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
Meg Beuter, President
Meg is a senior 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 "Mimina Neema" and "Rosa Mystica." As President, Meg is looking forward to welcoming new members into the choir and getting back into the creative process with some new music forthcoming! Her favorite Folk Choir traditions are affirmations, funishments, and all of our Easter celebrations!
Claire Rademacher, Social Commissioner
Claire is a senior from Wilmette, IL with a major in History and minors in Digital Marketing, Entrepreneurship, and Musical Theatre. When on campus, Claire lived in Pasquerilla East Hall. Claire is beyond honored and excited to serve as Social Commissioner this year. Her favorite Folk Choir song is "The Road Home." She is most excited for Easter weekend and her favorite Folk Choir tradition is Folk Formal / SYR!
Caroline Knight, Spiritual Commissioner
Caroline is a senior from Peachtree Corners, GA majoring in Biologicaly Sciences and French. She lives in Howard Hall, and her favorite Folk Choir songs are "Rosa Mystica," "Out of Darkness," and "Restless is the Heart." Caroline is so excited to serve as Folk Choir Spiritual Commissioner for this upcoming year! She is most excited to sing in the loft with everyone and Easter weekend. Caroline's favorite Folk Choir traditions are Thursday night prayer and everything Easter!
Thomas Mazzurana, Tour Coordinator
Thomas, otherwise known as "Mazz," is a sophomore from Austin, TX majoring in Business Analytics and minoring in Liturgical Music Ministry. He lives in Keenan Hall, and his favorite Folk Choir song is "Jesu, Lover of My Soul." Thomas is excited to serve as this year's Tour Coordinator. He is most excited for FC intramural sports and his favorite Folk Choir traditions is singing "Day is Done" after Thursday rehearsal!
Anna Keverline, Secretary
Anna is a sophomore from Pittsburgh, PA studying Biology and English. Her home on campus is Welsh Family Hall, and her favorite Folk Choir songs are "Rex" and "Unclouded Day!" Anna is estatic to serve as Folk Choir's secretary and looks forward to keeping Folk Choir organized and scheduled. Anna is most excited to welcome the newbies and work on the Resurrection Project. Anna's favorite Folk Choir traditions are Folk Choir Beach days and Project X!
Grace Rademacher, Social Media and Communications Coordinator
Grace is a Sophomore from Wilmette, IL, with a major in Computer Science and a minor in Chinese. She currently lives in Zahm Hall (Breen-Phillips Community), and her favorite Folk Choir songs are "Jesu, Lover of My Soul" and "Hail, Holy Queen." Grace is excited to serve as the choir's Social Media and Communications Coordinator. She is especially excited for FC intermural sports and to sing with her friends again. Grace's favorite Folk Choir traditions are Coffeehouse and Easter weekend.