Our Staff

Bella Voce/Bella Cantare
Angie Johnson received a Bachelor of Arts Degree with honors in music education from Northern Illinois University in 1991 where she studied piano with Donald Walker. Upon graduating, she taught choral/general music for Circle Center Middle School (Yorkville, IL) and Gregory Middle School (Naperville, IL) for 7 years. Conducting choral programs of up to 350 singers in curricular and honors choirs, her choirs were given superior ratings each year. Upon several occasions, she was named a “Most Influential Educator” by the Indian Prairie Educational Foundation. Mrs. Johnson is an active clinician, adjudicator, accompanist and festival conductor who is passionate about sharing her love for young people and teaching, she has led panel discussions, workshops and teacher institutes for both future and current teachers specializing in creative rehearsal techniques for young voices regionally, nationally & internationally. Now in her 24th season as a director and 14th season as the Artistic Director of Young Naperville Singers, she oversees the music education, artistic programming, and visionary leadership of the growing organization. Under her tenure, Young Naperville Singers has grown to over 425 singers (7 – 18 years of age) in ten choirs and can boast national and international recognition.

Primo
Andrea Burck has over 33 years of experience as a musician and educator. Her experiences include early childhood, elementary and middle school music education, church music director, private piano instructor, and accompanist. She spent six summers on the summer camp staff at Interlochen Arts Camp and served as accompanist, elementary camp instructor, and piano instructor at the Sitka Fine Arts Camp in Alaska for seven summer seasons. Mrs. Burck holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from the Eastman School of Music of the University of Rochester in New York and she has continued her education with Kodaly and Orff coursework. Mrs. Burck recently retired from teaching music in Indian Prairie School District #204 and is enjoying teaching Primo, working in the garden and walking her new pup Daffodil.

Dolce/Ragazzi
Ryan Henry graduated Summa Cum Laude from Millikin University with a degree in Vocal Music Education and earned his Master in Music Education degree from Vandercook College of Music. Currently, he is in the general music teacher and chorus director at Fry and Clow Elementary schools. He also coordinates and teaches the Young Composers Club program where fifth-grade composers write music for local musicians. Mr. Henry has presented at the National NAfME Convention and has been invited as a guest clinician at district music festivals. Outside of the classroom, Mr. Henry enjoys spending time with his wife and seven children. He is passionate about writing music, as he has recorded a contemporary worship album and also has composed several pieces for his students. Mr. Henry loves being with people! He and his family are actively involved with their neighorhood and church family. He frequently leads worship for various community gatherings and loves bringing up his children in a musical home.

Brio
Joseph Mitchell is a music educator in Naperville 203 at River Woods Elementary, leading the general music program and the school’s choir, the Redbird Singers. He holds an undergraduate degree in Music Education from North Central College and a Masters of Music Education from Vandercook College of Music. He is a proud husband and father of two boys, who are growing as singers everday.

Canto Vivo
J. Ryan Rimington is a National Board Certified Teacher at Neuqua Valley High School where he conducts curricular choirs, teaches Advanced Placement Music Theory, directs vocal jazz ensemble, facilitates the music technology computer lab, and serves as co-Auditorium Manager. Mr. Rimington is also a published composer and arranger of many choral works, and frequently receives commissions and guest conducting engagements with midwestern choral and vocal jazz ensembles and organizational festivals. Mr. Rimington earned his Bachelor of Music Education and multiple Master degrees in education from the University of Illinois and has also engaged in Doctoral studies. Mr. Rimington has been connected to the Young Naperville Singers program for over twenty years as an adjunct teacher, parent, director of Canto Vivo Singers, facility host, and adamant supporter!

Aria
Erica Barnett received her Bachelor of Music Education from Wheaton College in 1996, with oboe as her primary instrument. She is an Orff specialist completing her Levels at UNLV and the Orff Master Teaching Certificate at the University of Memphis. She began her teaching career in general music in Glendale Heights and later started a private piano studio out of her home, joining the Naperville AIM Chapter. In 2017 she accepted the position of General Music Teacher at Nicholson Elementary School in Aurora where she is currently, and is also the Director of their Choir and Drum Club. Mrs. Barnett is a creative who loves working with children and encouraging them on their musical journey!

Bella Voce/Brillante/Canto Vivo
Janet Blomquist graduated from the University of North Texas with a Bachelor of Music Performance degree in oboe and piano, and from Northwestern University with a Master of Music Performance degree in oboe. Mrs. Blomquist is the accompanist for Plainfield South High School, Naperville Central High School, Still Middle School, and Lincoln Junior High. She is in her fourteenth year with YNS and is currently the organist at St. John Lutheran Church in Joliet.

Dolce/Primo
Kimberly Obert graduated from Valparaiso University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in music. She has been teaching private lessons in both piano and voice for over 30 years. Mrs. Obert currently teaches lessons at PM Music, Fox River Academy, and is the Music Director at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Yorkville. She has also been a piano accompanist for school District 204 and 308.

Brio
Rachel Seidel holds a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance from Illinois Wesleyan University and is in her fifth year at YNS. She previously served as Staff Accompanist for the Illinois Wesleyan School of Music and Adjunct Faculty for the Piano Preparatory Department, working with kindergarten through college-age students. Former roles also include Education and Operations Manager at the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra, Orchestra Manager at the Aspen Music Festival in Colorado, Collaborative Pianist for District 99, private lesson instructor, and accompanist for area schools. Outside of her passion for music, Rachel is a UX Designer for Penske Transporation Solutions.

Christine Dyslin has had a long career as a music teacher, working with children from toddlers through high school. She holds a Master of Music Education degree from DePaul University, and a Master of Arts in History from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Since joining the administrative team for YNS, Chris has found great joy in serving the families and staff of this amazing organization!

Melissa Fosco comes to Young Naperville Singers after being a parent in the organization for many years. Melissa graduated from the University of Iowa with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education. After teaching for several years, she stayed at home with her daughters. She has spent many years serving the Home & School organization at several schools as well as on the General Home & School Executive Board in Naperville District 203.