Jazz
ensemble receives recognition
By Gina Ponce
On-line Forty-Niner
There
was a time when the only way to learn jazz
music was on the street. Then, a movement
began, and groups wanted to start singing
big band music.
“Once jazz began to be recognized as a unique
American art form, it began to be taught
at the college level,” Christine Helferich
said, director of the vocal jazz ensemble
at Cal State Long Beach.
The vocal jazz ensemble, Pacific Standard
Time, has been in existence for over 20
years at CSULB. Comprised of 11 singers,
and a three-piece band, piano, bass and
drum, the group practices a wide variety
of musical styles including jazz standard,
Broadway, gospel, pop and Latin.
“Even though it’s still under the heading
of vocal jazz we try to do many styles,”
Helferich said.
Vocal jazz is a class within the music curriculum.
There are auditions during the fall every
year, not limited to music majors. The group
rehearses twice a week for two hours.
“This places a lot of responsibility on
members to practice outside of rehearsal,”
Helferich said.
Carrie Mock, a sophomore, has been in the
vocal jazz ensemble both of her college
years. She participated in vocal jazz
for a year in high school but came into
Long Beach State as music major violinist.
Mock joined the group to find another musical
outlet and has since changed her major to
vocal jazz.
“It has really broadened my horizons musically,”
Mock said.
Mock said that through her experiences she
has learned the style of vocal jazz, a better
vocal technique, different tunes and that
it builds your repertoire.
“[The group] challenges you and it’s really
fun.” Mock Said. “If you’re a musician,
it makes you more marketable.”
The ensemble has been on a weeklong tour
in January in which Helferich said it helped
to hone their performance skills.
Carlos Carlos, a junior bass singer in the
group, said vocal jazz offers students more
opportunities and skills, especially for
music education students who need to broaden
their musical horizon.
“It’s definitely a different aspect of music
that hasn’t gotten a lot of attention at
Cal State Long Beach,” Carlos said.
Pacific Standard Time will perform their
own concert at CSULB April 10, which they
have not had in several years. Mock said
the group is finally back up to par.
“It’s exciting to have our own [concert],”
Mock said. “It’s going to be incredible
and will feature a lot of solo work besides
just the group.”
“This year’s group has really drawn attention
from the performances they’ve done,” Helferich
said.
The group has been invited to perform at
Carnegie Hall in April 2004 and is auditioning
to perform in the International Association
for Jazz Education Conference in New York
next year.
“The group’s level of musicianship and outstanding
quality of performance has attracted the
attention of professional jazz educators
and enthusiasts from around the country,”
Helferich said.
The ensemble has been scoring near the top
of every festival they have performed in.
“This brings our university national recognition,
and draws students from all over the country
to receive their education here in our music
school,” Helferich said.
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