Ben Johns, D.M.A. Interim Director of Choral Activities
Ben Johns, Director of Choral Activities, is a professional singer, conductor, and voice teacher. He currently co-music directs and sings with the LA-based vocal ensemble, Resonant, and sings at St. Andrew Catholic Church in Pasadena. Rather than decide on a single academic major as an undergraduate, Johns imagined he could keep career options open to a future in neuroscience, medicine, and performing. Music took over when he auditioned into the American male classical vocal ensemble, Chanticleer. Before guest conducting and teaching across the country, Dr. Johns performed as a choral artist and soloist at venues around the world. He is also on the feature film soundtrack under the baton of John Williams in “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.”
Hyunju Hwang, DMA Staff Accompanist – Choirs
Hyunju is an award-winning, classically-trained organist and pianist who has performed throughout the United States and Europe, including Westminster Abbey, Coventry Cathedral, Grace Cathedral, and the Cathedral of St. John the Divine. Hyunju was born in Seoul, South Korea, and received her Bachelor of Music in Organ Performance from Yonsei University in Seoul, and her Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) in Organ Performance at the University of Southern California's Thornton School of Music.