Teacher Feature: Mark Johnson

Classical MPR's Teacher Feature highlights the lives and work of music teachers throughout Minnesota.

Mark Johnson

Executive and Artistic Director

Minnesota Boychoir

St. Paul, Minn.

What grade level(s) do you teach? What types of music classes do you teach?

Ages 7-18, grades 2-12; choral music education, rehearsals and performances for the Minnesota Boychoir.

Do you direct any ensembles? If so, which ones?

Yes — we have 4 choirs in the organization; Cantar, Cantando, Cantabile and Allegro. I direct all but Cantando.

In what ways do you try to encourage your students to appreciate and participate in?

Vocal music or singing in choirs is such an immediate way for students/singers to participate in music. No instrument to hold, only your own voice, skill and talent to lend to the ensemble. I am there to teach and enhance basic skills (posture, breath and tone production) to all members of the organization. The appreciation from them comes through in a variety of ways — the vast array of music learned and performed, the different styles of music, the history and context of music performed, and the wonderful life lessons learned in the rehearsal room and on the concert stage.

Do you have a story of an experience where music education made a difference in a student's life?

Many students 'graduate' from our organization forever changed — the lives touched by the training, the rigor, the performance opportunities, the tours, the people they meet; really a beautiful way and community to grow up in as a young boy soprano who develops, grows and moves through the organization. I am proud to say that many of our young men continue on in music — music theater, history, education, composition, performance. I believe all our members have learned the ability music has to better their lives and world, our community here in Minneapolis-St. Paul and the audiences we have sung for around the globe.

If you were to help program a day of music at Classical MPR, what would be a piece of music you'd play in the morning? What piece of music would you play in the evening? What is it about these pieces that make them a couple of your favorites?

For the morning, I would choose the Bach Brandenburg Concertos (all six present different moods, timbres and tempi to represent the ebb and flow of each day).

For the evening, I'd pick Eric Whitacre: The Complete Choral Works (recorded by the Brigham Young University Singers) or Renee Fleming (simply the ability to elevate ethereal feelings; quiet, contemplative, soul-searching)

Is there a music teacher in your community that the Classical MPR audience should know about? Submit this form to nominate them for our Teacher Feature! 

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