April 1, 2014 - 9:00am
The talents and hard work of Vancouver Island University (VIU) Jazz Music students will be on display in an end-of-term concert series at VIU’s Malaspina Theatre April 7, 9 and 10. Sixty students will be joined by faculty and musical guests for 7 pm concerts over the three evenings. Admission is by donation.
VIU Jazz Music program chair Bryan Stovell says students have been practicing and seeking performance opportunities throughout the two terms, and are looking forward to the chance to perform on stage before their school term concludes.
“This is what they’re focused on all year – getting more comfortable and more prepared to perform in front of an audience with all the skills and preparation that has been part of their musical training,” he adds.
Each of the three evenings has a different musical focus. Jazz combos, the VIU Wind Ensemble and Classical soloists take the stage April 7. On April 9, the beat is provided by VIU’s Jazz Ensemble and the Nanaimo Music Association’s Big Band. The College Singers and the VIU Vocal Jazz Ensemble give voice to some great music April 10.
Stovell says newcomers to VIU’s public Jazz program performances are often very surprised at the high level of skill and talent. When students performed at the Nanaimo Rotary Club’s Swing into Spring fundraising event March 22, he said he heard many positive compliments for their playing.
“The students who performed really enjoyed it too, playing ball room dance music from the ‘30s and ‘40s,” he said. “Performance is a chance to put all their hard work and practice on stage, and have some fun.”
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Shari Bishop Bowes, Communications Officer, Vancouver Island University
P:250.740.6443 C: 250.618.1535 E: Communications@viu.ca T: @viunews
Tags: Student Success
