André Heywood
Artistic Director

André Heywood is now in his fifth season 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 two choirs and serves as a faculty resident. He is also Director of Liturgical Music at Saint John's Preparatory School and conductor of the Saint John’s Abbey Schola. A specialist in working with young male voices, André currently serves as the Boychoir Repertoire & Standards Chair for the ACDA North Central Division.

Melissa Walrath
Executive Director

Melissa Walrath, a central Minnesota native, will be entering her first season with The St. John's Boys' Choir. Melissa grew up in Sartell, MN and attended St. Cloud State University earning a Bachelor or Arts degree in Geography and Travel and Tourism. In her role as Executive Director, Melissa acts as primary administrator of the Choir and is responsible for its day-to-day operations. Melissa also coordinates staff and volunteers, plans events and tours, serves as a liaison with parents and the community, and performs fundraising activities.

Brandon Nordhues
Associate Artistic Director

Brandon Nordhues is excited to be working with the Junior Varsity and Training Choirs for his third 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.

Jenya Trubnikava
Accompanist

Jenya Trubnikava was born in Grodno, Belarus and has served as the choir’s accompanist since 2008. 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.

William White
JV Accompanist

Coming soon.

Jennifer Butkowski
Wardrobe Professional

Jennifer Butkowski is now in her third 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, including former choirboy Matt.

Nicholas Hollermann
Student Assistant

Nicholas is a sophomore at Saint John's University, planning to major in Music Education. A graduate of Cathedral High School in St. Cloud, he is also a former Saint John's choirboy and has sung with the alumni chorus for several years. Now as an employee, Nick teaches Level 3 Theory and helps with sectionals and several office duties.

Jason Kaiser
Student Assistant

Jason is a senior 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 in the Comprehensive Musicianship Program, leads sectionals, stage manages the choir’s productions, 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 assisting the Executive Director in event planning and database management among other tasks. She is also a graduate of Cathedral High School in St. Cloud.

Kori Kruger
Student Assistant

Coming soon.

Patrick Moe
Student Assistant

A native of Alexandria, MN, Patrick Moe is a junior and Art major at SJU. A voice student of Dr. Axel Theimer's, Patrick teaches voice lessons to members of the Concert Choir as well as assists with sectionals and the Comprehensive Musicianship Program.

Abby Peterson
Student Assistant

A junior and Music Education major at CSB, Abby teaches Level 2 Theory and assists with sectionals and some office work. She originally hails from Elk River, MN and studies voice with Dr. Patricia Kent.