Leadership
Leadership
Valentina Varas Franzani, Interim Director
Valentina, or as most people call her, Vale, was born and raised in the countryside just outside Santiago, Chile, surrounded by the hills and mountains. She enjoys sports, being in the mountains, and long conversations over a good cup of coffee. Her mom taught her how to play guitar when she was little and she fell in love with music. Since middle school, she has played guitar and sung at school Masses, worship services, retreats, and events at her parish.
She discovered choral music in high school, and it quickly became a passion that led her to study music at the Pontifical University of Chile. Over the years, she has had the opportunity to sing with wonderful choirs, study conducting, and continue growing as both a musician and as a person.
She views coming to Notre Dame as an incredible gift, allowing her to combine her love for music, faith, and community. She recently completed her Master of Sacred Music in Choral Conducting, and is very grateful for the opportunity to join the Campus Ministry team. She looks forward to geting to know everyone and serving the Notre Dame community through music.
Directors Emeritus:
Steven C. Warner, Founder and Director Emeritus
Karen Schneider-Kirner, Assistant Director Emeritus
Dr. J.J. Wright, Director Emeritus
Student Leaders
Asher Martin, President
Asher, a senior from Phoenix, AZ, is majoring in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. A former resident of Stanford Hall, Asher will be living off campus for this school year. His favorite Folk Choir song is “Lead, Kindly Light." As President, Asher is so excited for the spontaneous events and social gatherings of FC. He knows Folk Choir is the best community on campus and loves when everyone is all together! Asher's favorite memory in the choir was hosting twelve choir members in his house on the Arizona and California tour!
Grace Hovanec, Social Commissioner
Grace is a junior from Indianapolis, IN, studying Elementary Education with a minor in Minor Intervention at St. Mary's. She calls Le Mans Hall her campus home. A member of the alto section, her favorite Folk Choir song is "Rex.” She is looking forward to Holy Week with the choir the most this years. Grace's favorite choir memory is playing Fish on the beach over tour!
Lucy Noem, Spiritual Commissioner
Lucy is a sophomore from South Bend, IN, studying Visual Communications Design with Minors in Theology and Studio Art. She lives in Cavanaugh Hall while on campus, and is super excited to meet this year's Folk Choir newbies! A soprano in the choir, her favorite Folk Choir songs are "Angel Band" and "O God You Search Me." Lucy's favorite choir memory is having adoration with impromptu music at the choir's retreat last January!
Emily Hackwelder, Secretary
Emily is a sophomore Economics and Education, Schooling, and Society double major hailing from the city of Carmel, IN. On campus, Emily lives in Lewis Hall. A soprano, her favorite Folk Choir songs are “Angel Band” and “Crown of Thorns.” This year, Emily is excited to sing an celebrate with the choir one of its most fundamental events: the Easter Triduum! Her favorite FC memory is snow tubing at the Folk Choir retreat this past January!
Cameron Jones, Business Manager
Cameron is a senior from Hamburg, NY, double-majoring in Economics and Mathematics. He lives in Dunne Halland is proud to serve as the Business Manager of the Folk Choir. A bass, Cameron’s favorite FC song is “Hear My Prayer." His favorite choir memory is all of the activities that have occured doing Easter week through the years!
Claire Capdevielle, Tour Coordianator
Claire is a senior from South Bend, IN, majoring in Film, Television, and Theatre with minors in Theatre and Litugical Music Ministry. A former resident of Walsh Hall, Claire is living off-campus for her senoir year. A member of the soprano section, her favorite FC songs include "Jesu, Lover of My Soul," and "Lead, Kindly Light." This year, Claire is excited to continue with all of the choir's great traditions, and also see where the choir goes as it transitions to something new! Her favorite memory in the choir is the night of spontaneous song at the Folk Choir retreat that started out beautifully contemplative and then moved into being joyfully hilarious!
Anna Henehan, Social Media and Communication Commissioner
Anna is a sophomore from Normal, IL, studying Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. She is a proud Pasquerilla East Hall Pyro. A soprano in the choir, Anna's favorite Folk Choir songs are "Crown of Thorns," "How Can I Keep From Singing," and "Footwashing." This year, Anna is excited to welcome a multitude of newbies into the most wholesome environment on campus! Her favorite memory is everytime the choir has a spontaneous sing-along, especially the night of the retreat last January.