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 MANAGER

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 and serves on the board of Masterworks Chorale. Lauren also works as the Education Program Coordinator for Music at Kohl Mansion.

Lisa Queisert, Finance and Administration Manager

Lisa Queisert oversees and manages bookkeeping, accounting, and human resource policies and procedures. Lisa also assists with the Financial Tuition Assistance Program (FTAP), finance reporting, and supports development with financial information.

Lisa studies voice privately and enjoys musical theater. She performs in regional theater whenever possible. She is thrilled to be working at Ragazzi Boys Chorus, which provides vocal development and performance opportunities in the community.

Nathaniel PErgamit, Chorus Manager

Nathaniel Pergamit 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.

When not in the office, Nathaniel is an avid performer and musical scholar. He holds a Master of Music in Music History from San Jose State University and a Bachelor of Music in Music History from University of the Pacific. His expertise is the study of the intersection between classical music and popular culture. You can see him onstage locally with Lamplighters Music Theatre and West Edge Opera, as well as Fog City Singers, a San Francisco based barbershop chorus.

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. Noah is also an avid member of the Barbershop Harmony Society. He earned a gold medal in the 2019 International Barbershop Chorus Contest singing with the Westminster Chorus, and currently sings with the Fog City Singers barbershop chorus. Noah is elated to join the Ragazzi administrative team.

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.

Sam Dickey, Office and rehearsal intern

Sam Dickey has been a longtime member of Ragazzi since the age of 5 and has been involved with every facet of Ragazzi throughout his years. Sam currently serves as a member of the most accomplished changed voice ensemble, Choral Scholars, where he is a Bass. He went to Synapse School grades K-8 and is currently a freshman at the Menlo School. Sam helps out as the Office and Rehearsal Intern which involves preparing and shutting down rehearsal spaces, assisting with arrival and dismissal, and helping out with a multitude of office tasks. He is ecstatic to be working at Ragazzi and sharing his love for music and singing with younger boys. Feel free to ask him any questions during arrival and dismissal.