Music at St. John’s
Students at St. John’s receive a wide variety of music instruction. From singing and moving to recorders and band instruments, there is something for everyone!
Music is not only an integral part of our academic lives but also our spiritual lives as we learn and sing at our school liturgies. As St. Augustine spoke, “Those who sing, pray twice.” Students in grades K-5 receive music instruction twice per week for 30 minutes. Students in middle school have music instruction once per week for 50 minutes. Students in grades 4 – 8 have the option of joining band and playing an instrument.
AnnaMarie Ingalls
Music Teacher
Ms. Ingalls comes from a small farming town in Northern Iowa and loves to spend her time with family, spoiling her eleven nieces and nephews. She graduated from the University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota, with a BA in Music Education (K-12). While she has studied many instruments, her favorites include the clarinet, guitar, piano, and voice. Her favorite career highlights include singing a solo in both Our Lady of Lourdes chapel in Lourdes, France, as well as in the Barcelona Cathedral in Spain.
Prior to studying at the University of Mary, she served as a Catholic missionary with NET (National Evangelization Teams) ministries. During her two years on NET, she worked with thousands of middle and high school students across the country and shared the Gospel message with them. Her two primary locations included Los Angeles, California, and our very own Saint John the Baptist in New Brighton! Ms. Ingalls is happy to be back with the great community and students of SJB!
Amy Nelson
Band Director
Amy Nelson is excited to be back at St. John’s where she subbed the fall of 2018 for 3 months. Since then she has been teaching full time at several Catholic schools. This is her third year with the Totino-Grace Fine Arts Academy. She is dedicated to teaching in the Catholic schools where she is free to share her faith along with her passion for music performance and music education. She has a degree in Music Education from Bethel University. She and her husband Mark have been blessed with six children and a COVID puppy. It is always busy at her house. Besides music she enjoys knitting, making jewelry, and quilting.