University of Victoria Vocal Jazz Ensemble: Showcase

THE UVIC VOCAL JAZZ MAINSTREAM & IMPROVISATIONAL ENSEMBLE under the direction of Wendell A. Clanton 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 the baton of 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, and 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.

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Tuesday, 16 March 2021

2021 Spring Showcase

Livestream Link: CLICK HERE

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Songs of Love, Hope & Determination

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.

Thursday, 12 March 2020

2020 Spring Showcase

Tuesday, 12 November 2019

2019 Autumn Showcase

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Friday, 22 March 2019

March 2019 Showcase Dress Rehearsal

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Tuesday, 19 March 2019

2019 Spring Showcase

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Monday, 26 November 2018

2018 Autumn Showcase Wrap Up

Congratulations singers, instrumentalists and technical crew! Well done, everyone!

The house was comfortably full, around the 200 mark. Thank you, our audience, for supporting Vocal Jazz!

Special notes of acknowledgement:

Cassidy, for services above and beyond the call of duty, for stepping up and covering for a sick peer.
Clayton, for his significant contribution to the technical success of the show.
Skye, for capturing the show in pictures.
To the internet broadcast crew member, and Kristy (Concert Manager) who organized the ushers and other services.

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The Wisteria String Quartet

Photos by Skye

Thursday, 15 November 2018

Autumn Vocal Jazz Showcase, Nov. 25th

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Tuesday, 13 March 2018

2018 Spring Showcase: Memories

UVic Vocal Jazz showcases are filled-to-capacity events that offer audiences the prospect of a thoroughly engaging and fun-filled musical experience. Our showcases celebrate the considerable dedication and achievement demonstrated by our singers both on stage in concert and off stage in rehearsals, as well as the considerable effort and skill demonstrated by technology operators drawn from within the Ensemble and from our technology program headed by Professor Kirk McNally.