Campus Connection

Three vocal jazz ensembles at UW-La Crosse will take the stage for a Fall Vocal Jazz Concert. The groups will perform at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 21, in Annett Recital Hall, Center for the Arts. Admission is free, but seating is limited. Vocal Jazz Ensemble One includes eight vocalists and an instrumental trio performing high quality jazz arrangements and acappella originals attributed to Grammy-winning groups such as New York Voices and The Real Group. Vocal Jazz Ensemble Two is dedicated to a more contemporary acappella style of ensemble singing made popular by TV’s “sing off” series. Vocal Jazz Ensemble Three was formed this fall after an overwhelming student interest and enthusiasm for this style of choral performance. The ensemble includes 12 female singers who will perform arrangements of jazz and popular standards with a “sweet and sassy” attitude. UW-L’s Music Department and Director of Choral Studies Gary Walth has spearheaded the university’s growth of vocal jazz genre, which include a variety of musical styles. Walth says the students are interested in exploring the styles in small vocal performance ensembles. He added a third vocal jazz ensemble this fall after adding a second vocal jazz ensemble in spring 2011. UW-L’s vocal jazz program is seeing statewide success. Vocal Jazz Ensemble One has been selected to represent the UW-L Music Department at the Wisconsin State Music Conference at the Monona Terrace Convention Center in Madison Oct. 25. If you go— Who: Three UW-La Crosse vocal jazz ensembles What: Vocal Jazz Concert When: 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 21 Where: Annett Recital Hall, Center for the Arts Admission: Free; seating is limited