Full Bio

Jessica Schlenz has been performing in musical theater productions since the age of nine, but it was her high school choral director and mentor, Mark Henson, who inspired her to become a professional musician and music teacher.  She received her Bachelor of Arts in Choral Music Education from California State University, Fullerton where she sang in the Women’s Choir, the University Singers, the Chamber Choir and the Jazz Singers.  In her final year of undergraduate work, she was the alto section leader and assistant conductor of the Chamber Choir, under the direction of Dr. Robert Istad.  During her time at CSUF, she received the Elliott Alexander Memorial Conducting Scholarship, the Judi Eltermann Choral Scholarship, and the CSUF Music Department Chairman’s Service Award. In 2014, she was recognized as Teacher of the Year by the Yorba Linda Masonic Lodge.

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As a vocalist, Ms. Schlenz has toured with choral ensembles all over the world.  Some of her favorite performances include Fauré’s Requiem with the Melbourne Philharmonic in Australia, touring with popular tenor Andrea Bocelli, and being part of the chorus for the demo recordings of composer Eric Whitacre’s techno opera, Paradise Lost: Shadows and Wings.  She also has over 15 years of experience performing as a paid soloist/cantor and section leader, and she is currently an alto section leader and cantor at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Lourdes in the Diocese of Spokane.  During the holidays, you can find her as a strolling Christmas caroler with The Music Companie.  To hear some clips or watch videos of her recent work, please visit her media page.  

Jessica Schlenz spent nearly two decades directing competitive choirs in Southern California's public schools, and she remains in demand as a clinician and adjudicator for choral festivals.   She has worked with singers of all ages and levels of ability, from kindergarten through adults, and has been teaching private voice lessons since 2004.  She also composes and arranges choral music for any style, difficulty level, or voice grouping. To see a sample of her recent a cappella work for SSAB show choir, click here.