CAH : Jazz Convention

CWU Vocal Jazz 1 to perform in New York
at prestigious jazz convention January 10-14th, 2006.

Central Washington University's premiere vocal jazz ensemble, Vocal Jazz 1, has been selected and invited to perform as part of the 2007 International Association of Jazz Educators (IAJE) convention. The event, the largest jazz convention in the world, is sponsored by IAJE and features clinics, workshops, and performances by legendary jazz artists, educators, and selected school groups. Invitation is through a rigorous audition process based on quality recordings of performances, reputation of the artist/school, creative programming/quality of repertoire, and tradition of excellence. The convention will be held at the Hilton and Sheraton Hotels in Manhattan, and will be attended by over 11,000 jazz musicians, educators, music industry professionals, students, record labels/publishers, composers/arrangers, and jazz lovers.

CWU's Vocal Jazz 1, directed by Professor Vijay Singh, last appeared at a national IAJE convention in 2002. The group consists of 14 vocalists and 4 instrumentalists selected for their musicianship, work ethic, solo abilities, improvisational skill, vocal technique, and commitment. CWU has three vocal jazz ensembles with over 60 students participating in vocal jazz performance and education. CWU's student IAJE chapter boasts a membership of over 50 active members and sponsors frequent jam sessions, clinics, and guest artists. Legendary CWU jazz educator John "Coach" Moawad was one of the first educators to produce vocal jazz ensembles in the U.S and the strong tradition of exemplary jazz groups continues under the direction of Professor Singh and Director of Jazz Studies, Chris Bruya.

Vocal Jazz 1 will be performing an hour long program arranged entirely by CWU alumni, directors, and current students. Six new pieces will be premiered at the convention and were written specifically for the event. CWU groups are renowned for programming fresh repertoire, commissioning new works, promoting student arrangements, and promoting improvisation. Professor Singh is especially proud of the work ethic and growth Vocal Jazz 1 students have shown this past quarter; their dedication to excellence lead them to return to campus during the holidays (giving up 3 days of their break) to rehearse and polish their program! The group will perform their IAJE set during the 2007 CWU John Moawad Invitational Jazz Festival January 19-20, 2007 with guest artists Ingrid Jensen (trumpet) and CWU alumn Jon Wikan.