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 March 2020

2020 Spring Showcase Cancelled; Year End Wrap Up



Dear Audience Members, Friends and Supporters,

The current situation hardly requires elaboration. Sadly, but understandably, the University has, in addition to cancelling face-to-face classes, cancelled all concerts to inhibit the spread of the Virus.

Dear Singers, thank you for your outstanding work. This past year has included a superb Autumn Showcase, the brilliant Vocal Jazz Night at Felicitas Campus Pub (... the Manager expressed an intense desire to have us return!), the Winter Concert at Christ Church Cathedral, outstanding in-class presentations, the retreat, and of course the fun and engaging concert for the Choral Celebration at Belmont Secondary School.

My heart goes out to all. May any temptation to disappointment at the cancellation of the Spring Showcase be accompanied and transformed by the recognition of your artistry and enthusiasm, your skill and achievement which is undiminished by adversity.

Every rehearsal and concert has been a thorough joy for me, personally, and I hope that - once the challenges associated with the virus outbreak are past -  there may be an opportunity for us all to gather and celebrate your accomplishments.

Please take a moment for yourselves to reflect on the joy you have brought to others through your music. By so doing, one can find balance in the midst of current events. To that reflection, take time to do things which you would do on any given "normal" day. Give yourself a gift: watch a familiar enjoyable video; take a walk in the sunshine along one of the many greenspace paths; listen to a favourite song or compilation of songs; have that dessert you cannot resist. And - sing! Compose! Make music!

Thank you to alum James W for outstanding contributions! To Rachel, Clay and Allie - cheers and thanks for your superb skill and all your dedicated service.

Finally, a special note of thanks to Cassidy and Connie, our Ensemble Managers! Well done! You are models of service and musicianship for all!

- Wendell, Director.






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