Our Singers

Jessica Dacpano, soprano, is currently a student at Sacramento State University pursuing her Bachelor’s in Music. Before transferring to Sacramento State, Jessica attended American River College for three years where graduated with four Associate degrees. The Associate degrees obtained were in Music (Voice), Jazz Studies (Voice), Liberal Arts and General Education. At CSUS she received the Sacramento Chorale Scholarship in 2011 as well as the Phil Givant Memorial Scholarship for two consecutive years (2011-2012). Jessica is currently active in the Sacramento State University Chamber Choir and Schola Cantorum Choir at the Sacred Heart Church.

Jenna Strubing, soprano, is thrilled to be joining Vox Musica for her second season. Since she was very young, Jenna has enjoyed singing in a number of groups and productions around the state of California, as well as performing in various All-State and National Honor Choirs. Her father’s love off music inspired her to pursue her passion, and she has spent time on and off for the past several years providing vocal coaching to both individuals and groups looking to improve their technique. Jenna and her fiancé, Matt Hopper, became the owners of a direct sales distributorship in October of 2012. She will continue to share her love of singing throughout her career.

Kaelynn Korten, soprano, is a classical voice major at American River College. She studies privately with Dr. Arthur Lapierre and is happy to be singing in his group, the ARC Advanced Vocal Jazz Ensemble, this year. Kaelynn also enjoys singing opera and musical theatre pieces. She performed in the 1st Annual Concerto and Aria Competition Winners concert with the ARC Orchestra, and she sang in ARC’s production of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street in Oct, 2012. When not singing, Kaelynn loves to draw and paint. Her work has been shown in ARC student shows at the Crocker Art Museum, the K St. Gallery, and the James Kaneko Gallery. Kaelynn is excited to be singing with Vox Musica for the first time.

Elizabeth Mazzaferro, soprano, began her singing career many years ago in her Jr. High choir. Since then, Liz has performed in many different venues, and holds both a Bachelors and Masters degree in Voice Performance. Currently, she is a member of the Sacramento Opera Chorus, and sings as a Cantor at St. Ignatius Parish Church. When she isn’t singing, Liz maintains an active teaching schedule. She teaches 2nd grade, directs an elementary school choir, and teaches private voice lessons. Liz is delighted to be a part of Vox Musica.

Heather Razo, soprano, is thrilled to be performing with Vox Musica for her first time. As a graduate of Sacramento State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Humanities and a minor in Music, Heather works in Sacramento as a professional musician. In addition to her position as Director of Music at St. Ignatius Loyola Parish, she teaches piano and voice lessons, as well as playing piano around the city for various organizations and events.

Jenifer Swanson, Alto, began her music studies in the 5th grade on flute. She didn’t start singing until attending American River College, under the direction of Dr. Ralph Hughes. She sang in both Concert Choir and Chamber Singers for a total of 6 years, an experience that began her love for choral music. Jenifer has been principal flute in the ARC orchestra, and performed the Mozart flute concerto in G major in 2008 with the orchestra. She is attending American River College, pursuing an A.A in music, where she plans to transfer to a 4 year university. In her spare time, she enjoys working her Mary Kay business, teaching flute, dancing, and shopping. She lives with her husband, Anthony in Rocklin. Jenifer is very excited to be joining Vox Musica for the first time.

Kathryn DeFay, alto, has been a member of Vox Musica since its inception. Kathryn comes from a very musical family and started singing at a young age. Prior to joining Vox, she sang with Dixon United Methodist Church Adult Choir, Dixon Community Choir, and Dixon High School Choir as well as playing the clarinet throughout High School. Currently she sings in Vox Musica as well as a vocal quartet based in Dixon. Kathryn is also our fashion coordinator, drawing the color choice from the concert theme. Kathryn holds a degree from the University of California at Davis in Costume and Textile Design.

Valerie Simonson, alto, began her musical training as a violinist in her childhood, but gave up the instrument to pursue voice full time in college. During her time at American River College, Valerie completed two Associates degrees in both traditional music and jazz studies under the tutelage of Dr. Art Lapierre. She has contributed to two DownBeat Awards as lead soprano of both the American River College and CSU Sacramento Vocal Jazz Ensembles. In February 2012 Valerie took over the position of choir director at Elevation of the Holy Cross Orthodox Church in Sacramento, where she thoroughly enjoys both the challenge of directing and learning more about the rich and diverse musical traditions of Eastern Christianity.

Jennifer Crawford, alto, is honored to be in her sixth season with Vox Musica. Her musical upbringing includes singing in church, school and community choirs, as well as playing flute, oboe, and piano in concert bands, jazz ensembles, and woodwind quartets throughout her school career. When not singing, Jennifer can be found writing computer code, volunteering as a Master Food Preserver for Sacramento County, running from zombies, or knitting.

Mary Frank , alto, has recently rejoined the Sacramento music community after moving away over 14 years ago. She has sung in various musical groups ranging from vocal jazz, church ensembles and Jewish women’s choirs to early music and madrigal ensembles. Mary is very excited to be a member of Vox Musica this year. When she isn’t singing, Mary keeps busy running her own educational products company. She is married to her wonderful husband, Adam, and has three beautiful children, Gabriel, Miriam and Gideon.