Musicians
The cantor's role as a vocalist is to both sing the responses as the Psalmist, and to lead the singing of the hymns and acclamations of the liturgy. They do this with beautifully trained voices and are sensitive in their leadership without overshadowing the role of the singing of the faithful gathered for Mass.
Director of Sacred Music & Organist
Joel Trekell is the Director of Sacred Music at the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. He is a native of Aurora, Colorado and studied organ and sacred music at Westminster Choir College in Princeton, New Jersey and the University of Houston. He served previously at Trinity Church, Princeton; Hereford Cathedral, UK; St. Paul’s, Houston; and Grace and St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Colorado Springs. Joel has performed regularly as a recitalist, with highlights including Coventry Cathedral, Truro Cathedral, Hereford Cathedral, the Princeton University Chapel, and Christ Church Cathedral, Houston. He is married to Rufina Trekell, a professional soprano and Catholic school teacher. At the Cathedral Basilica, Joel plays the organ for all liturgical celebrations, programs the “Concerts at the Cathedral Basilica,” and directs the Cathedral Choir.
The Choir
The Cathedral Choir numbers 20+ singers, comprised of both staff singers and volunteers. The Cathedral Choir sings the gamut of music for the church from chant to modern compositions. Rehearsals are weekly. Admittance is by audition. For more information, contact Joel Trekell, the Director of Sacred Music
Our Cantors
Kacie Kenton
Soprano
Kacie Kenton recently moved to Denver after living and working locally in Colorado Springs since 2017. A San Diego native, Kacie received her Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from the Wheaton College Conservatory of Music in Illinois and completed her Master of Music in Vocal Performance at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. Kacie has sung with churches of several different denominations, including Grace & St. Stephens Episcopal Church (Colorado Springs), St. John’s Lutheran Church (Wheaton, IL), and Second Presbyterian Church (Knoxville, TN). Kacie is honored to join the illustrious choir at Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. Kacie also sings with various organizations throughout the state of Colorado and has been a featured soloist with the Colorado Springs Chorale, Chamber Orchestra of the Springs, Opera Theatre of the Rockies, Colorado Vocal Arts Ensemble, and Parish House Baroque. Kacie’s recent performances and roles include Adina in L’elisir d’amore, soprano soloist in Handel’s Messiah, Young Alice in Glory Denied, Lola in Gallantry, and soprano soloist in Bach’s B Minor Mass. As a professional singer, Kacie specializes in opera, choral music, art song, high church music and chant, and even dips her toes into the jazz pool from time to time. Kacie also enjoys teaching students of all ages, especially her church choir folks. On any given weekend, you can find her enjoying Colorado’s great outdoors with her adventurous pup Kudos.
Katie Gillett
Soprano
Katie grew up in Longmont, CO, and has been singing in the Catholic Church from her earliest years, participating in her home parish's choral program from age 3 to 18. While studying theatre at Vanderbilt University, she sang in the Vanderbilt Chorale, the Nashville Symphony Chorus, and the Schola Cantorum of St. Mary's of the Seven Sorrows, the oldest church in downtown Nashville. She also gained extensive experience as a cantor in Nashville's Cathedral of the Incarnation through the University Catholic campus ministry program. She is deeply grateful for the musical directors, mentors, and communities that have formed her in a love of music, sacred liturgy, and the Lord Jesus.
Since returning to Denver, Katie has taught music in several Catholic liberal arts schools in the Archdiocese of Denver. She has also served as formation chair for a committee writing new music curriculum standards for the Archdiocese and worked in music ministry in linguistically and culturally diverse parish communities. She currently works for the Institute for Catholic Liberal Education's School Services team, serving the renewal of the Church's educational apostolate in school systems across the country and advocating for music education rooted in "the musical tradition of the universal Church... a treasure of inestimable value" (Sacrosanctum Concilium). Katie is honored to participate in that tradition each week at the Cathedral Basilica, where she has been part of the choir since 2022. Outside of her professional pursuits, she enjoys hiking and rock climbing, reading, and spending time with her family.