Jennifer Helwig

Conductor of the Young Fox Valley Singers

Jennifer Helwig graduated from the Wheaton College Conservatory of Music with highest honors in 1996, receiving a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education.  She taught for 5 years in the Indian Prairie School District 204, teaching general music to children from kindergarten through 7^th grade.  Mrs. Helwig also directed middle school choruses and two high school ensembles at Waubonsie Valley High School; those consisted of a treble ensemble and mixed multicultural ensemble.  She currently teaches private voice in cooperation with Oswego High School.  She teaches private voice in cooperation with Oswego East High School.  Mrs. Helwig has been a choral director and worship coordinator for Village Green Baptist Church and is currently actively involved in the worship team at Village Bible Church in Sugar Grove.  She is a member of the American Choral Director’s Association.  Mrs. Helwig is also the conductor of the YNS Lyric Singers.

Angie Johnson

Artistic Director; Conductor of the YNS Chamber Singers

Angie Johnson received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music Education with honors from Northern Illinois University in 1991.  She studied piano with Donald Walker and had many opportunities to function as a student director.

Upon graduating, Mrs. Johnson taught choral and general music both at Circle Center Middle School in Yorkville, IL and Gregory Middle School in Naperville, IL.  Conducting choral programs of 275-350 singers, she was named a “Most Influential Educator” by the Indian Prairie Educational Foundation in 1996 and 1997.  Mrs. Johnson has been an active clinician, accompanist, private teacher and guest conductor. She has conducted the Fox Valley Honors Middle School Choral Festival on two occasions, and most recently the District 9 IMEA Junior High Choir.

One of her greatest joys is working with choirs in a clinical setting in their own environment and has enjoyed the schools she has had the opportunity to work with.  Passionate about sharing her love for teaching, she has led panel discussions and workshops for future teachers.

In her ninth season with YNS, Mrs. Johnson is excited to return as Director of Chamber Singers and as Artistic Director.  In her new artistic role, she will oversee the music education and performance components for YNS, as well as the conductors and accompanists who work with the six YNS choirs.

Mrs. Johnson considers her greatest challenge and reward to date as being a mom to Jared (8), Jenna (6) and Joel (3).  She and her husband Darrin were active in youth ministry for ten years leading youth worship teams, leadership teams and camp counselors.  She is active on the worship team at Harvest Chapel in Sandwich, IL.  Mrs. Johnson is a member of the American Choral Director’s Association and is looking forward to a great year with Chamber Singers.

Esther Cook

Choir Administrator

Esther Cook began her tenure with Young Naperville Singers as Administrative Assistant to the late Helen Grubbs in 1988.  She became Choir Administrator in 1993 and is responsible for all the non-music functions of the organization.  Mrs. Cook graduated from North Central College with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education.  She taught third grade in Forest Glen Elementary School in Glen Ellyn District 41.  A long-time Naperville resident, Mrs. Cook has been an active community and school volunteer and has served on numerous Boards of Directors.

At the 2003 holiday concert, “Voices of Hope,” Mrs. Cook was recognized with a special award presentation to celebrate her 15 year anniversary with YNS.

Amy Miller

Administrative Assistant

Amy Miller joined the staff of Young Naperville Singers as Administrative Assistant in 2006.  She is a graduate of the University of Illinois where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration.  Prior to starting her family, Mrs. Miller worked at J. Walter Thompson Advertising as a Production Coordinator overseeing the production and scheduling of print, TV and radio advertising for many major clients.  After her daughters were born, she became very involved with volunteer work.  Both her children are members of Young Naperville Singers and Mrs. Miller has been an active volunteer since joining the organization in 2001.  She served three years on the Board of Directors, most recently as President.