Kent Jue, Artistic and Executive Director

Kent Jue is thrilled and honored to lead Ragazzi’s artistic and administrative arms. During his tenure as Artistic and Executive Director, Kent guided Ragazzi’s growth plan as it became the largest boy’s chorus program in the Bay Area. He created two satellite programs for entry-level families, increased grant and foundation support, established Ragazzi’s first endowment, and achieved consecutive budget surpluses. Showcasing innovation and adaptability during the spring of 2020, Kent reimagined a program that kept Ragazzi boys safely singing. He pioneered new technology, maintained enrollment, and established Ragazzi’s health and safety plan. Under Kent’s leadership, overnight activities, including local, domestic and international touring, and camps resumed in 2022 after a three-year hiatus.

LAUREN ESTES, OPERATIONS Director

Lauren Estes coordinates performances and tours, serves as the liaison between artistic and office staff, oversees the sheet music library, and manages much of the office team. She is also the point person for information about tour and our health and safety policies. Lauren also previously co-directed one of Ragazzi’s Primary Group classes.

Lauren holds a Master of Music degree in choral conducting from Syracuse University and a double major Bachelor of Arts degree in music and psychology from the College of William and Mary. She directed the New York-based Syracuse Teen Choir and central Virginia choirs Bel Canto Vocal Ensemble and Madison Choral Society prior to moving to California. She currently sings with Masterworks Chorale and Serenade Chamber Choir, is on the roster for 21V, and works as the Education Program Coordinator for Music at Kohl Mansion.

Jared Wells, Chorus Manager

Jared Wells manages the office for Ragazzi. He is the one who will be picking up the phone, responding to emails, and taking all your questions when you come in person to the office. You can reach out to him anytime with any question.

Jared Wells received his Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Art Studies at Brigham Young University with a minor in Music. While living in Salt Lake City, he worked as a film, television, and commercial actor. His portfolio includes productions from Disney, Paramount, Netflix, Amazon, and Hallmark.

Jared is also an alumni member of Ragazzi Boys Chorus, having sung in the choir from 1996-2007. He has performed with the San Francisco Symphony, San Jose Symphony, San Jose Ballet, and the San Francisco Lyric Opera. He’s competed and toured internationally with Ragazzi to the British Isles, the Iberian Peninsula, Australia, and New Zealand. He’s also worked as a counselor for 14 Summer Sessions and as a tour chaperone for 7 domestic and international tours.

Noah Rulison, Communications, development, and recruitment manager

Noah Rulison coordinates Ragazzi’s website and social media platforms, manages development, and oversees recruiting efforts including SingFest. He is the point person for scheduling auditions for prospective choristers. Noah also previously co-directed Primary Group’s Wednesday class.

Noah holds a Master of Music in Choral Conducting from San Jose State University, and a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Chapman University. He is the Director of Classic Music and Chancel Choir at First Presbyterian Church of Burlingame (BurlPres). Noah is also an avid member of the Barbershop Harmony Society and is currently a section leader in San Francisco’s premier barbershop chorus, the Fog City Singers.

Julie Mamis, Ragazzi Camp Director

Julie holds an MA in Education from Concordia University and has been a credentialed teacher since 1989. As a lead teacher in a K–8 Montessori school she designed and led middle school outdoor education experiences. Julie is the lead teacher at Parkside Montessori in San Mateo. She is supporting the growing public school as it becomes a fully accredited Montessori Pre-K through grade 8 school. Julie has led many tours with middle school students outside of Ragazzi. She has chaperoned Ragazzi tours and is the parent of 3 adult children, one of whom is a Ragazzi alumnus. She loved volunteering with Ragazzi when her son was in Primary Group. After attending Ragazzi Camp as part of the theory team she became Director in 2015.

Joey Krohlow, Music Librarian

Joey Krohlow (he/him) holds a BA in vocal performance and linguistics from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. He teaches voice and piano at the MidPeninsula Music Academy in Redwood City and works as a freelance singer and diction coach, specializing in uncommonly sung languages. Joey is pursuing a Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology at San Jose State University. He was a founding member of Milwaukee-based early music ensemble Aperi Animam, through which he performed on Early Music America’s Emerging Artists Showcase and the Madison Early Music Festival’s Fringe series. Joey continues to serve as the group’s resident linguist, reconstructing and coaching historical pronunciations of Renaissance and medieval-era repertoire. In his spare time, Joey can be found at an ice cream parlor or in the cookware section of your local thrift store.

Mira Lowitz, Office & Rehearsal Intern

Mira Lowitz supports the Ragazzi office staff on Mondays and Tuesdays, where she assists with setting up rehearsal spaces, welcoming and dismissing choristers, and ensuring spaces are cleaned and closed. She is also available to answer questions and handle various other tasks as needed.

Outside of Ragazzi, Mira has been singing with the Peninsula Girls Chorus for 11 years and holds a leadership role as the artistic director of Sequoia High Schools, a cappella group, the Treble Clefs. She is also the executive director of her own treble chamber choir, The Stellas. Mira’s connection to Ragazzi began through her twin brother, Liam, and she is grateful for the close bonds she has built with the community. At home. she enjoys composing songs on the piano and guitar, writing poetry, and creating art. She is excited to be a part of the Ragazzi team.