THE UVIC VOCAL JAZZ MAINSTREAM & IMPROVISATIONAL ENSEMBLE has established a reputation for artistic excellence, stylistic flexibility and performances of original and inspiring arrangements. In addition to highly successful performances at the Powell River Vocal Summit and the Frank Demiero Jazz Fest, UVJMIE was the choral ensemble for The Best of Queen concert series with JEANS 'N CLASSICS and the VICTORIA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA under Maestro Giuseppe Pietraroia. The Ensemble is well known for its fun-filled, filled-to-capacity audience engaging concerts. Our Autumn and Spring Vocal Jazz Showcases feature the Signature Studio Ensemble and various Spotlight Combos including Ellavation, and the UVic Vocal Jazz Stage Orchestra. The Ensemble has opened for the internationally acclaimed vocal groups GROOVE FOR THOUGHT and THE REAL GROUP, Canadian sensation COUNTERMEASURE, and has received high praise from legends Kirby Shaw and Dave Barduhn, and from master educators Vijay Singh, Peter Taylor and Janet Warren. Among our many distinguished alumni are MIKE EDEL and TWIN KENNEDY.

Tuesday, 17 April 2018

Alumni Nicholas Renaud named intern conductor with BC Youth Choir

Photo by Emily Liu

Mr. Nicholas Renaud, four-year member of the Vocal Jazz Ensemble, has been named the intern conductor with the BC Youth Choir under the direction of UVic outstanding alumna Allison Girvan.

Nic's resume includes Assistant Director of the Vocal Jazz Ensemble. He rehearsed and directed in concert his enthusiastically received arrangement of Stompa (by Jerrod Bettis and Serena Ryder), that featured the group 20 Something on the 2016 Spring Showcase. Nic has also been a valued member of the Leadership Circle and Audition Team. He has been an active participant with our annual Singing Valentine's fundraiser comprised of touring combos that are booked for private and public functions. His personal initiative and sense of responsibility have made him an apt organizer and promoter.

UVJAZZ Red Combo
Nic has also been tenor with several of our advanced signature combos, and lead tenor with UVJAZZ Red. He appeared with the UVic Vocal Jazz select touring group at the prestigious Frank Demiero Jazz Fest in 2016 in Edmonds, Washington.

Nic Renaud, centre, and UVJazz Red in clinic with Kirby Shaw.
A dedicated musician and teacher, and tireless supporter of his peers and projects for middle and high school students, we see a bright future ahead for this talented, well organized and passionate individual.

Congratulations Nic!

Tuesday, 10 April 2018

Pics from the 2018 Spring Showcase

Pics courtesy of photographer Emily Liu. Thanks Emily!

Click on Images to Enlarge

Thursday, 5 April 2018

Year End: Annual General Meeting; Acknowledgements; New Executive Team!

The outgoing Executive met in late March to review the past year and to look forward to the coming season. A new Executive was nominated, and the nominees have been confirmed.

Congratulations to the new 2018-2019 Vocal Jazz Core Group!
Allie B. (Internal Activities Manager), Cassidy S. (External Events Agent), Lindsey B. (Soprano), Claire D. (Alto), Clayton D. (Tenor) and Jordan R. (bass)

A special note of thanks for the contributions of Allie B., who coordinated the Ensemble and loaned us her considerable expertise! Allie returns as the Internal Activities Manager.

The Ensemble is grateful for the outstanding service and talent of all our 2017-2018 Executive members, including:
James (Bass), Nic (Tenor), Tamara (Blue Manager/Alto), Emily (Secretary/Soprano) and Abby (Chorale Manager/Alto).
Well done team!

A special note of thanks to all the instrumentalists—Wisteria Quartet, UVJAZZ Stage Orchestra and Rhythm Section—for their dedication and skill. Furthermore, the Ensemble recognizes the outstanding contribution of Assistant Conductor Jenna Grossman for her excellent direction of the Jazz Chorale!

We look forward to many of this past year's members auditioning for the Ensemble in September. Come September, a manager for the Show Choir will be nominated.