Amatones - Leadership

Leadership

Our Team

Alexander J. Amato

founder & artistic director
✉️ aamato@amatones.org

ALEXANDER J. AMATO is a collaborative pianist, vocalist, music director, and emerging arts leader based in the greater Chicago area. Currently pursuing a BA in Music at North Central College, he holds over a decade of experience spanning choral, instrumental and worship settings. As the Founder and Artistic Director of Amatones NFP, Amato leads large-scale artistic projects, develops programming, and mentors musicians. He serves as Music Director at First Presbyterian Church of DuPage and a sought-after collaborative pianist with area schools and ensembles. Alongside his leadership work, Amato performs as a solo artist and remains committed to community engagement through the arts, partnering with organizations including KidsMatter, Naperville Woman’s Club, and ArtsDuPage, while supporting a wide range of events throughout the region. In addition to his artistic leadership, he previously served as a student representative on the City of Naperville Special Events and Community Arts (SECA) Commission. Passionate about creating meaningful musical experiences, Amato enjoys everything from directing choirs and accompanying ensembles to bringing the timeless sounds of 70s and 80s yacht rock to the keyboard. At the heart of his work is a commitment to musical excellence, meaningful collaboration, and deep connection through music.

Jackie Lee

administrative assistant
✉️ jlee@amatones.org

JACKIE LEE is a sophomore at DePaul University pursuing a BMus in Music Education and a BSc in Biochemistry. She is a classically trained pianist, liturgical organist, and jazz vocalist with over 9 years of performance, accompaniment, and teaching experience, and currently studies under concert pianist Marta Aznavoorian. She believes that music education has the power to act as a creative bridge between expression and learning while expanding students’ abilities to think critically. Jackie works at DePaul University’s School of Music on the productions/facilities staff as a stage manager and ensemble manager, as well as a lighting designer at Metea Valley High School. She is a member of ACDA, ILMEA, ACS, USITT, CHICATA, and ITS.

Anaya Ohri

operations assistant
✉️ aohri@amatones.org

ANAYA OHRI is a senior at Waubonsie Valley High School and a passionate student leader dedicated to serving her community through music, leadership, and outreach. She believes in the power of the arts to bring people together and create meaningful connections, an impact she experienced firsthand through her choir’s international performance experience in Spain. Anaya has been a member of Young Naperville Singers for eight years, serving as both a singer and a part of the student leadership team, mentoring younger singers and helping foster a welcoming environment for young musicians. Beyond her musical pursuits, Anaya is actively involved in Student Council, helps organize Red Cross blood drives, and volunteers at nearby senior living centers. Through these experiences, she continues to develop her passion for service, collaboration, and creating opportunities for others to feel supported and connected. She believes that music has the unique ability to inspire others, strengthen communities, and create lasting memories.

Hannah Sams

marketing assistant
✉️ hsams@amatones.org

HANNAH SAMS is an incoming freshman at North Central College, where she will study Psychology and compete on the women’s tennis team. A lifelong choral singer, she has found joy in school, church, and community choirs and looks forward to joining the North Central College Chorale this fall. She believes music has the power to inspire, build meaningful connections, and bring people together through shared experiences. As the new Marketing Assistant for Amatones, she looks forward to helping share the impact of music throughout the community.

Aiden Zea

concert production assistant
✉️ azea@amatones.org

AIDEN ZEA is a junior at Neuqua Valley High School. He is a tenor vocalist currently involved in Neuqua's capstone choir (Varsity Chamber Singers), its vocal jazz group (WildScats Blue), and Canto Vivo (the premier men's choir of the Young Naperville Singers). Aiden has been dedicated to choral music for five years and privately studies voice under JoEllyn Caulfield of The Caulfield Voice. In addition to studying music theory, he plays several instruments, including the violin, guitar, and piano. Aiden believes music holds immense value, offering a powerful outlet for self-expression through performance, fostering teamwork and collaboration, and providing endless ways to convey emotion. He is also active in the school's theatre program and is entering his first year leading the Neuqua Drama Club.