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Vocal Jazz

Course Number: #8972

For the advanced singer, this select group of 14 singers performs vocal jazz music in the style of Manhattan Transfer and New York Voices. They have performed at Disney World and have been featured at Jazz Erie events. They also present Singing Valentines – a yearly fund-raising event that continues to grow in popularity and receives rave reviews. In addition to preparing concert selections, this group focuses on the unique characteristics of vocal jazz, such as improvisation. Improvisation is one of the Pennsylvania music standards, and is alive and well here at Collegiate Academy. Vocal Jazz singers practice improvisation or “scatting,” every class and listen to such jazz greats as Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday and today’s Nora Jones and Michael Buble. When performing, students sing with individual microphones and a sound system. Stage presence, vocal projection and blend, and microphone technique are also addressed. Students perform with CD accompaniment, piano accompaniment and live instrumentation. Students from this class have been selected to perform with the PMEA State Vocal Jazz Ensemble. Pianists may also audition to serve as accompanists.

Prerequisites: must be able to sing on pitch; some choral experience is helpful but not necessary; enrollment is by audition only

Credit(s): 1

Open to Grade(s): 10–12