Friday, October 21, 2011

A Musical Homecoming

On October 27, Grass Valley Vocal Jazz at Grass Valley Elementary School in Camas will be presenting “A Musical Homecoming.”  This fall concert will honor vocal jazz members from the past 25+ years who have paved the way for Grass Valley Vocal Jazz.
Former Camas vocal jazz members from all grade levels are invited and encouraged to attend the concert.  A reception at Grass Valley Elementary School will immediately follow to provide time for conversations.  This reunion was inspired by former members who have stayed connected through the years because of their participation in the vocal jazz program.

Grass Valley Vocal Jazz (GVVJ) consists of students in grades 3-4-5 that perform only jazz music.  Accompanied by a student rhythm section on piano, bass and drums, GVVJ is one of very few elementary vocal jazz choirs in our nation.  Their accolades are numerous: various “Outstanding Musician Awards” at annual jazz festivals; first place at the 2011 NW Vocal Jazz Festival at Mt. Hood Community College in the middle school/junior high division; and student participation in local, state, regional and national honor choirs.

GVVJ­ was selected by audition to perform at the Washington State Music Educators Association (WMEA) Conference in Yakima this February 2012.  They will also be a demonstration choir for a session that director Natalie Wilson is presenting at the NW American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) conference next March in Seattle.  Other activities include the Friends of Frank DeMiero Jazz Reach festival in Lynnwood, Washington, and the NW Vocal Jazz Festival at Mt. Hood Community College in Gresham, Oregon, as well as concerts in our own school and community.

Director Natalie Wilson is looking forward to seeing former jazz members in the audience at Grass Valley Elementary School in Camas.  Please help announce this reunion concert to other former members of the Camas vocal jazz program.  GVVJ looks forward to meeting those who have set the standard of excellence for vocal jazz program where they now participate.  This performance is the GVVJ way of saying “thank you!”
For more information on this program and Grass Valley Vocal Jazz, please direct your inquiries to natalie.wilson@camas.wednet.edu or at 360.833.5710 ext. 78100.

A Musical Homecoming              
Thursday, October 27, 2011        
6:30 PM | Free
Grass Valley Elementary School              
3000 NW Grass Valley Drive
(Located behind the park across from Lacamas Swim and Sport)