Spirito! Advisory Council
(Click on name for complete bio)
Rev. Dr. Norma Lee K. Barnhart
Pastor, First United Methodist Church
Dr. Jennie Brown
Professor of Music, Wheaton College Conservatory
Mr. Paul French
Music Director, William Ferris Chorale
Music Director, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Chicago
Rev. Barbara W. Gorsky, MDiv
Chaplain, Alexian Brothers Rehabilitation Hospital
Ms. Kathleen Gusloff
Youth Minister, Mary Queen of Heaven Church
Ms. Tara Cappelletti Jordan
Leyden High Schools, Music Department Faculty
Ms. Heather Knight
Youth Music Director, Redeemer Lutheran Church
Music Faculty, Elmhurst School District 205
Ms. Angela Presutti Korbitz
Associate Professor of Voice, VanderCook College of Music
Professional Soloist and Recording Artist
Ms. Julie Krakora
Youth Minister, Immaculate Conception Church
Ms. Rebecca Marianetti
Choral Director, York High School
Musical Theatre Director, York High School
Ms. Barbara A. Masters
Music Director, Visitation Church
Mr. Joel Miller
Music Faculty, Elmhurst School District 205
Mr. Jeffrey Panko
Minister of Music, Bethel United Church of Christ
Mr. Michael Pavlik
Director of Bands, York High School
Music Director, Elmhurst Presbyterian Church
Fr. John W. Tapper
Pastor Emeritus, Saint Ansgar Parish
Ms. Karen Wolcott
Choral Director, Willowbrook High School
Rev. Dr. Norma Lee Kerns Barnhart
Pastor, First United Methodist Church
Rev. Dr. Norma Lee Kerns Barnhart serves as Pastor at First United Methodist Church in Elmhurst. She comes to Spirito! with both a music background as well as a background in theology. Rev. Barnhart holds a BA in Music Education from Marshall University in WV, a Master of Music degree from Georgia State in Atlanta, a Masters of Divinity and a Masters of Theological Studies in Worship from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, and a Doctor of Ministry from Wesley Seminary in Washington, D.C. in Arts and Theology. While in Atlanta, Rev. Barnhart sang with the Atlanta Symphony Chorus under Robert Shaw, and studied conducting with Elmer Thomas, as well as with Margaret Hillis. She has taught music in the public schools in both elementary and high school. She also taught humanities at the College of Charleston while in Georgia, and served as Minister of Music with the Chicago Temple First United Methodist Church for thirteen years. Dr. Barnhart and husband, Bill, reared two children while living in downtown Chicago. She has interests in the arts, quilting, travel, gardening, and is currently taking flying lessons. (Back to Top)
Dr. Jennie Brown
Professor of Music, Wheaton College Conservatory
Jennie Brown is an active performer and teacher. As a chamber musician, Dr. Brown is a founding
member of the Chicago New Arts Trio. Concerts this year included the closing recital for the
“Women in Music Festival at the Eastman School of Music and as visiting artists at Indiana State
University, the University of Illinois, University of Texas – San Antonio, and Trinity College. The
ensemble has also worked in collaboration with the Composers’ Alliance of San Antonio to
premiere compositions written for the group.
As a founding member of the Lunaire Chamber Ensemble, coming projects include recording the
music of select women composers, as well as numerous recitals throughout the Chicago area. Dr.
Brown’s affiliation with The Timaeus Chamber Ensemble dates back to 1996 at the Eastman
School of Music, where the ensemble was created out of a love for contemporary music. The group
continues to concertize and has performed throughout the U.S. and Canada.
Dr. Brown was a featured performer in the “Gen X Showcase” at the 2005 National Flute
Association Convention in San Diego. She was also a featured performer on the recording “The
Music of Gardner Read,” distributed by Albany Records. She was a fellow at the Norfolk Chamber
Music Festival, the Aspen Music Festival, and the Music Academy of the West. She has also
enjoyed performing with local orchestras and ensembles as a professional freelance musician as
well.
Dr. Brown received her Doctorate of Musical Arts, Performer’s Certificate, and Master’s Degrees
from the Eastman School of Music, where she studied with soloist Bonita Boyd. She received her
Bachelor of Music Degree from Northwestern University where she studied with Chicago
Symphony members Walfrid Kujala and Richard Graef. She began her formal training at the
Interlochen Arts Academy, where she graduated from high school.
Dr. Brown is a lifetime member and former chair, president, and vice president of the Chicago
Flute Club, a member of the National Flute Association, and a member of both the Musicians’
Club of Women and the American Federation of Musicians. (Back to Top)
Paul French
Music Director, William Ferris Chorale
Music Director, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Chicago
Paul French is the Music Director of the William Ferris Chorale, a 24-voice professional choir in Chicago, now celebrating its 37th season of commitment to the choral music of the 20th and 21st centuries. In addition, he is the Music Director at Chicago’s Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, and has worked with adult and children’s voices in parishes throughout the Archdiocese of Chicago for nearly two decades. Paul has studied composition, chant, conducting and organ at St. John’s University (Collegeville, MN), Northwestern University and the Pontificio Istituto di Musica Sacra in Rome. A composer of more than 200 instrumental and choral works in a variety of media including pieces for adults and children’s choirs, voice, organ, brass and orchestra, Paul French is a member of the music advisory staff of the Archdiocese of Chicago, and is a faculty leader of the National Association of Pastoral Musicians Choir Director Institutes. Paul is also a member of the Board of Directors of the American Federation Pueri Cantores, an international organization devoted to promoting children’s choirs in the Roman Catholic Church, is the Director of Choral Recordings for World Library Publications. (Back to Top)
Rev. Barbara W. Gorsky, MDiv
Chaplain, Alexian Brothers Rehabilitation Hospital
Barbara currently serves as a chaplain at Alexian Rehabilitation Hospital in Elk Grove Village. She was ordained in 2006 in the Presbyterian Church U.S.A. after receiving her Masters of Divinity from McCormick Theological Seminary. Prior to seminary she has seventeen years of work experience in the field of public health as a health educator. A Masters of Public Health from Illinois Benedictine University prepared her to work at HPN Worldwide, a company that exposed her to various work responsibilities that included teaching and developing health related programs as well as instructor training, group facilitation and program evaluation. Before this she practiced physical therapy with clinical, staff and managerial responsibilites. Barbara has lived in Elmhurst now for twenty six years along with her husband and three children. Her hobbies include quilting, gardening and reading! (Back to Top)
Kathleen Gusloff
Youth Minister, Mary Queen of Heaven Church
Kathleen Gusloff received her Masters degree in Human Development from the University of Kansas in 1986. She has worked extensively in the field of consulting, counseling and training. For the past 17 years, she has served as youth minister for Mary Queen of Heaven church and teaches Confirmation class. She serves on the City of Elmhurst Commission on Youth. Kathleen is the founder & sponsor of the York Community High School PRIDE (positive role models inspiring direction to excellence) gtroup. This group of students pledges to remain abstinent from alcohol and drugs during high school. She is employed full time as a practice manager working for eight years in the dental field. She has presented seminars, planned and facilitated retreats and provided private consulting for educational, dental, medical, & business fields. (Back to Top)
Tara Cappelletti Jordan
Leyden High Schools, Music Department Faculty
Tara is enjoying her second year teaching at the Leyden High Schools. She holds a degree in music education from Elmhurst College, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude. While working on her degree, Tara performed with the Elmhurst College Wind Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, Classical Guitar Ensemble, Lab Jazz Band, and as a soloist alongside artists to include Bobby Shew, Patti Austin, and Doug Beach with the award winning Elmhurst College Jazz Band. As an educator, Tara has traveled around the country and also to Japan and Australia while working with students at all stages of their musical experience. She has also spent significant time teaching in Jamaica, where she served as a conductor in the Western Jamaica International Music Festival. Her professional memberships include being actively involved in the Women Band Directors International, the Illinois Music Educators Association, and the Chicago Flute Club. As a performer, she has appeared with various groups in 14 countries, including England, France, Germany, and Switzerland, and is the principal flutist with the Elmhurst Wind Ensemble, a position she has held for seven years. Tara served as Assistant Director of the Mary Queen of Heaven High School Treble Ensemble under the direction of Molly Lindberg for three years. (Back to Top)
Heather Knight
Youth Music Director, Redeemer Lutheran Church
Music Faculty, Elmhurst School District 205
Heather Knight is the Director of Youth Music at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Elmhurst, IL where she directs the Joyful Sound Ensemble and teaches the Sunday School Music program. The Joyful Sound Ensemble participates in services once a month and presents a musical every spring. She is also a band director at Sandburg Middle School, Edison Elementary School and Field Elementary School in Elmhurst, IL. She works with the prep, intermediate, and concert bands at these schools. Mrs. Knight earned her bachelor degree in music education from Bradley University where she graduated Summa Cum Laude. As a student she studied both flute and voice and was a member of the Bradley University Symphonic Winds, the Bradley Chorale, the Bradley Madrigal Singers, the Bradley Community Choir, and the Bradley Philharmonic Orchestra. She was also a 2003 winner of the Bradley Concerto-Aria Competition. She recently earned her masters of music education from VanderCook College of Music in Chicago, IL. Heather lives in Villa Park with her husband, Kenny. (Back to Top)
Angela Presutti Korbitz
Associate Professor of Voice, VanderCook College of Music
Professional Soloist and Recording Artist
Angela Presutti has appeared with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra as soloist, small ensemble member and chorister. She has been a soloist with several other orchestras and choruses including Grant Park of Chicago, Bel Canto of Milwaukee, The Park Ridge Civic, Salt Creek Sinfonietta and The Naples Philharmonic.Ms. Presutti received her musical training at the University of Illinois and Roosevelt University where she graduated with honors. She has also studied opera at the International Institute of Vocal Arts in Chiari, Italy and artsong with Elly Ameling at the Britten-Pears School in England. She has been a winner at the Bel Canto Competition, a finalist at The Palm Beach Opera Competition, a three time regional finalist at the N.A.T.S. Artist Awards Competition and a semi-finalist at the Oratorio Society of New York Competition. Highlights of her solo career include "Serenade to Music" with Sir Andrew Davis, "Midsummer Night's Dream" with Duain Wolf, "Bachianas No. 5" with the cellists of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, "Moses and Aron" with Pierre Boulez, "Carmina Burana" with Grammy winning conductor Vance George and an Andrews Sisters Tribute with Erich Kunzel and Doc Severinsen. Ms. Presutti has also recorded "Cats", "Les Miserable" and "The Phantom of the Opera" for Lakeshore Records. Since 1998, Angela has been performing with guitarist and husband Ron Korbitz. Their work together has included concerts and recitals for some of Chicago's most prestigious performing arts series including The Chicago Classical Guitar Society, Unity Temple, Fourth Presbyterian, Dame Myra Hess and several live broadcasts on WFMT. They have also released their debut CD "Love does not Like Delays". Ms. Presutti is highly regarded as an adjudicator and clinician for organizations such as I.G.S.M.A., I.H.S.A. and N.A.T.S. She also maintains a successful private studio and is an Associate Professor of voice at VanderCook College of Music. (Back to Top)
Julie Krakora
Youth Minister, Immaculate Conception Parish
Julie is a graduate of Marquette University where she graduated cum laude with a BA in Theology. Concurrently while attending Marquette, she worked on and received her Certification in Youth Ministry Studies from the Center for Ministry Development. After four years of ‘life experience’ in ministry, she went back to school and received her MA in Spirituality from Loyola University Chicago, fulfilling her goal of graduating with 4.0. In the 10 years that she has worked professionally in youth ministry, she has worked as a campus minister at Seton Catholic High School in Chandler, AZ and part-time campus minister/religion teacher at Guerin Prep High School in River Grove IL. She has also been the Director of Youth Ministry at three parishes: St. Bernard of Clairvaux in Scottsdale, AZ; St. Dominic in Bolingbrook, IL, and currently Immaculate Conception. While sharing her faith and ministering to and with teens is her passion and profession, on the side she has never given up childhood dream to be a Christian rockstar!. Julie is a member of St. Thomas the Apostle in Naperville, IL, where for the past 8 years she has continues to sing in 3 different choirs: their large weekly Mass SATB choir of 70+ people; Genesis, a 16-person SATB group that ministers at Mass once a month; and for the past 2 years the new group Testify, a praise/worship group of 24 singers who sing with Catholic Award winning artist John Angotti. Outside of time working at IC and ‘spare’ time singing at St. Thomas, Julie enjoys yoga, spending time with her 4-year old goddaughter, talking with friends, taking nature walks, and writing. She is also an avid spiritual writer and completed her first inspirational CD of her prayer-writings, “Messages of Hope” in Dec 2007 and is finishing her second CD, “Messages of Transformation” to be completed in July 2008. Her goal is to continue writing to help others in their faith/spiritual journey and to further her experience as a Spiritual Minister to others. (Back to Top)
Rebecca Marianetti
Choral Director, York High School
Musical Theatre Director, York High School
Rebecca Marianetti received her Bachelor of Science in Music Education and Masters of Music degrees from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Prior to joining the music faculty at York, Mrs. Marianetti taught in the Central Illinois area and developed an award winning choral program at Champaign Central High School. Mrs. Marianetti has been actively involved in professional and church choirs and has performed with collegiate and professional musicals and operas, and serves as York's Musical Theatre Director. She is a member of the Music Educators National Conference. In 2001, Rebecca Marianetti was honored by Coca-Cola as an "Educator of Distinction", an honor which was awarded to a selected group of fifty teachers nationally. At York High School, she conducts the Cadet Chorus, Choraliers, Concert Choir, Madrigals, A Cappella and Jazz Choir. Rebecca lives in Elmhurst with her husband, Steve, who is the head wrestling coach at Elmhurst College and their daughters, Abigail and Delia. (Back to Top)
Barbara A. Masters
Music Director, Visitation Catholic Church, Elmhurst
Music Faculty, Elmhurst College
Barbara Masters serves as Music Director at Visitation Catholic Church in Elmhurst, IL where she directs 4 choirs. The Visitation Adult Choir performed in Rome at the Vatican during their recent tour. Ms. Masters is on the Music Faculty of Elmhurst College teaching piano and organ. Prior to moving to the Chicago area, she served as Music Director/Organist at Catholic and Lutheran churches in Ohio and Rhode Island. Ms. Masters is also a composer of orchestral and vocal music, having created a full length orchestral score for an original Alice in Wonderland Ballet. She also has served as music director for many theater productions, taught vocal music, voice and piano in public and private schools and in her own studio. Ms. Masters attended the University of Michigan, holds a BMus from Boston University, an MA in Ethnomusicology from Brown University, and an MMus in Organ performance from Youngstown State University. Barbara Masters lives in Elmhurst with her husband and has 3 grown sons. (Back to Top)
