Our Singers

Kristin Bluemel-Redman, soprano, began her singing career with the Light Opera Theater of Sacramento, immediately followed by the California Music Circus. She studied voice at Chapman University, where she participated in the choral and opera programs and performed with the LA Philharmonic at the Hollywood bowl’s production of Holst’s Planets as well as the Western premier of The Lord of the Rings. After graduating, Kristin taught undergraduate courses while earning her Masters of Music at CSU Sacramento. Kristin has received awards in multiple competitions including first place for the Saturday Club scholarship competition, first place division winner for the San Joaquin NATS competition in 2008, and second place for the highest division the following year. In 2009 Kristin completed her Masters of Music, having already performed roles as well as scenes from operas including: Die Zauberflöte, Le Nozze di Figaro, The Village Singer, Don Giovanni, La Traviata, The Dialogues of the Carmelites, The Abduction from the Seraglio, and many more. She has performed throughout the Western states, as well as in Greece, and in Italy.

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.

Annie Coke, soprano, was classically trained as a violinist since age three. Soon after transferring to California State University, Sacramento (CSUS) she discovered her voice, put down the violin, and switched her major to Voice performance. Since then she has studied in the voice studios of Ronit Widmann-Levy and Claudia Kitka. While at CSUS Annie was very active in the opera program and performed such roles as Mabel in Pirates of Penzance and Noémie in Cendrillo. Her other operatic roles include the Countess (Figaro), Pamina (Magic Flute), Agathe (Der Freischutz), and Urbain (Les Huguenots). These days she enjoys playing Dungeons & Dragons, singing in Vox Musica, and appearing in pit orchestras in the Sacramento area.

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.