André Heywood
Artistic Director

André Heywood is now in his fourth year as Artistic Director of The St. John’s Boys’ Choir. Born in Trinidad, André grew up and studied in Canada earning undergraduate degrees in both Biochemistry and Music Education. He then earned a Master of Music degree in Choral Conducting from the University of Western Ontario. During his time at UWO he was the recipient of numerous awards for vocal performance, conducting and teaching, and was honored on the national stage for his writing and research.

André first visited Saint John’s as a member of the Amabile Boys’ Choir, a group for which he later became the assistant conductor. Now an active member of the Saint John’s community, André is an adjunct instructor at Saint John’s University where he directs the All-College Choir and serves as a faculty resident, and is Director of Liturgical Music at Saint John’s Preparatory School. A specialist in working with young male voices, André currently serves as the Boychoir Repertoire & Standards Chair for the ACDA North Central Division.

Joann Weber
Executive Director

Joann Weber has served as the primary administrator of The St. John’s Boys’ Choir for 22 years. She facilitates program development and is responsible for day-to-day operations. In addition, Joann spearheads fundraising and development, coordinates staff and volunteers, conducts special events and tours, and serves as liaison with parents. Representing the choir on numerous boards, Joann has fostered an active community relations program that has resulted in significant public awareness of the choir and its activities.

Brandon Nordhues
Associate Artistic Director

Brandon Nordhues is excited to be working with the Junior Varsity and Training Choirs for his second year. Brandon graduated from Saint John’s University in 2009 with a degree in Vocal Education and Vocal Performance where he studied voice and conducting with Axel Theimer. After graduation he spent time working in Foley as the music director of Saint John’s Parish. He has since relocated to St. Cloud and works as a choir director at Celebration Lutheran Church in Sartell, music director and accompanist for GREAT Theatre shows, and as an accompanist/substitute teacher for St. Cloud area schools.

Br. Nick Kleespie, OSB
Associate Executive Director

Br. Nick Kleespie is entering his fourth year with The St. John’s Boys’ Choir, and his first in the role of Associate Executive Director. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Choral Music Education from Saint John’s University. In his new role with the choir, Br. Nick is involved with tour and event planning, grant-writing, and in assisting the boys to meet the highest standards in all aspects of their lives. Br. Nick is a member of the Saint John’s monastic community where he is active in gardening, beekeeping, and liturgical and music ministry.

Jenya Trubnikava
Accompanist

Jenya Trubnikava was born in Grodno, Belarus and has served as the choir’s accompanist for three years. She holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in Piano Performance from the Academy of Music in Minsk, Belarus, with additional post-graduate study with Professor Martin Christ at the University of Arts in Zurich, Switzerland. In addition to her work with the St. John’s Boys’ Choir, Minnesota Center Chorale and St. Cloud State University, Jenya is the principal pianist with the St. Cloud Symphony Orchestra. She is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in Collaborative Piano and Coaching at the University of Minnesota.

Jennifer Butkowski
Wardrobe Professional

Jennifer Butkowski is beginning her second year as the choir’s Wardrobe Professional. With more than thirty years experience as a seamstress, she is responsible for the fittings, maintenance, and alterations of the choir's wardrobe. When Jennifer is not caring for the boys’ appearance, she works part-time as the purchasing assistant for Stearns County. Jennifer resides in St. Cloud with her husband Joel and three children.

Charlie Davisson
Recorder Director

Charlie Davission from Cold Spring, MN is a senior at SJU, majoring in Environmental Studies and taking a minor in Piano Performance. Charlie heads up SJBC's Recorder Program, coordinating recorder teachers for boys in the JV and Training Choirs, and directing both the Junior and Senior Recorder Ensembles. Charlie himself is an alumnus of SJBC and was a star player in the Recorder Ensemble back then!

Sam Fujii
Student Accompanist

A native of Hayward, California, Sam first visited Saint John's as a member of the Golden Gate Boys' Choir. Now in his senior year at SJU, studying vocal performance and music education, Sam accompanies the Training and Junior Varsity Choirs while also teaching recorder.

Nicholas Hollermann
Student Assistant

Nicholas is a freshman at Saint John's University, planning to major in Music Education. He is a former Saint John's choirboy and has sung with the alumni chorus for several years. He is happy to return to Saint John's and to work for the Boys' Choir.

Jason Kaiser
Student Assistant

Jason is a junior and English education major at SJU. A graduate of Cathedral High School in St. Cloud, Jason brings a comprehensive musical background to his work with SJBC. He teaches beginning Theory, recorder, leads sectionals and works on various tasks in the office as well.

Angi Klaverkamp
Student Assistant

Angi is a senior and Communications major at the College of Saint Benedict. For SJBC she maintains a busy office schedule assistant the Executive Director in event planning and database management among other tasks. She is also a graduate of Cathedral High School in St. Cloud.

Eric Loehr
Student Assistant

Now a senior at SJU, Eric Loehr was once a Saint John's choirboy himself. Eric is majoring in Music and studying voice with Dr. Axel Theimer. He works as an assistant to the artistic directors, leading sectionals and voice lessons. He was a founding member of the Youth Chorale of Central Minnesota and is a graduate of Cathedral High School.