
LSYC STAFF
Jenna Kelly
Executive Director
Mrs. Kelly holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Musical Theatre and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music from the University of Minnesota Duluth, and she is completing a Master’s in the Science of Teaching from the College of St. Scholastica.
Bret Amundson, DMA
Artistic Director, Cantemus
Dr. Bret Amundson is the Dean of the School of Arts and Letters at The College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, MN where he also directs Bella Voce, a select treble ensemble. In addition to his work at CSS, Bret is the Artistic Director of the Lake Superior Youth Chorus and the Artistic Director of the Twin Ports Choral Project.
Jennifer Robbins
Associate Artistic Director, Camerata
Mrs. Robbins’ performance experience has fueled her lifelong passion for working with singers of all ages. Choirs under her direction received superior ratings at numerous contests and festivals, and her school music groups perform regularly for annual civic events.
Grace Young
Director, Concert Choir
Ms. Young holds degrees in Vocal Music Education and Psychology from The College of St. Scholastica. She is excited to direct the Concert Choir this season.
Regan Hjelle
Director, Choristers
Mrs. Hjelle graduated from the University of Minnesota Duluth in 2015 with a Bachelors in Music Education. She has worked in the Duluth Public Schools as an elementary music specialist for the past 6 years.
Elise Hintzman
Rehearsal Manager
Ms. Hintzman is a senior English Education major at the College of St. Scholastica where she also enjoys singing in the Bella Voce treble ensemble.
Rylee Newton
Outreach Program Coordinator, Cadenza
Ms. Newton graduated with a degree in Vocal Music Education in 2021 from The College of St. Scholastica and is the Junior Academy choir teacher at DECS North Star Academy in Duluth, Minnesota.
Kyle Picha
Accompanist, Concert Choir & Cadenza
Mr. Picha is the Resident Music Director for the Duluth Playhouse where he Music Directs four major musicals a year. He has worked extensively throughout Minnesota as a Music Director.
Emily Valine
Accompanist, Cantemus & Camerata
Ms. Valine is the Staff Accompanist and Fine Arts Department Administrative Assistant at The College of St. Scholastica. She also accompanies the Twin Ports Choral Project and the Lake Superior Youth Chorus.
Samantha Barnett
Accompanist, Choristers
Ms. Barnett joins the LSYC staff this season to accompany the Choristers.
Sarah Sypnieski
Intern
Ms. Sypnieski is a first-year student at the College of St. Scholastica where she studies Vocal Music Education. This is her first year as an intern with Lake Superior Youth Chorus.
Rhonda Card
Intern
Ms. Card is currently pursuing a degree in Vocal Music Education at the University of Minnesota-Duluth. She is so excited to be back for her second year as an LSYC intern.
Claire Scharfenberg
Intern
Ms. Claire Scharfenberg is a senior Vocal Music Education major at the University of Minnesota-Duluth. She is very excited to be a first-year intern with LSYC.
Sophie Olson
Intern
Ms. Olson is a sophomore Vocal Music Education major at the College of St. Scholastica where she sings with the advanced treble ensemble, Bella Voce.
Carolyn Mikel
Intern
Ms. Mikel is in her second year at the College of St. Scholastica where she is pursuing a degree in Vocal and Instrumental Music Education with a minor in German.