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.
Jonah Herzog | Operations Manager
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 at Minnesota Orchestra. Jonah’s personal interests range from softball and distance running to creative writing and orchestral composition. He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music and Management Studies from St. Olaf College.
Meghan Uldrich | Social Media Director
Meghan works closely with the founders and the team to help create and manage the digital marketing and social media platforms for Sing Democracy 250. Meghan has a degree in marketing and business management from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising as well as previous experience working in social media management and sales.
Meghan's involvement with Sing Democracy 250 stems from her belief in the power of civic action and the democratic process. She uses her skills in social media as a tool to share all the exciting aspects of Sing Democracy 250 and encourage all Americans to add their voice to a nationwide chorus of hope.