Faculty and Staff

Mary Craven Bartemes, Artistic Director

Mary Craven Bartemes is a native of Des Moines, IA, where her musical journey began in the Des Moines Children's Chorus. She was nurtured under the esteemed guidance of Barbara Sletto, the visionary founder of HYC. With a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education, specializing in voice and piano, she graduated with distinction from Drake University and has since been a commanding presence in the Greater Des Moines music scene.

With close to a decade of teaching experience spanning both private and public educational settings encompassing grades K-12, Mary has honed her expertise in elementary and early childhood music education. Her passion for enriching young minds through the power of music has been a driving force behind her dedication.

Currently, Mary is pursuing a Masters in Music Education with a Kodaly Concentration at the University of Saint Thomas in St. Paul, MN. Her credentials speak volumes as she holds certifications in Level 2 of the Kodaly Methodology, Level 1 of the Orff-Schulwerk method, and Conversational Solfege levels 1 & 2. Furthermore, Mary has mastered the intricacies of the First Steps in Music curriculum, spanning infant, toddler, and preschool stages. Her versatile teaching approach draws inspiration from the Dalcroze method, expertly weaving various modes of learning into her pedagogy, catering to learners of all ages.

Mary's connection with Heartland Youth Choir is a story of dedication and growth. Beginning her journey with HYC in 2013 as an intern for the Canto and Cantilena choirs, she later transitioned into the role of a staff accompanist before achieving the esteemed position of conductor, and now Artistic Director. Her impactful contribution to the choir includes expanding HYC's offerings for preschool-aged students and playing a pivotal role in launching the satellite choir program. She currently directs all sites of Cantemus, Cantilena, Canto, and Cadet, as well as heading the Musical Explorers daycare program.

Mary lives with her husband Theodore, a software engineering manager and local composer, and her son James, a member of Cantilena Choir. Her passion for music education, unwavering dedication to her students, and commitment to arts education make her an inspiring force in the Des Moines cultural landscape.

Email: Mary@HeartlandYouthChoir.org

Office: 515-216-3997

Michael Gookin, Associate Music Director

Michael Gookin is the director of Vocal Music at Grinnell High School. He received his Bachelor of Music Education degree from the University of Northern Iowa and taught 6th-12th grade Choral Music at West Central Valley Schools for four years. He has been a participant in conducting masterclasses led by Andre Thomas, Alice Parker, and Bruce Chamberlain. He has toured as a solo and collaborative pianist to the Twin Cities, Omaha, Estonia, Iceland, and Norway, and recently accompanied the 7/8th Grade Treble Clef OPUS Honor Choir. He was chosen as a Promising Artist of the 21st Century, a prestigious young artist program in Costa Rica. As a music educator, he has presented on “Choral Curriculum and Assessment in the Classroom” for the University of Northern Iowa and the University of New Hampshire. He directs music ensembles at Grace United Methodist Church in Des Moines and accompanies the Des Moines Choral Society under the direction of Dr. James Rodde.

Email: Michael@HeartlandYouthChoir.org

Mary Ann Hellenga, Accompanist

Mary Ann lives in Urbandale with her husband Aaron where she homeschools her three teenagers. In addition to accompanying for Heartland Youth Choir, she accompanies the Van Meter Junior and Senior High School Choirs and the Joy Singers Homeschool High School Choir. She has directed the homeschool choir for her co-op for the past six years and directs two homeschool choirs in Adel. She enjoys accompanying for musicals and solo and ensemble contests. Mrs. Hellenga also teaches piano lessons and plays the piano for her church. She is passionate about sharing her love of music with children of all ages.

Alice Kim, Accompanist

Alice joined Heartland Youth Choir in 2021. She has taught piano to young children for more than 20 years and used to play for services at several churches, including Christ Community Church, a.k.a. Evangelical Free Church, in Ames. She also accompanied a few church musicals that were held at Ames auditorium.

Alice received her Bachelor of Music in Composition and Master of Journalism in Mass Communication from South Korea. In spring 2022, Alice is going to pursue her second master in music education at Drake University. She lives with her husband, Andy, and two children: Sophia, a member of Cantilena Choir, and Chris, a member of Canto Choir.

Kelli Stoermer, Director of Business

Kelli brings six year of teaching elementary music and two years of coaching to the HYC staff. She has a Bachelors in Music Education from Iowa Wesleyan College and a Masters in Educational Leadership and Administration from Viterbo University. She has taught music in Northeast Iowa, Newton, and West Des Moines. She lives in Waukee with her husband, daughter, and two dogs.

Email: Kelli@HeartlandYouthChoir.org
Office: 515-221-3997