Amir Kats
Amir Kats has extensive experience in conducting, teaching, and performing music. He currently teaches orchestra and band at Blake Middle School and is the conductor of the St. Paul Jewish Community Center Symphony. He previously served as a coach for MacPhail Center for Music and various school ensembles throughout Minnesota and New Mexico. From 2007 to 2012, Mr. Kats served as the Artistic Director of Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies.
Mr. Kats holds degrees in clarinet, music theory, and conducting from the University of Michigan, Florida State University, and Curtis Institute of Music. A native of Haifa, Israel, he comes from a musical family, being both the son and the grandson of pianists.
Joel Johnson
Joel returns for the 19th year to direct the Roseville Area Community Carol Sing-Along. Making music with Joel is always a special event. He worked for 33 years as a music educator in Roseville. In 1993, he was named Minnesota Choral Director of the Year. Now retired from public school teaching, Joel directs the choir at Falcon Heights United Church of Christ.
Guest Artists
Mark Orton, composer
Lynn Erickson, trumpet, St. Paul Chamber Orchestra
Christopher Aspaas, tenor, St. Olaf College
Kenneth Freed, violin, Minnesota Orchestra
Sachiya Isomura, cello, Minnesota Orchestra
Jack Glatzer, violin
Aaron Janse, violin, Minnesota Orchestra
Peter McGuire, violin, Minnesota Orchestra
Anthony Ross, cello, Minnesota Orchestra
John Snow, oboe, Minnesota Orchestra
St. Mary’s Balalaika Orchestra