Cantus Novus
Blooomington-Normal, Illinois
Artistic Director

Cantus Novus is honored to be directed by Janna Peterson. Janna's formal music education includes a Bachelor of Arts in Vocal Performance from Anderson College, a double master’s degree in Vocal Performance and Choral Conducting from Illinois State University, and Music Ministry Certification from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. Janna has served as featured soloist and has sung lead and comprimario operatic roles throughout the Midwest. Twenty-nine years of professional choral directing experience reinforced her belief that choral music can change behaviors, usher in unity and understanding, and can even make changes in society. She continues to mentor young music directors, marveling again and again at the power of music. When not making music, Janna can be found spending time with her husband, tending to their garden beds, curling up with a book, and being creative in the kitchen.
Assistant Director
We are pleased that Melissa Jennings is now our Assistant Director, assisting the Artistic Director as needed. Melissa earned her Bachelor's of Music Education from Southern Utah University and holds teaching licenses with a music endorsement in both Utah and Illinois. She is currently she is a music teacher at Parkside Junior High School where she directs choirs for 6-8 grade students. She has also directed the In Jubilo Women's Chorale and the Key of She a cappella music group.

Collaborative Pianist

Jo Lynn Robinson received a Bachelor’s degree in Music Ed and Master of Music in Piano Performance from Eastern Illinois University. She retired from 38 years in public education, 29 of those in Normal Illinois’s Unit 5 junior and senior high choirs, she then spent 10 years as a collaborative pianist for Illinois Wesleyan University’s Music Theatre program. An Illinois native, she resides in Normal, Illinois.
Board Members
Joe Culpepper
Barbora Dirmontaite
Char Fesler
Melissa Jennings
Jeff Miller
Anthony Morrison
Marge Mosier
April Schultz
George Seelinger
Stewart Winger