Our People

Ryan Deignan is Assistant Professor and Interim Director of Choral Activities at the University of Minnesota Duluth where he leads the flagship University Singers and the award-winning vocal jazz ensemble Lake Effect, and teaches voice lessons, ear training, and vocal pedagogy. Deignan is the Artistic Director of the Twin 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 performed with the Madison Choral Project in 2023 and 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 is a recent graduate from the University of Minnesota- Duluth with a Bachelor of Arts. With her Arts Administration degree, Hannah has served in a variety of capacities in an arts organizations that are centered in music, like interning at the Duluth-Superior Symphony Orchestra. Even though Hannah does not consider herself 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. Hannah is currently employed with the St. Louis County Historical Society as their Administrative Assistant, where she hopes to be able to help promote more local arts and historical community programming.

In her capacity as Chorus Manager for TPCP, Hannah manages the box office, edits and updates the website, administers media regarding the season to sponsors and patrons, communicates directly with the choir concerning updates and administrative work, handles communication with patrons, markets for TPCP through social media, and more! She is excited to continue to contribute to the Twin Ports Choral Project and exhibit their mission to the upper Minnesota region.

Hannah appreciates a wide variety of art including music, the visual arts, theater, and has become a recent fan of the ballet. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and fiancée, cuddling with her cat, cultivating a collection of healthy houseplants, and reading fiction novels.

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.

Thomas Hamilton currently serves as organist and Minister of Music at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Duluth, Minnesota, a position he has held since August of 2013. A native of northern Minnesota, Hamilton has degrees in organ and church music from Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota, and Luther Seminary in St. Paul. Recently, he completed his Doctor of Musical Arts degree in organ performance and literature at the University of Iowa where he was in the studio of the late Dr. Delbert Disselhorst. Hamilton has been on the faculty of the University of Dubuque and the University of Wisconsin – Superior. He has played organ and continuo for the Duluth – Superior Symphony Orchestra as well as the University of Iowa Chamber Orchestra and is the organist for the Borealis Chamber Artists. He has served in many church settings and is an active recitalist and collaborative musician throughout the Midwest.

Thabo Matshego is an Internationally recognised African music composer and arranger published at Music Spoke under the Dr Derrick Fox choral series. His arrangements and compositions have been performed by choirs and at choral festivals throughout Africa and the United States including: University of Minnesota Duluth University Singers; Boltin State University Choir; Cape Town Youth Choir; The South African Youth Choir; University of Nebraska at Omaha Concert Choir; Octavo Series Choruses led by Maestros Derrick Fox and Amanda Quist at Carnegie Hall.

Thabo also worked extensively as a creative director, musical director, arranger, and vocal coach for various productions, ensembles, and artists. Some of these include the following:
-African Music director/ arranger at Quava Vocal Group under the leadership of Sabelo Mthembu (2018 – Current)
-Creative director, arranger, and vocal coach at ATKV Sêr (2014 – 2017)
-Vocal director and producer for South African artist Thabsie (2019 -2020)
-Musical director, vocal coach, and arranger at various corporate gigs, weddings, and churches ( 2017 – Present)

Thabo has and continuous to work extensive as a professional chorister and vocalists in reputable choirs and TV productions including:
-Chorister at The North West Provincial Youth Choir (2010-2011) under the leadership of Franco Prinsloo
-Chorister at the University of Johannesburg Choir (2012 – 2016) under the leadership of Renette Bouwer and Sidumo Nyemezela
-Vocalist at internationally acclaimed TV show Clash of the Choirs season 1
-Chorister at Quava Vocal Group (2018 – Current) under the leadership of Sabelo Mthembu
-Chorister at Veni Cantare ( 2022 – Current) Under the leadership of Sizwe Mondlane
-Backing vocalist for Bongi Mvuyana

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.

Maxwell Ary, tenor, is a native of Dallas, TX, who currently resides in San Francisco, CA. He is an active performer who enjoys singing many types of music including: classical vocal repertoire, choral and concert music, jazz, musical theatre, pop music, and more! After completing his undergraduate performance degree at the University of North Texas where he studied with Dr. Jeffery Snider, Max moved to California, where he earned a Master of Music degree from the University of California Los Angeles. When Max isn’t singing, he likes to be in nature, go rock climbing, or hang out with his girlfriend, Elisabeth, and his cat, Miso!

Rebecca Blackwell (mezzo-soprano) prides herself on being a modern-day Renaissance woman, though she is most at home singing Baroque and contemporary vocal works. Originally from Louisville, Kentucky, Rebecca grew up in music-rich environments and developed a love for the outdoors.

Rebecca completed a BM in vocal performance at New York University and went on to complete a master’s degree at the University of Minnesota studying under Adriana Zabala. Recent career highlights include performances with Oregon Bach Festival, Weimar Bach Academy, Minnesota Opera, Madison Choral Project, Borealis Chamber Artists, and University of Minnesota Opera Theater. Rebecca has worked as a teaching artist for several years, sharing opera with communities of all ages across the Twin Cities.

Rebecca currently works as a mental health counselor and enjoys integrating self-expression and creativity with clients along their healing journey. She is also a certified yoga instructor and loves to find new avenues for connecting the mind, body, and spirit through community. When not studying or working on music, you can find Rebecca in Uptown Minneapolis enjoying the lakes and sunshine, exploring the rockin’ Twin Cities food scene, and adoring her two cats and wonderfully supportive partner.

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.

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!

Stacy is an audiobook narrator, trumpet player, singer, and humorist who has been performing professionally for over thirty years. He's worked with Disney composer Alan Menken and lyricist Glenn Slater; shared the stage with Rene Fleming and Foreigner; recorded books for Penguin Random House, Simon & Schuster, Hachette, and Macmillan; appeared on NBC's Today show; and performed over 250 concerts a year nationwide as bass and vocal percussionist for the contemporary a cappella quartet Four Shadow. He has a bachelor's degree in trumpet performance from the University of Minnesota Duluth, and a master's degree in trumpet literature and performance from the Eastman School of Music. He enjoys astronomy, magic tricks, philosophy, hiking, cooking, good movies, bad movies, the written word, billiards, bratwurst, accents, poker, and anything written by Aaron Sorkin. His past occupations include roofer, casino dealer, knife salesman, music arranger, internet copywriter, Elvis impersonator, furniture assembler, street musician, comedy writer, and baseball mascot. He is a proud husband, father, and dog owner. He loves learning new things, experiencing the breath-stopping beauty of the natural world, and discovering a well-crafted turn of phrase. Also pie.

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.

Native Duluthian Rebecca Farmer (she/her) earned her BM in Voice Performance at UW-Superior and MM in Voice Performance at UM-Duluth. She has been fortunate to perform both on stage and in orchestra pits with numerous arts organizations here in the Twin Ports and abroad. Recent engagements include Jack’s Mother in Into the Woods and Eamon/violinist in Once: The Musical with the Duluth Playhouse, and in the chorus of Cavalleria Rusticana with Lyric Opera of the North. Previous roles in the Duluth area include Beggar Woman in Sweeney Todd with the Duluth Playhouse, Mother in Carrie: The Musical with Rubber Chicken Theater, and Mayor/Ma Ferd in Toxic Avenger with The Underground. Rebecca is also a member of Arrowhead Chorale and LOON COR. Outside of performing, she works as the Growth Marketing Manager for the non-profit communication platform CaringBridge and enjoys crafting, galivanting through the natural splendor of the area, and spending time with her kiddos.

Christopher Fettig is the Associate Director of Choral Activities at the University of Minnesota Duluth where he conducts the UMD Concert Chorale, Chamber Choir, vocal jazz ensemble Chill Factor, and teaches voice lessons and ear training. Before coming to Duluth, he had a very successful 36-year career as the Director of Choral Activities at Bemidji High School. He has received recognition as the Outstanding Young Choral Director in 1991 from ACDA of Minnesota, Teacher of the Year for ISD 31 in 1999, Choral Director of The Year from ACDA of Minnesota in 2007, East Grand Forks Senior High School Hall of Fame for Fine Arts in 2012, and Featured Alumnus of The Bemidji Choir from Bemidji State University in 2022. Mr. Fettig holds a BS degree in Vocal Music Education from Bemidji State University and an MA degree in Choral Conducting from the University of Illinois. Christopher is very excited to be a part of the TPCP Chamber Singers under the direction of Dr. Ryan Deignan.

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!

Maryn Hakes (they/them) 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. Maryn currently works as an Academic Advisor in the Swenson College of Science and Engineering at the University of Minnesota Duluth. In addition to their paid work, Maryn is active at the intersection of faith and queerness and engaged in justice and liberation work. They are a current live-in community member of the Loaves and Fishes Catholic Worker Community (an intentional community providing hospitality to and advocating alongside people experiencing homelessness), serve as a Head Election Judge for the City of Duluth, and are a member of Duluth's NQT2SLGBIA Commission. They enjoy brewing beer, cider, and mead, baking, knitting and crocheting, building Legos, and gardening. Maryn is also an avid runner and cross-country skier, activities they often do with their yellow lab, Anja. Maryn continues to be deeply engaged in the Twin Ports musical community; teaching voice as an adjunct at The College of St. Scholastica, singing with Twin Ports Choral Project and Lyric Opera of the North, and regularly performing 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.

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.

Rachel Inselman, soprano is a Professor of Voice at the University of Minnesota Duluth. She has performed numerous opera roles as well as appearances as soloist with symphony orchestras throughout the United States including the Cleveland Orchestra, Baltimore Chamber Orchestra, Toledo Symphony, and Lincoln Symphony Orchestra. International credits include engagements with the Shanghai Broadcasting Symphony Orchestra, Paris Sinfonietta, and the Tatui Wind Ensemble in Brazil. As a recitalist, Rachel has appeared in Australia, Italy, Costa Rica, Brazil, Turkey and Canada. She was named a winner at the 1996 Metropolitan Opera District Auditions for the fourth consecutive year, and a third place finalist at the Met Regional Auditions in 1995 and 1996.

She has presented “Teaching Transgender Singers” on a panel for the 2017 International Congress of Voice Teachers conference in Stockholm, Sweden and “Teaching Outside the Gender Binary: Working with Transgender or Non-Binary Singers “ at the 2018 National Association of Teachers of Singing conference in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Brian Kapp 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/Pianist at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary in Duluth, accompanist of the dementia-friendly community choir, The Victory Chorus, sings with the Twin Ports Choral Project, a co-founder of Borealis Chamber Artists, 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, and acts as the 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.

I currently live in Minneapolis, and am excited to get to sing with this group for the first time! By day I work as a Cheesemonger at France 44 Cheese & Meat here in Minneapolis, and at night I sing with a few groups around the cities, such as the Minnesota Chorale, VocalEssence, and iMPuLSe Chamber Choir. I enjoy reading, frisbee golf, and going to the parks around my house with my wife, Laura, and dog, Guy.

Caroline Kouma, soprano, is a versatile and passionate singing artist. She has previously sung with Sounding Light chamber choir in Michigan, Cantorei and Abendmusik Concert Choir in Nebraska, and the Internationales Vokalensemble Berlin in Germany. She has performed with ensembles at the Bowling Green and Toledo New Music Festivals and was featured at the soundSCAPE and Omaha Under the Radar festivals. Caroline is a founding member and vocalist for (N/A) ensemble, with whom she has had the pleasure to premiere numerous avant-garde and experimental works. As a soloist, she has presented such works as Bach’s Magnificat, Mealor’s Stabat Mater, and Poulenc’s Gloria.

Caroline is also active in Duluth opera and musical theatre with roles including Dew Fairy in Hansel and Gretel (LOON), Mabel in The Pirates of Penzance (Little LOON), and Meg in Little Women (Duluth Playhouse). Outside of Duluth, previous favorite roles include Fiordiligi in Cosí fan tutte, the title role in Semele, and Heidi in [title of show]. Caroline holds Bachelor and Master of Music degrees in Vocal Performance and is proud to have served in the United States Peace Corps in Azerbaijan. In her free time, she can be found exploring the beauty of the north shore.

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.

Jill Phillips, mezzo-soprano, is a voice teacher at Luther College in Decorah, IA. She received her Doctor of Musical Arts and her Master of Music degrees in Voice from the University of Cincinnati's College-Conservatory of Music. While at CCM, Jill sang the roles of Marcellina in Mozart’s Le nozze di Figaro, the Old Prioress in Poulenc’s Dialogues of the Carmelites, and Baba the Turk in Stravinsky’s The Rake’s Progress. She also participated in the Opera Fusion: New Works project with CCM and Cincinnati Opera.

In addition to her studies, she was an alto soloist with the Bach Ensemble of St. Thomas in Terrace Park, OH, and sang the alto solos in J.S. Bach's Mass in B minor at Cincinnati's Christ Church Cathedral. Jill has performed as the alto soloist in the Peoria Bach Festival and was the alto soloist in the Verdi Requiem with Bradley University in Peoria, IL.

She has sung with Opera Saratoga, Des Moines Metro Opera, Kentucky Opera, Dayton Opera, and Wolf Trap Opera. ​

Jill earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. While at Luther College, she performed in the opera scenes program and the spring opera productions.

Soprano Alice Pierce was a full-time soloist with Brandenburg State Theatre in Cottbus, Germany, often singing over 100 performances a year of opera, operetta, musical and concert. Some of the highlights of her career there include the roles of Olympia in the Tales of Hoffmann, Adele in Die Fledermaus, Maria in West Side Story, Blonde in Die Entführung aus dem Serail and Oscar in Un Ballo in Maschera. Since moving to Duluth, she has been seen in many Lyric Opera of the North productions including Violetta (4th Act) in La Traviata, and Madame Frou-Frou in Les Uncomfortables. DSSO appearances include soprano soloist in Carmina Burana, Mozart’s Mass in C minor, and A Night at the Opera.

She was a music professor at the University of North Carolina-Wilmington, North Carolina School of the Arts, Western Michigan University, and most recently retired from the University of Minnesota Duluth.

Operas she has staged at UMD include Die Fledermaus, Street Scene, Magic Flute, Dido and Aeneas, Suor Angelica, Le nozze di Figaro, Susannah, The Turn of the Screw, and HMS Pinafore.

Ms. Pierce is returning to her roots, performing with many professional community organizations, and loving every minute of it!

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.

John Rynders is very excited to be joining the Twin Ports Choral Project for their performances of A Servants Heart! Born and raised in the Twin Cities, choral music has always been a part of John’s life. John has a BA in Music from Luther College where they sang under the direction of Weston Noble in his final year as the conductor of the Nordic Choir. John was most recently a member of The Singers, Minnesota Choral Artists under the direction of Matthew Culloton from 2015-2023, where they performed variety of works, including Johnson’s Considering Matthew Shepard, Rachmaninoff’s Vespers, and Handel’s Messiah with The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra. John was also a founding member of the Manhattan Chorale in New York City from 2012-2015, where they performed in such venues as Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and Chicago’s Orchestra Hall. Before moving to New York, John performed in many theaters around the Twin Cities, including Park Square Theatre (Ragtime), Artistry - formerly Bloomington Civic Theatre (My Fair Lady, Oklahoma!), and The Guthrie (A Christmas Carol).

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.

Ben Wegner is an MM student in Choral Conducting at the University of Minnesota and studies with Dr. Matthew Mehaffey. Prior to his master's studies, Ben was the Director of Vocal Music at St. Edmond Catholic School in Fort Dodge, Iowa for from 2017-2022. He is currently the Music Director at St. Barnabas Lutheran Church in Plymouth. As a singer, he has been a member of the Oregon Bach Festival Chorus, The Singers - Minnesota Choral Artists, Bach Roots Festival (MN), the Bach Society of Minnesota, and the Des Moines Choral Society, Consortium Carissimi, and the Nordic Choir. He has been featured as a soloist with several of the mentioned group. Recently, he was the tenor soloist for the Golden Valley Orchestra's performance of "The Messiah." Ben received his B.A. in Music with a minor in education at Luther College. He is published with MorningStar Music and is an active member of the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA).

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.