 with a degree in Psychology and from UWS in 2020 with a degree in music. During her time at both schools she was involved in every choir they had to offer. While at UWS she studied with Dr. Vicki Fingalson, and after graduating she continues to study with Dr. Jeff Madison. By day she’s a sales manager at American Eagle and a nanny for 3 beautiful kids. This allows her plenty of time to do all things music! Aside from TPCP she’s heavily involved in the music ministry at First Lutheran Church, a member of the Arrowhead Chorale, and a member of the UWS Global Percussion Ensemble. When she’s not working or making music she’s loves to go hiking, go camping, or relaxing with her golden retriever mix McCoy.

Gunnar Molstad is the Director of Choirs at DECS North Star Academy in Duluth, Minnesota where they direct four ensembles, teach two music theater courses, and one ukulele course. Gunnar is a graduate of the University of Minnesota Morris (UMM), where he received the Daniel Conrad Leadership Award for outstanding achievement in the Music Discipline. This included leadership positions in every vocal ensemble offered, being a founding member and president of the current iteration of the UMM ACDA Student Chapter, and acting as Student Representative of the UMM music discipline. During this time, Gunnar was also two-time Student Conductor at ACDA MN’s Summer Dialogue.

Gunnar and their wife moved to Duluth in August 2022 after teaching for three years in Southern Minnesota. The two live in Lincoln Park with their two cats. One of these cats, a 10 year old, bi-color shorthair named Hugo, is also an avid singer and pianist.

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 Ness is a 2020 graduate of the College of Saint Scholastica and recently took a position as the Business Teacher at Duluth East High School. He has been singing with Twin Ports Choral Project since Fall of 2019. Singing with TPCP has given him a fantastic opportunity to challenge himself and further explore his passion for singing. In his free time, Dawson enjoys taking walks with his cat, spending time with friends, trying new things, visiting new places, and singing sea shanties in the Duluth Armory Parking Lot.

Rylee Newton is the choir teacher at Superior Middle School in Superior, Wisconsin where she directs the 6-8 grade curricular ensembles, as well as the select choir, Spartan Stars. Rylee also works with the Lake Superior Youth Chorus as the Outreach Coordinator. She graduated magna cum laude from The College of St. Scholastica in 2021 with a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education.

Rylee is an active member of both the American Choral Directors Association and the National Association for Music Education, and served as a section coach for the 2021 MN All-State SSAA choir. She first performed with Twin Ports Choral Project in 2020 for their encore performance of Considering Matthew Shepard. This is her second full season with the group.

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.

Since the second grade, Dominick has had a passion for choral music. He has performed with the Virginia Acapella Choir (M. Krage) , Mesabi Symphony Chorus (Dr. R. Berg), The Bemidji Choir (Dr. D. Jilek), The Saint Cloud State Concert Choir (Dr. M Ferrell) and several workshops, honorary events, or select ensembles. As a soloist, Dominick has continuously received high honors, placing 2nd at the National American Teachers of Singing (2019) and was invited to perform in a 6-week operatic workshop in Italy (2019). Dominick currently studies with Dr. Cory Renbarger (Fac. at BSU) To date, Dominick serves as the Vocal Music Director for Mesabi Musical Theatre and has served as the Artistic Director in Residence with the Voices of Reason (Hibbing, MN), Youth Choral of Central Minnesota (St. Cloud, MN), and The Range of Voices (Virginia, MN). Dominick currently lives in Virginia, MN and holds a Planning and Community Development Degree and a Music Degree with an emphasis in Choral Conducting from St. Cloud State University.

Hannah Osborne is a graduate of The College of St. Scholastica where she sang with the treble 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 with St. Louis County. She is eager to contribute to the meaningful stories, values, and mission that the Twin Ports Choral Project extends to its listeners.

Kristin Paschen is in her first year with TPCP and is thrilled to be singing again after a rather long hiatus. She is a choir director at Ordean East Middle School, and formerly taught elementary music at Lester Park and Homecroft Elementary schools. Before taking a break to start a family, Kristin served as the soprano soloist with the State College Choral Society and taught middle school choir and general music at Mount Nittany Middle School in State College, PA. She would like to thank her family for giving her the time to make music again!

Morgan Paulson is the Choral Director at both Northwestern High School and Middle School in Maple, Wisconsin. At the middle school she directs 7th grade and 8th grade choirs as well as teaches 6th grade general music. At the high school she directs Concert Choir, Chamber Choir, and Show Choir. She also directs the musicals there.

Morgan graduated from University of Minnesota Duluth in 2022 with a Bachelor of Arts in Vocal Music Education.

After a short hiatus to complete her Master of Music Education with a choral conducting focus, Bree is thrilled to be returning to TPCP for her 9th season. Bree is an experienced choir director and is currently teaching at Ordean East Middle School. In her spare time, she loves to travel and spend time with her husband, Marlon.

Madilyn Roeser is a lifelong lover of choral music. She graduated from The College of St. Scholastica with a degree in Elementary Education in 2021 and is now a fifth grade teacher at DECS North Star Academy. While at The College of St. Scholastica, Madilyn sang in Concert Choir and Bella Voce. As a young singer, she performed with the Lake Superior Youth Chorus and was a member of the A'Cappella choir and the Choralaires chamber ensemble at Duluth East High School. Madilyn is delighted to be a part of a group so dedicated to high quality music making.

Claire Scharfenberg is new to TPCP this year, and has enjoyed not only singing new and beautiful repertoire, but also forging new connections with music enthusiasts throughout the area.
She is a 2022 Music Education graduate of University of Minnesota-Duluth and now works in Hermantown as a Middle School Choir Director where she helps young people to discover their love of singing. Further back in her lifelong musical journey, Claire has also been involved with Lake Superior Youth Chorus, American Choral Directors Association, and UMD's University and Chamber Singers.

Patrick Sheedy is an IT Professional for Minnesota Power and a Duluth native. He graduated in 2016 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from UMN. Pat has consistently been involved in choral ensembles, spanning the Duluth Marshall choral program, the UMN University SIngers, the Oratorio Society, and now TPCP. Through this experience, he has picked up the niche skill of having near-perfect diction in a variety of languages he can't speak at all.

Adam Sippola is a Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapist, Relatefulness Facilitator, Singer, and dad, serving through his soul-centric Crossover work. Adam loves collaboration and co-creation, and music has been a through-line in his life story. He’s been singing with TPCP since its 2nd season and recently began accompanying Yin Yoga classes with improvised vocal somatic soundscapes (Crossover Songs), supporting participants in their healing journeys. He has contributed extensively to the local and regional musical theater culture and performed in rock, folk, experimental, and classical groups. He has recorded several albums as a solo artist and most recently collaborated with composer/pianist Wendy Durrwachter for their album The Two Trees: A Yeats Song Cycle.

Adam’s present orientation to music is to show up as the embodied Song of his ancestors, doing his part in healing individual, ancestral, and
collective trauma and inviting individuals and groups into the remembered
wholeness needed for us to survive and thrive as an inter-sovereign Earth
community.

Adam Sippola / Crossover - adamsippola.com

It took some convincing for Brianna to audition for choir in 10th grade, but unbeknownst to her, this decision would mark the beginning of a wonderful journey of musical exploration spanning over 15 years. Her choral career features performances and collaborations with the Minnesota State University-Moorhead Concert Choir, Fargo Symphony Orchestra, and University of Wisconsin-Superior A'Capella Choir, Chamber Ensemble, and Opera Workshop. She is a current member of the DSSO Chorus, and a cantor for mass celebrations at Cathedral of Christ the King in Superior. Brianna has also appeared on-stage with Lyric Opera of the North, Underground Theater, and the Duluth Playhouse. She also enjoys singing karaoke, especially with her dad. Brianna is looking forward to another beautiful season of singing with TPCP, and she sincerely thanks our audiences for their continued support of choral music in the Northland.

James Williams graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music from Minnesota State University Mankato. He has performed in Minnesota Valley Chorale, Musicorum, and MSU-M Concert Choir. He has traveled both domestically and internationally with choral ensembles. He directed the adult choir at Centenary United Methodist Church in Mankato MN for seven years. He is currently an accountant and enjoys spending time with his wife and children.

Zach Wood was born and raised in Duluth and feels incredibly lucky to call this wonderful city his home. 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.

Catherine Zbaracki grew up in Duluth and is thrilled to be living here again with her husband and two daughters. She graduated with honors from the University of Minnesota Duluth with a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance where she studied voice with Rachel Inselman and Alice Pierce. Catherine is currently a full time parent to her daughters as well as an active member of the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary and St. Mary Star of the Sea parishes in Duluth where she cantors and sings in the choirs.