Founders
Gary Aamodt | Co-Founder
Gary Aamodt has deep roots in and a deep commitment to choral music. While at college, Gary sang in the St. Olaf Choir, and in graduate school at Yale, he was a member of the Yale Russian Chorus. Professionally, Gary co-founded A-R Editions, Inc., a publisher of historical musicology. In 1979 A-R Editions issued the first large publication of text and music entirely set by computer—an historical landmark. A sister company that was created, MusicNotes, is the world’s largest online library of digital sheet music. From 1992-95 Gary served as President and CEO of Augsburg Fortress Publishers. Prior to his business involvements, Gary taught philosophy at Yale University and the University of Wisconsin—Madison. In retirement, he has been an active real estate investor and has served on several nonprofit boards. He has also been a commissioner of significant musical compositions for choir and orchestra.
Gary is a co-founder of the Together In Hope Project that seeks to bring reconciliation, renewal, and healing through the transformative power of music. He holds degrees from St. Olaf College and Yale University.
Celia Ellingson | Co-Founder
Celia Ellingson is co-founder of the Together In Hope Project, a nonprofit organization that serves as a catalyst for healing and reconciliation through the transformative power of music. She and Gary Aamodt have organized major “music-with-a-purpose” projects focused on issues of our shared humanity. Through commissioning and performance of major new choral compositions, these projects raise awareness and move both singers and audiences to new understanding and action.
Previously, Celia was a philanthropy executive and business consultant, specializing in strategy and major change implementation. She served as Vice President – Strategic Development for Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies, a leading US grantmaking organization, providing leadership through a major organizational ramp-up on both philanthropic strategy and organizational development. Celia also spent many years with Arthur Andersen in marketing and as a business consultant.
Celia holds a Bachelor of Arts in History and Child Psychology and a Masters’ in Library Science from the University of Minnesota.
Leadership Team
G. Phillip Shoultz, III | Artistic Director
Known for fostering community and inspiring action among people of all ages and abilities, G. Phillip Shoultz, III enjoys a multifaceted career as artist, educator, consultant, speaker, and pastoral musician. Phillip serves as Artistic Director of Together In Hope Choir, the anchor choir for Sing Democracy 250, and will conduct the signature concerts for Sing Democracy 250 in 2025-2026. He also serves as an advisor and resource to choral leaders who will prepare performances of the Sing Democracy 250 music program in communities large and small throughout this country, as America celebrates the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026.
Phillip is also the associate artistic director of VocalEssence, where leads the acclaimed VocalEssence Chorus and founded the VocalEssence Singers Of This Age, a choral apprenticeship program that harnesses the power of group singing to enhance community and awaken creativity in young people. He is Cantor for Music, Worship, and the Arts at Westwood Lutheran Church, and a member of the Graduate Music Education faculty at the University of St. Thomas. Phillip believes in the transformative power of shared singing experiences.
Tina Sayers | 50 States Program Director
Tina Sayers has a diverse background in the arts as a classical soprano, music educator, and nonprofit arts organization creator and administrator. As Program Director for Sing Democracy 250’s 50 States Program, Tina is focused on spreading the word and inviting choral leaders to participate in this national movement.
Tina was a professor of vocal music at Missouri Baptist University, and at Point Loma Nazarene University, where she also directed their Chorale. In 2010 Tina co-founded the Community Center for the Arts (CCFA) in San Diego, and served as their Executive and Artistic Director until relocating to St. Louis in 2016.
In 2020 Tina launched her own business, Maple Seed Creative Consulting, with which she collaborates with other creatives to bring their ideas to fruition. Tina holds a Masters in Vocal Performance from the Manhattan School of Music, and a Bachelor’s in Musical Studies from the University of Redlands.
Jonah Herzog | Program Associate
An Illinois native and a recent graduate of St. Olaf College, Jonah Herzog is active in the musical arts scene of Minneapolis-St. Paul. Jonah is a member of the VocalEssence Ensemble Singers, the Meetinghouse Chamber Singers, and Together In Hope Choir, where he sang in the 2022 performances of The Stranger in Trondheim, Norway, and St. Paul, Minnesota.
Jonah is a key member of the Sing Democracy 250 team and works directly with the founders on planning and implementing this national movement to engage singers and audiences in renewing American democracy. He also works in Ticketing and Volunteer Services at Minnesota Orchestra. Jonah’s personal interests range from long-distance running to creative writing and composing orchestral works. He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music and Management Studies from St. Olaf College.