Kristofer Johnson
If you ever hear whistling on your way to the music building, you’re most likely running into the Director of Choirs and Instructor of Music, Kristofer Johnson. Not only is he an amazing vocalist—Johnson is also an extremely dedicated conductor and adviser to the many student groups he is involved in, such as all a capella groups, the culinary association and a boys’ dorm, Gould House.
Before he came to Exeter, Johnson grew up in Philadelphia, entranced with music even as a child. After his college years at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, Johnson taught mostly at independent schools like Concord Academy and served as an adjunct at Vanderbilt.
Johnson is now having what he describes as the most fun he has ever had in all his teaching career “so far.” He attributes his positive experience at Exeter to the students, who are “hungry for all of the intellectual material about music making, but also have this incredible need for… the community of the choirs.” According to Johnson, this sense of both community and freedom from their mundane routine of classes is why choir is “such a treat for students, because they are eager to be singing in a way that’s really pure.” He mentioned that Exonians often reminded him of his own high school memory, so he has “a lot of love and empathy for the Exeter experience.”
In his years at Exeter, Johnson has played a pivotal role in the revamping of the choir program. Music Instructor Rohan Smith credited Johnson for “bringing a fresh perspective, with his deep knowledge and superb musicianship” to the music department. Smith described his colleague as “someone who lives his own values in his teaching and through music,” by being open to experiences, and to the world. “I find Mr. Johnson to be a person who is very warm and intellectually engaging. I greatly enjoy our conversations about music and life,” said Smith.
Senior and concert choir member Harry Fitzgerald agreed with Smith’s description of Johnson, stating that he “loved [Johnson] in concert choir” and thinks he “has an amazing singing voice, is really funny and approachable.” Upper Hanna Pak, also a member of concert choir, offered similar praises of Johnson. “He is my favorite music faculty member. He has incredible charisma, and connects really well with all of his students,” Pak said. “He sets a very high standard, but he isn’t a harsh director. He is a very motivating person, which makes you naturally work hard around him. He is very funny and always says hello to everyone. Seeing him on the path makes my day.”
Not only does Smith appreciate Johnson’s dedication as a conductor, but also as a “student of music.” According to Smith, Johnson is both a true expert in choral singing and a student of musical styles who is fascinated by the history of music as well. Johnson admitted that he takes chamber music groups “as a selfish pleasure… to sing as a player-coach.” Johnson described the rehearsals as the chances to discover the best version of himself, and he also mentioned how much he enjoy the opportunity to sing and make music everyday. “That to me is the most pure joy that I have,” said Johnson.
When asked what his most memorable experience at Exeter was, Johnson immediately brought up the local and international tours. Regarding the Coachella trip concert choir went on last spring, Johnson commented that, “not only did we perform in concerts, but we did some service work that is really meaningful.” For Johnson, the tours are an opportunity to be with both colleagues and students that take away many of the pressures that they feel on campus. “There are lots of moments of total laughter and connection that you can’t have on campus,” Johnson said.
During his free time, Johnson loves to play with his three Chinook dogs in the woods, go trail running with his wife, read non-fiction and humour articles, and conduct a choir in Concord alongside which the Exeter concert choir will be performing this March.
Overall, students across campus expressed their appreciation for Johnson’s devotion to the choral program and his supportive character. Upper Dylan Yin, the head of PEADS and a member of concert choir, confessed that Johnson’s constant smile was what reassured him and made him feel like what he was singing was worth it. “Mr. Johnson will always be there for you, and he is one of those few people who will make you genuinely happy.” Senior and concert choir member Emily Green also acclaimed his “extraordinary spirit and kindness,” stating that Johnson has “made concert choir one of the best parts of [her] Exeter experience.”