Father Anthony Ruff, OSB, is founder of the choir and the choir's chaplain. 

He is a monk of Saint John's Abbey since 1988. He recently completed his doctorate in Austria in liturgy and music, and he is in his second year as a faculty member of Saint John's University. He teaches theology, liturgy, and liturgical music (especially Gregorian chant). He has published many articles on liturgical music and is a frequent presenter at workshops and conferences across the country.

Dr. Axel Theimer is the choir's conductor. He is director of choral activities at

Saint John's University and the College of Saint Benedict. He is a nationally recognized specialist in choral conducting, as shown in his active leadership in the VoiceCare Network and the American Choral Director's Association and his extensive experience as choral clinician for singers of all ages from childhood to adult. Dr. Theimer comes from Vienna, Austria, where he was a member of the Vienna Boys Choir, and he has taught at St. John's for three decades.

Dr. Theimer if the founder Kantorei, a Twin Cities-based chamber choir.   Their mission is to present high-quality performances of 19th and 20th century choral masterpieces to audiences in the Twin Cities and beyond.

 

Our web address is www.kantorei.net

Michelle Plombon is associate director of the choir. She has two degrees in

liturgical music, an undergraduate degree from the College of Saint Benedict and a master's degree from Saint John's University. She has extensive experience in parish and campus ministry work and is on the staff of St. John's School of Theology.She is a frequent organist at St. Mary's Basilica and other churches in the Twin Cities.

Counselors

The following young people are chaperones in the dormitories, and are on the  teaching staff for the music and liturgy courses. They will supervise and accompany the choristers during the entire camp.

Jeanne Kohr, head counselor,

M.A. student in theology, St. John's School of Theology, from Texas, has studied liturgical music at the graduate level.

M.A. student in liturgical music, St. John's School of Theology, from Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

English literature and Theater major, University of Dallas, from Bethesda, Maryland.

Music Education graduate of St. John's University ('01),  from Montevideo, Minnesota.

Theology major, junior, St. John's University, from Hartington, Nebreska

Additional Music Staff

Diana Kodner

Diana Kodner is widely known as a resource person for church musicians, especially cantors.  She is the author of A Handbook for Cantors (G.I.A. Publications, 1997).  She is on campus as a presenter for the Choral Conducting Symposium offered in conjunction with the NCYC.  She will be presenting a session on cantoring to the NCYC, and will also serve as vocal coach for NCYC choristers who cantor in our liturgies.

Additional Religion Class Presenters

Mr. and Mrs. Jim and Maureen Otremba

Jim and Maureen are a young couple with two children.   They are both graduates of Saint John's School of Theology / Seminary - Jim with an M.Div. and Maureen with an M.A. in Scripture.  They will be presenting religion classes on "Christian Dating and the Vocation to Marriage" and on "Vocational Discernment" along with clergy and religious.

Fr. Greg Mastey

Fr. Mastey is a diocesan priest and a pastor in the St. Cloud diocese.  He is a graduate of Saint John's School of Theology / Seminary, and he was ordained to the Priesthood in 1995.  Fr. Mastey will be presenting a religion class on vocational discernment (along with Mr. Otremba).

Mr. Mark Best

Mark is a 1986 graduate of Saint John's University with a B.S. in theology and in business.  He works as a financial consultant, and is also active at Holy Name parish in Medina (where the NCYC is singing on June 23rd).  He will be presenting a religion class on "Death by Crucifixion."

Br. Novice Matthew Luft, O.S.B.

Br. Matthew joined Saint John's Abbey as a novice this past September.   He is a 1995 graduation of Saint John's University with a B.A. in theology.   He will be presenting a religion class on "Prayer and Worship in a Benedictine Monastery."

Sister Patricia Ruether, O.S.B.

Sr. Pat has been a sister of St. Benedict's Monastery in St. Joseph for 36 years.  She has worked in education and health care, and now works in development and communications for her community.  She will be presenting a religion class on vocational discernment (along with Mrs. Otremba).

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© 2001 National Catholic Youth Choir

Saint John's Abbey and University,

Collegeville, Minnesota 56321

For information contact the choir founder and chaplain,

Fr.Anthony Ruff, O.S.B.

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This website was created and is maintained by Peter Habenczius

URL: http://www.catholicyouthchoir.org/2001/staff01.html

Last update: May 8, 2001