Production Staff

Steve Warner (B.A., Religious Studies, St. Michael's College, 1977; M.A., Liturgical Studies, Notre Dame, 1980) is the founder and Director of the Notre Dame Folk Choir and Director of Liturgical Resources for Residence Halls at the University of Notre Dame. He has been a member of the Campus Ministry staff since 1979. Under his direction, the Folk Choir has earned a reputation in the development of ritual song throughout the English speaking world. His liturgical music compositions are published exclusively through World Library Publications of Chicago. He is a frequent clinician for National Pastoral Musicians and diocesan liturgical events.

Michele Warner currently serves on the faculty of Saint Mary's College, where she has taught voice lessons since 1999. Michele has done extensive work for the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend in the area of cantor training and has been privileged to be invited to serve as cantor for many diocesan celebrations. As a clinician for World Library Publications of Chicago, she has presented workshops throughout the country regarding the theological, spiritual, and practical aspects of cantoring; she has also been a co-presenter at NPM conventions. On weekends, she can be found singing with the Notre Dame Folk Choir; she also serves as vocal coach for the soloists and cantors of that ensemble. Michele holds a Master of Music in Vocal Performance from Webster University in St. Louis, at which time she also sang with the St. Louis Symphony Chorus and the Bach Society of St. Louis.

Karen Schneider-Kirner has several responsibilities as a Campus Minister at Notre Dame: she is the Assistant Director and Accompanist of the Notre Dame Folk Choir, Assistant Organist for the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, and director of the Notre Dame Celebration and Handbell Choirs. Karen received her undergraduate degree in organ from Ball State University, studying organ, harpsichord, and piano. She holds a Master of Music in organ and a Master's in Art and Religion from Yale University, through the Institute of Sacred Music. Karen studied for one year in the Roman Catholic Church music program at the Hochschüle für Müsik in Vienna, Austria. She is a published composer of choral and handbell music through World Library Publications of Chicago, concertizes as an organist, and has held full-time positions in church music in New York and Ohio.

Emmeline Schoen D'Agostino graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 2003 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in the Program of Liberal Studies and Theology. While an undergraduate, Emmeline was a member of the Notre Dame Folk Choir. Following graduation, she entered the Alliance for Catholic Education (ACE), earning her Master of Education degree after two years of teaching at San Xavier Mission School in Tucson, Arizona. Emmeline is now the Assistant Director of the The Mary Ann Remick Leadership Program in the Alliance for Catholic Education, where her responsibilities include preparing liturgies for the program's summer session, as well as teaching a course on Catholic School Leadership focused on prayer and liturgy in K-12 schools and the spiritual leadership of the principal.

Clarisa graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 2010 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in vocal performance. After serving for a year in Ireland at the House of Brigid, she is now back at her alma mater working toward a Master of Sacred Music degree. Clarisa has been a member of the Folk Choir since the start of her freshman year and continues to serve the ensemble as a graduate assistant. She also serves as Assistant Rector and liturgical music coordinator for Farley Hall.

Jenny is a "double Domer," having received both a Bachelor of Arts degree in music theory and history as well as the Master of Sacred Music degree. She is now employed by Campus Ministry as editor of the Newman Hymnal and Vocal Coach to the Folk Choir. An active musician, she enjoys recording music for the Prayercast as well as lending her voice to the South Bend Chamber Singers, Quaterna Medieval Ensemble, and student recital choirs.