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

Sunday 5 October 2014

2014 Retreat | Crofton, BC

Ensemble members enjoyed a successful weekend fully immersed in rehearsal of the compositions for our November 23rd Concert Shades of Blue.

Small ensemble rehearsals, led by various combo captains, were held in the main hall and balcony tent. Saturday rehearsals culminated in an afternoon preview concert held at the outdoor amphitheatre.

Though Saturday was dedicated to rehearsals, singers were provided time to enjoy the verdant landscape, beach, trails and outdoor activities of the camp situated on a hillside facing Saltspring Island. The basketball court, trampolines, friendly deer, and of course the merry-go-round, provided much interest.

Saturday concluded with a bonfire and marshmallow roast, an evening saturated for several hours with constant song and good humour.

Many thanks go out to our hosts at Camp Qwanoes—Avner, Colleen and Erin—who welcomed us and kept us well fed. Many thanks, also, to the drivers who provided transportation—Joey, William, Aaron, and especially Matt!

Click on images to enlarge.

I Need Your Love  |  Post Performance Pose

Men of Song

Emma G. & Rachele

Happy Feet 2014

Advantage William

Margaret Making A Friend

Cool Talk with Taliya & Cody

Lullaby of Birdland with Kenji: Up & At 'Em

Lullaby of Birdland with Kenji: Down to Details

Images by W. Clanton