Charlotte Choir School is proud to introduce the dedicated staff members who bring our mission to life every day. Each member of our team plays a vital role in supporting our choristers and ensuring the continued success of our programs.

Join us in celebrating the people behind the scenes—and in front of the podium—who make Charlotte Choir School a vibrant, welcoming, and inspiring community for young musicians.

Jessica Walton Appointed Program Coordinator

Jessica Walton was recently named Program Coordinator at Charlotte Choir School. In this role, she coordinates rehearsals, concerts, tours, camps, and other events, working closely with the Artistic Staff and Director of Operations & Advancement. She also supports daily logistics, family communication, and assists with grant writing and fundraising efforts.

A native of Boonville, NC, Jessica was an educator from 2015 to 2025. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from UNC Charlotte and was named Boonville Elementary and Yadkin County Schools District Teacher of the Year in 2024. She joined Charlotte Choir School in 2025 as Operations Assistant and quickly became an integral part of the team.

When she’s not at work, Jessica enjoys reading, painting, spending time with her dog, and cooking with her husband.

Kirstin Contreras Leads Town Choir

Kirstin Contreras serves as Director of the Town Choir at Charlotte Choir School. A lifelong chorister, Kirstin began singing in her Lutheran church and later sang in the Chapel Choir at Gustavus Adolphus College. She holds a Master of Music in Bassoon Performance from Northwestern University and brings a diverse musical background to her role.

In addition to her work at Charlotte Choir School, she teaches music and middle school chorus at Metrolina Regional Scholars Academy and performs with the Union Symphony Orchestra. She and her husband also collaborate on a bluegrass and classic country music project. Outside of music, Kirstin enjoys cooking, camping, and raising her two teenage boys.

Hunter Rigsby: Director of Operations & Advancement

As Director of Operations & Advancement, Hunter Rigsby oversees the school’s administrative functions and leads strategic fundraising efforts. She is responsible for logistics, finances, donor relations, and event planning, collaborating closely with the Board of Directors, Artistic Director, and staff.

Originally from Kinston, NC, Hunter earned her undergraduate degree in Musical Theatre from UNC Pembroke and a Master’s in Arts Administration from Winthrop University. Her background includes teaching high school theatre and working in performing arts management at her alma mater and local civic organizations. She joined Charlotte Choir School in 2022 and has been instrumental in its continued growth.

In her free time, Hunter enjoys reading, quilting, and spending time with her husband Andrew and their two dogs, Ellie and Opie. She is a passionate advocate for music and arts education.

Shout-Out to Our Artistic Leaders 

We're continually thankful for Dr. Andrew Pester, our Associate Director, who brings exceptional skill to the piano and organ bench and leads our advanced music theory curriculum with passion and expertise.

And a huge thank-you to Elizabeth Lenti, our Artistic Director since 2014, whose vision and leadership continue to shape the artistic excellence of Charlotte Choir School.We’re so grateful for their talent, dedication, and the heart they bring to our mission every day! With this talented and passionate team in place, Charlotte Choir School is well-positioned to continue nurturing young musicians and sharing the power of choral music with the Charlotte community and beyond. Their combined experience, vision, and dedication help create a transformative experience for every chorister who walks through our doors.

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Looking Ahead

With this talented and passionate team in place, Charlotte Choir School is well-positioned to continue nurturing young musicians and sharing the power of choral music with the Charlotte community and beyond. Their combined experience, vision, and dedication help create a transformative experience for every chorister who walks through our doors.

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To learn more about our team or get involved, visit charlottechoirschool.org.