Leadership
Leadership
Dr. J.J. Wright, Director
Dr. J.J. Wright recently completed his D.M.A. in Conducting from the University of Notre Dame’s Program in Sacred Music. During his final year in the program, his studies brought him to Rome, where he researched and wrote his dissertation on translating the early Baroque oratorio to jazz. In addition, he studied at the Pontifical Institute of Sacred Music and interned with the Sistine Chapel Choir. J.J. also released O Emmanuel, an album for Advent and Christmas, with the Notre Dame Children’s Choir, which debuted at #1 on the Billboard Classical Charts.
His latest album, Vespers for the Feast of the Transfiguration, is a participatory jazz vespers service that incorporates improvisation and popular music with congregational singing. The service was recorded and filmed live at Saint Peter’s Church, NYC as part of their Jazz Vespers Series. The accompanying documentary film has aired on CatholicTV and Salt & Light TV. When he’s not busy conducting or recording, he’s a husband and father to three beautiful children.
Directors Emeritus:
Steven C. Warner, Founder and Director Emeritus
Karen Schneider-Kirner, Assistant Director Emeritus
Student Leaders
Anna Staud, Co-President
Anna is a senior from South Bend, IN studying Economics and English with minors in Theology and Latino Studies. She currently lives off-campus but previously lived in Walsh Hall, and her favorite Folk Choir songs are Waddell's "Rosa Mystica" and Warner's "Come My Way, My Truth, My Light." Anna is so excited to serve the Folk Choir as Co-President this year! She hopes to continue to strengthen our social and faith community, connect with our alumni, and work together to workshop and perform our Passion Project. She is also looking forward to welcoming new members and carrying on our favorite traditions.
Grace Murphy, Co-President
Grace is a senior from Indianapolis, IN majoring in Science Pre-Professional Studies with minors in Theology and Gender Studies. She lives in Flaherty Hall and her favorite Folk Choir song is Paulus' "The Road Home." Grace is beyond honored and excited to serve as Co-President this year. She claims that "we truly dreamed big for this year, and I know that the entire choir is ready to see just what we can accomplish."
Erin Smith, Secretary
Erin is a senior from Ottawa, IL majoring in the Program of Liberal Studies. She lives in Johnson Family Hall, and her favorite Folk Choir song is Waddell's "Rosa Mystica." Erin is so excited to serve as Folk Choir Secretary for this upcoming year! She states that she "has found such a welcoming community in the Folk Choir over the past three years," and she hopes to be a welcoming presence for her fellow Folkheads.
Joe Gentine, Spiritual Commissioner
Joe is a senior from Sheboygan, WI studying Environmental Sciences and Economics. He lives in Knott Hall, and his favorite Folk Choir song is Warner's "Lead Kindly Light." Joe is excited to help the choir grow in its faith this upcoming year. He really wants to emphasize finding Christ's love in interactions we have with each other every day. He also claims that Folk Choir is among the most welcoming communities on campus, and "going to practice is like getting together with fifty of your closest friends."
Meg Beuter, Social Media Coordinator
Meg is a sophomore from Nashville, TN studying English and American Studies with a minor in Education, Schooling, & Society. Her home on campus is Howard Hall, and her favorite Folk Choir songs are Mukasa's "Mimina Neema" and Waddell's "Rosa Mystica." As Social Media Coordinator, Meg is looking forward to spreading the joy of the Folk Choir's work as far as possible and involving the whole choir while doing so. She hopes to use social media and communications to welcome everyone into the loving presence of Folk Choir, whether they are a friend or a stranger. She is also excited to continue working on the choir's Passion Project leading up to the Holy Land tour in May!
JP Kolnik, Social Commissioner
JP is a third-year law student from Washington Township, NJ. He currently lives off-campus, and his favorite Folk Choir song is Warner's "Lead Kindly Light." JP is excited to serve as the choir's Social Commissioner because he believes that a sense of community is "crucial to our group – we're a family, after all." He states that, especially as we emerge from a year altered by COVID-19, we need to work to build our community. When describing why he loves Folk Choir, he states that "our defining attribute is our joy."