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.
J.J. is currently the Director of the University of Notre Dame Folk Choir and has released three albums and traveled to East Africa and Israel with the choir. Most recently, J.J., Tristan Cooley, several professional collaborators and the Folk Choir created, premiered, recorded, released and toured The Passion, an originally-composed setting of the scriptural story. The album was recorded in the Holy Land and produced by Joe Henry. The Passion has been performed in churches and performing arts centers up and down the East Coast, most prominently at The Town Hall in NYC and The Strathmore Music Center in Bethesda, MD. When he's not conducting, composing, or recording, he's a husband and father to four beautiful children.
Directors Emeritus:
Steven C. Warner, Founder and Director Emeritus
Karen Schneider-Kirner, Assistant 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.