mission
Bella Lumina spreads light, hope, and joy through the power of song.
We present repertoire of high artistic quality that delivers a powerful message through illuminating texts and inspirational arrangements, showcasing the extraordinary beauty of treble voices.
vision
We bring our voices together to inspire our members, our audiences, and our world with light, hope, and joy whenever we gather to sing.
We believe the human spirit thrives when working in community toward something that is bigger than our individual selves and when hearts are connected through the beauty of music.
Meet
michelle gehrz
Artistic Director
Michelle is a passionate music educator, choral conductor, pianist and organist who loves working with musicians of all ages! She leads groups of musicians—whether in the classroom, on stage or in a church setting—with joy, humor, energy, creativity, and love.
Michelle received a Bachelor of Music degree in both Church Music/Organ Performance and Music Education from St. Olaf College. She sang with the St. Olaf Choir under Dr. Kenneth Jennings and was alto section leader and accompanist. Her quest for further musical study took her to the University of Notre Dame where she received a Master of Music degree in Sacred Music/Organ Performance. Later she would complete all but her thesis for the Master of Arts degree in Music Education at the University of St. Thomas. Michelle also has her certification in Orff Schulwerk from UST.
Michelle’s passion as a director lies with treble choirs—both youth and adult. A lifelong dream of hers was to create an adult treble choir that could showcase the gorgeous sound that is unique to the treble voice and that would provide an environment for singers that is a de-stressor and filled with joy! Bella Lumina was born from this dream in 2018!
Michelle is on staff with Angelica Cantanti Youth Choirs in Bloomington, where she conducts the Cantabile Choir (grades 4-6), teaches the K-1 Prep Choir Class, 2nd Grade Prelude Choir, and leads summer camps. She is also on staff with the Music Association of Minnetonka as director of the Senior Chorale (ages 55+).
She taught vocal music at Mounds Park Academy in St. Paul for 15 years and then started the middle school and high school choral program at St. Croix Preparatory Academy in Stillwater where she taught for four years. She also taught elementary music in the Wayzata School District for seven years. She co-directed and co-founded the Wayzata Elementary All-District Choir of 80 auditioned singers. This choir was invited to perform at the Minnesota Music Educators Association (MMEA) convention in 2018.
Michelle’s talents and passion for playing piano, organ, and directing have allowed her to serve many churches in the Twin Cities including the Cathedral of St. Paul, Mount Calvary Lutheran in Excelsior, Gethsemane Lutheran in Hopkins, Lake of the Isles in Minneapolis, Minnetonka UMC, Hennepin Avenue UMC, Good Samaritan UMC in Edina, and St. Anthony Park UCC. Michelle is an active member of the American Choral Directors Association of Minnesota (ACDA-MN) and is accompanist for many ACDA events/honor choirs as well as for Minnesota Music Educators Association (MMEA) All-State Choirs. Michelle was the conductor of the Minnesota ACDA 4-5-6 Girls’ State Honor Choir in April 2023 and has also served as ACDA-MN Repertoire and Resource Chair for Children and Community Youth Choirs for two terms. She also loves to be at the piano with the High School choirs at Minnetonka High School and Mound Westonka High School.
Michelle believes that everyone CAN sing and SHOULD sing! One of her favorite quotes about making music is “Music can change the world because it can change people.”- BONO
Meet
jeffrey patry
Accompanist
Jeffrey A. Patry is currently the Director of Music Ministry and Organist at First Lutheran Church in Columbia Heights, MN. In addition, he is on the music staff of Normandale Community College as the staff accompanist and is also the collaborate pianist for the Cantabile and Concert Choirs of Angelica Cantanti Youth Choirs of Bloomington, MN, The Edina Chorale of Edina, MN, and Bella Lumina Choir of Hopkins, MN.
A native of Hutchinson, KS, Jeffrey’s early organ study was with Mrs. Shirley Brandyberry. Jeffrey graduated from St. Olaf College with a B.M. in Organ Performance studying under Dr. John Ferguson and Mr. Douglas Cleveland. In 1998, he won second prize in the American Guild of Organists Regional Competition held in Wichita, KS.
Jeffrey is frequently an organist/pianist for events in the Twin Cities and has recorded with MorningStar Music Publishers. He is a member of the Twin Cities Chapter of the American Guild of Organists where he serves as Registrar and Placement Coordinator. He also serves as the secretary for the Association of Liturgical Ministers, treasurer for the Twin Cities Chapter of Chorister’s Guild, and is a board member for Caritas Vocal Ensemble.