2008 Woodie Awards
FC Sings Its Heart Out
Vocal stylings of FC students displayed at local concert
Dana Williams
Issue date: 6/13/06 Section: Entertainment
Fullerton College Music Department showcased its vocal jazz artists in "An Evening of Vocal Jazz" Friday. Artists represented three vocal courses: Vocal Jazz 2, Advanced Vocal Styling, and Vocal Jazz 1: The "J" Train.
Song arrangements were innovative and well received. The singinghowever, not so much. VJ1 seemed to be the only class where almost every student vocally stood out, solo or in harmony. All student voices blended together well, but there were still a few notable voices that stood out from the rest.
Reca Martin (Alto, Advanced Vocal Styling and VJ1) performed "Autumn Leaves" solo, an original arrangement she created in collaboration with Sam Jensen (who is Sam?). The song sounded in the style of Ray Charles with a modern Lauryn Hill beat.
"This song is our creation-the band's and mine," Martin said. "I wanted to put a new spin on jazz, so I put in some hip hop." Martin's Beyoncé-esque voice accompanied her enthusiastic stage presence.
Derrick Koelsch (Bass, Advanced Vocal Styling and VJ1) performed "Summertime;" a classic song arranged by Koelsch in the style of Bobby McFerrin. Though the song was seemingly lengthy, Koelsch displayed an impressive vocal range and scatting skill.
Amy Bloom (Soprano, Advanced Vocal Styling and VJ1) performed a short solo in "Guess Who I Saw Today," a song performed in large by the total VJ1 class.
Bloom alluded to her vocal skills while scatting in previous songs, but it was not until "Guess Who I Saw Today" in which her voice truly shone.
Though some soloists were well-received and impressive, others may leave one questioning how they were ever allowed the opportunity to solo at all. Some singers displayed great solo potential in their scatting-how come they came outsolo-free while others had one, two, sometimes three seemingly undeserved moments in the spotlight?
"All of the students sound really good, but when there's eight, you need to narrow it down," Director Jamie Shew said. "The soloists worked really hard."
The Vocal Jazz classes are also in the process of recording the first installment of a series of CDs. Shew's original arrangement of "Nature Boy" will be recorded this month. The song was originally made famous by Nat King Cole and has since been redone numerous times, including being in the 2001 movie "Moulin Rogue." Shew's version is more fast-paced, involves well-placed scatting, and includes a creative vocal progression from bass to soprano.
"An Evening of Vocal Jazz" was backed up by a good rhythm section, including Sam Jensen on piano, Ross Mortensen on guitair, Jim Pederson on bass, and Dylan Riggan on drums.
The next Music Department concert will be held on Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m at Wilshire Auditorium.
Song arrangements were innovative and well received. The singinghowever, not so much. VJ1 seemed to be the only class where almost every student vocally stood out, solo or in harmony. All student voices blended together well, but there were still a few notable voices that stood out from the rest.
Reca Martin (Alto, Advanced Vocal Styling and VJ1) performed "Autumn Leaves" solo, an original arrangement she created in collaboration with Sam Jensen (who is Sam?). The song sounded in the style of Ray Charles with a modern Lauryn Hill beat.
"This song is our creation-the band's and mine," Martin said. "I wanted to put a new spin on jazz, so I put in some hip hop." Martin's Beyoncé-esque voice accompanied her enthusiastic stage presence.
Derrick Koelsch (Bass, Advanced Vocal Styling and VJ1) performed "Summertime;" a classic song arranged by Koelsch in the style of Bobby McFerrin. Though the song was seemingly lengthy, Koelsch displayed an impressive vocal range and scatting skill.
Amy Bloom (Soprano, Advanced Vocal Styling and VJ1) performed a short solo in "Guess Who I Saw Today," a song performed in large by the total VJ1 class.
Bloom alluded to her vocal skills while scatting in previous songs, but it was not until "Guess Who I Saw Today" in which her voice truly shone.
Though some soloists were well-received and impressive, others may leave one questioning how they were ever allowed the opportunity to solo at all. Some singers displayed great solo potential in their scatting-how come they came outsolo-free while others had one, two, sometimes three seemingly undeserved moments in the spotlight?
"All of the students sound really good, but when there's eight, you need to narrow it down," Director Jamie Shew said. "The soloists worked really hard."
The Vocal Jazz classes are also in the process of recording the first installment of a series of CDs. Shew's original arrangement of "Nature Boy" will be recorded this month. The song was originally made famous by Nat King Cole and has since been redone numerous times, including being in the 2001 movie "Moulin Rogue." Shew's version is more fast-paced, involves well-placed scatting, and includes a creative vocal progression from bass to soprano.
"An Evening of Vocal Jazz" was backed up by a good rhythm section, including Sam Jensen on piano, Ross Mortensen on guitair, Jim Pederson on bass, and Dylan Riggan on drums.
The next Music Department concert will be held on Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m at Wilshire Auditorium.
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