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.

Signature Ensembles

Signature Ensembles
2023

Monday 8 April 2019

UVIC Vocal Jazz "Best of Queen" with Jeans 'n Classics and the Victoria Symphony Orchestra

UVic Vocal Jazz with Jeans 'n Classics' Michael Shotton and Jennifer Martin

A heartfelt thanks and congratulations to members of the Vocal Jazz Ensemble who, at a very, very busy time of year, and in the wake of having performed an outstanding Spring Showcase, dedicated time and talent to a series of three inspired (sold out!) performances with Jeans ‘n Classics and the Victoria Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Maestro Joey Pietraroia.



The Ensemble is grateful to Mr. Bill Linwood who contracted the Ensemble for this exciting event.

Monday Magazine review by Don Descoteau:

After intermission 20 singers of University of Victoria’s Vocal Jazz Ensemble joined the group on stage. The addition of the young singers proved a perfect way to handle the complex vocal arrangements in Queen music.

The collective group led off what Shotton called the “anthemic” second half of the show with “We Will Rock You”/”We Are the Champions,” getting full participation from the enthusiastic audience in the stomping and clapping department.

The chorus shone in “Flash” and “I Want it All,” giving a real sense of vocal power to the proceedings, to which the charismatic Shotton appeared supremely impressed.

After performing the beautiful Brian May-penned ballad “Who Wants to Live Forever” and Mercury’s rousing “Don’t Stop Me Now,” the group launched into the highly anticipated finale, their thrilling six-minute rendition of “Bohemian Rhapsody” that again strongly featured the vocal chorus.


Click on Images to Enlarge
Thank you Michael Shotton, Stephanie Martin and all the Jeans 'n Classics performers for your inspiration, graciousness and love of life!

Congratulations!!!

UVic Vocal Jazz Best of Queen Ensemble

Allie Bertholm - Coordinator
Connie Goetz - Pitch Coach
Lindsey Bellman
Evan Chorney
Chris Clarke
Liam Nelson
Robert Chamberland
Clay Dowdell
Carter Doyle
Matisse Edgar Yoshihara
Skye Eriksen
Ken Kosowick
Maddie Meech
Benedict Mendes
John Siewert
Patrick Schjelderup
Laura Smith
Jo Spry
Ross Sutherland
Addie Vasant
James Waddell

Wendell Clanton - Director


Royal Theatre Green Room

Saturday 6 April 2019

Vocal Jazz with Victoria Symphony Orchestra

The Best of Queen

The University of Victoria Vocal Jazz Ensemble appears in concert with the Victoria Symphony Orchestra.



Fri, April 5th 8:00 PM - 10:00 pm
Sat, April 6th 8:00 PM - 10:00 pm
Sun, April 7th 2:00 PM - 4:00 pm