Our Team
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
David Peterson – President
Margaret Grimwood – Vice President
Jani Gode – Treasurer
John Elliott – Secretary
Megan McNally – Member-At-Large
Kristin McDonald – Member-At-Large
Renee Barnes – Member-At-Large
The Bloomington Chorale Board of Directors consists of 7 elected positions. The Board of directors oversees Chorale operations and governs the Bloomington Chorale. The board members serve two year terms with core responsibilities of hiring and managing chorale staff, planning and running sessions, fundraising, advertising, and recruiting new members. The board also acts as the ambassadors between the Chorale and the Bloomington Fine Arts Council, the Bloomington Center for the Arts, and the City of Bloomington. If you are interested in joining the board, please contact us at Info@BloomingtonChorale.org.
Dr. Camilla Horne – Artistic Director
Dr. Horne received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Vocal and Instrumental Music Education (majoring in voice, piano, and flute) from Augustana University in Sioux Falls, SD; a Masters of Musical Arts Degree in Conducting from the Conservatory of Music at the University of Missouri-Kansas City; and a Ph.D. in Music/Music Education from the University of Minnesota. She has been a professional music educator/conductor/performer for 30+ years.
At the University of Minnesota, Dr. Horne worked with Dr. Ron McCurdy and coordinated the Dakota Jazz Educational experience; a collaborative effort with area junior and senior high jazz ensembles and the Dakota Jazz Club in Minneapolis, MN. Twice a month, an area junior or senior high school jazz ensemble/band would be invited to perform at the Dakota Jazz Club.
Under the supervision of Dr. Hilary Hamilton and Dr. Akosua Addo, Dr. Horne coordinated the University of Minnesota Elementary Music Education students in developing several Pennock Music Listening projects, introducing K-6 elementary students to the beauty of orchestral music.
Dr. Horne has conducted numerous collegiate, community, and semi-professional instrumental and vocal ensembles around the country. She served as the assistant conductor of the University Singers at the Conservatory of Music at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, the assistant conductor of the University of Minnesota’s Gospel Choir under the direction of the late Mr. Sam Davis, the Interim Artistic Director of the One Voice Mixed Chorus in the Twin Cities, the Artistic Director of the Plymouth Rockers in Plymouth, MN, the Minnesota Chapter Representative for the Gospel Music Workshop of America – Twin Cities Chapter, the founding Artistic Director of the Selma Children’s Choir in Selma, AL, Chair of the Music Department at Judson College in Marion, AL, Assistant Professor and Director of Choral Activities at Lincoln University, the first degree-granting Historical Black College/University in the country and is a tenured member of the distinguished faculty of the James Cleveland National Gospel Music Workshop of America, teaching courses in vocal health for the gospel singer, vocal techniques for the aging gospel singer, and facilitates the vocal lab. Dr. Horne has also served as director of music, organist, and choir director in 15 churches throughout the country.
Currently, Dr. Horne is thrilled to be back in Minnesota, close to family, relatives and friends.
Elena Dant – Collaborative Pianist
Elena received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music (majoring in piano performance) from Luther College in Decorah, IA. She began working as a pianist in high school in her hometown of Owatonna, MN, playing for musicals, vocal and instrumental students, and church services. At Luther, Elena studied solo piano under Dr. John Strauss and served as the collaborative pianist for Collegiate Chorale and Aurora under the direction of Dr. Adrianna Tam and Dr. Emily Ellsworth. She also collaborated with many vocal and instrumental studios in recitals and workshops. Elena worked with the Luther College Theatre department under the direction of Lynne Rothrock in musical theater productions and cabaret shows.
Elena moved to the Twin Cities after graduation and began working with community ensembles, school districts, private instrumental studios, and churches in the greater metro area.
Aside from music, Elena works as a financial planning associate in Minnetonka and is studying for her CFP. She enjoys exploring state parks and trails with her dog, DIY projects, and listening to podcasts.
MANY THANKS to our previous Accompanist, ELISE BOMBARO, who was with the Bloomington Chorale for six years! She brought her passion for both piano and violin to our choral group and we wish her well on her new opportunities in Rochester, MN!