FOUNDER AND GENERAL DIRECTOR

Don Scott Carpenter is a distinguished composer, conductor, and organist based in San Francisco, renowned for his versatile expertise and leadership in the realm of choral music and worship. As the Founder and General Director of Vox Humana SF, he has spearheaded innovative artistic initiatives, captivating audiences with his profound musical interpretations.

Currently serving as the Organist and Director of Music, Administration, & Engagement at Lakeside Presbyterian Church, Mr. Carpenter brings a wealth of experience and artistry to his role, enriching the spiritual and cultural fabric of the community through his musical endeavors. With a rich background spanning prestigious positions across the United States, including his tenure as the former Executive Director of the American Bach Soloists and Music Director of San Francisco Renaissance Voices, and General Director of the Santa Fe Desert Chorale. Mr. Carpenter has continually demonstrated his commitment to excellence in musical performance and administration.

Mr. Carpenter's artistic footprint extends across continents, with his choirs having captivated audiences in renowned venues such as the Dom in Salzburg, Votivkirche in Vienna, and Carnegie Hall in New York City, earning acclaim for their exceptional performances and musical depth.

An ardent advocate for contemporary music, Mr. Carpenter has commissioned and conducted world premieres by esteemed composers, contributing to the vibrant evolution of the choral repertoire. His debut album, "Shalom," recorded live with the Santa Fe Desert Chorale, celebrates the rich Jewish choral tradition and stands as a testament to his dedication to preserving and honoring diverse musical heritage. Continuing his legacy of artistic exploration and innovation, Mr. Carpenter has released subsequent recordings, including "O Sing Joyfully" and "Passion," with San Francisco Renaissance Voices, showcasing his mastery of both traditional and contemporary choral works, and making his music accessible to audiences worldwide through popular streaming services.

A distinguished member of several esteemed musical organizations, including the American Choral Directors Association, the American Guild of Organists, and Chorus America, Mr. Carpenter continues to inspire and uplift through his unwavering commitment to musical excellence and artistic innovation. His contributions to the cultural landscape of San Francisco and beyond are a testament to his enduring legacy as a visionary artist and dedicated advocate for the transformative power of music.

PRESIDENT

Robert Ripps began his “behind the scenes” career in classical music in 1973 at the Canadian Opera Company after studying in the opera production program at University of Toronto. The recipient of an NEA grant in 1975 Robert returned to the U.S. as a production intern at the San Francisco Opera, subsequently being hired as an Assistant Stage Director/Stage Manager (1976-79). Returning to his native New York City in 1979 Robert began formative stints at Decca/London Records as PR & Artist Relations Director, followed by WNET/TV (PBS) as Talent Coordinator of their annual televised fundraising concert, and at Stereo Review/Sound and Vision magazine as Classical Music Editor that broadened his scope of the “music industry”.

Responding to the devastating losses the performing arts community suffered in the early days of AIDS he produced three Music for Life gala fundraising concerts at Carnegie Hall between 1987-93, raising over 4 million dollars for Gay Men’s Health Crisis (GMHC) programs providing HIV/AIDS care, education and advocacy.

A six-year restorative extended pit-stop in New Mexico led him to join his first board of directors at the Santa Fe Desert Chorale, serving as its President for three years (2005-08), also serving on the Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival board.

Robert returned to San Francisco in 2010 and was invited to join the board of Opera Parallèle in 2011, serving as its President from 2013-17. He remains on their Advisory Council and Planning Committee and consults with other Bay Area not-for-profits on strategic planning, board development, governance practices and fundraising initiatives. He also volunteers at OpenHouse serving on its annual spring event fundraising committee.

SECRETARY

Margaret Elam's musical journey began at the age of 6 when she convinced her parents to allow her to study music, setting her on a path of artistic achievement and dedication. Her passion for music led her to pursue vocal studies, ultimately earning a Bachelor of Arts in Music with Honors, with a focus on voice, from Humboldt State University.

Throughout her career, Margaret has distinguished herself as a versatile and talented performer, gracing stages with her captivating voice and compelling presence. She has garnered acclaim for her lead roles with prestigious organizations such as the Humboldt Light Opera, California State University, Long Beach Summer Opera, and Humboldt University, showcasing her remarkable vocal abilities and stagecraft.

In Fresno, Margaret further honed her skills as both a performer and a vocal coach. She showcased her vocal prowess in singing roles with the Second Space Theater and Good Company Players, captivating audiences with her emotive performances. Additionally, Margaret generously shared her expertise as a vocal coach, contributing to the success of nine musical theater productions for Good Company Players.

Margaret's dedication to music extends beyond the stage, as she has also demonstrated her commitment to nurturing young talent. She served as a vocal coach for the Junior Company Players, imparting her knowledge and passion for musical theater to aspiring performers.

As a conductor, Margaret has led a children's choir at First Covenant Church in San Francisco, inspiring young singers to explore their musical potential and cultivate their love for choral music.

In addition to her work as a conductor and vocal coach, Margaret remains active as a soloist, captivating audiences with her expressive interpretations and exquisite vocal artistry. She has become a cherished fixture at Lakeside Presbyterian Church, where she regularly performs and actively participates in the choral and bell programs.

Margaret Elam's dedication to her craft, her commitment to nurturing young talent, and her exceptional talent as a performer have solidified her reputation as a respected and admired figure in the world of music. Her contributions to the arts have enriched communities and inspired countless individuals to pursue their own musical passions.

TREASURER

Steven J. Spector began his over forty-year career in finance after graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and earning an MBA degree from New York University-Graduate School of Business.

During his career he has worked at such firms as Smith Barney as a Managing Director, a General Partner of Blackstone Capital Partner, a Director at Nomura Securities International, and Managing Director of McVeigh & Co., L.P., a Bass family affiliated hedge fund in various analytical capacities involving risk arbitrage, derivative securities and convertibles. He is a personal financial consultant and has served as Business Manager of American Bach Soloists

His not-for-profit volunteer experience includes having served on the Board of Gay Men’s Health Crisis (GMHC), as the Treasurer and as Chair of the Nominating Committee. After moving to Santa Fe, NM, Steven was elected to the Board of the Center for Contemporary Arts (CCA) and served as Treasurer and Chair of the Board Governance Committee. While in Santa Fe, he also served on a financial advisory committee of Homewise, an organization that promotes affordable homeownership. After moving to San Francisco, he joined the Finance Committee of the San Francisco Art Institute before being elected as Treasurer to its Board of Trustees.

ARTIST REPRESENTATIVE

 Cheryl Cain, soprano, born and raised in San Francisco, has sung with the San Francisco Opera since 2013, the San Francisco Symphony since 2006, as well as American Bach Soloists, Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra and Chorale, and many other professional ensembles. This year she made her solo debut with Pocket Opera as Rosalinde in Die Fledermaus, and as the soprano soloist in Bach’s Magnificat with the San Francisco Symphony. She can be heard on numerous recordings, including the soprano solo in 'Veni sancte spiritus' by Ola Gjeilo on the recording Timeless by Cappella SF and the three Grammy Award winning San Francisco Symphony recording of Mahler's Eighth Symphony.

ASSISTANT MUSIC DIRECTOR

Sam Faustine, a San Francisco born-and-raised musician and singer, performs a wide-variety of genres ranging from Baroque Opera to Modern Musical Theatre. Last season, he was a member of the first National Tour of Broadway’s A Christmas Carol and made his third appearance as a soloist with the San Francisco Symphony performing as the Roasted Swan in Carmina Burana. Sam has appeared in Europe, China, and across the US in roles such as Anthony in Sweeney Todd, Tony in West Side Story, Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors, Curly in Oklahoma!, and Candide in Candide. In addition to his staged-performance career, Sam sings with many Sacred Music and Choral ensembles across the country, most notably the internationally touring; Byrd Ensemble. When not performing classical music and music theatre, Sam plays in a QUEEN cover band impersonating Freddie Mercury.