Abby Sherrill won the opportunity to compete at the Valley Singer Challenge, funded by a grant from the James Irvine Foundation. Auditions via Youtube were narrowed to 10 finalists who performed with the Tulare County Symphony in May.
Category Archives: students
Rolling Stones
The BCCM Choir’s performance with the Rolling Stones last night was deemed a “highlight” of the show by Yahoo Music. “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” was the first encore at the SRO-Staples Center Opening of the 50 and Counting Tour.
You can watch a video of the tune here.
PST Best in Nation Three-peat
The BCCM Jazz Program has been awarded three prestigious Downbeat Magazine Awards.
Pacific Standard Time took Large Vocal Jazz Ensemble for the third year in a row.
Miko Shudo was awarded Outstanding Performance for Undergraduate Vocal Jazz Soloist. Brendan Doshi was awarded Outstanding Graduate Original Composition – Lead Sheet for his piece, “Vulture.”
Congratulations to Jeff Jarvis, Christine Guter, Miko, Brendan, and the entire Jazz Program. These are the most significant awards in collegiate jazz. It is a huge honor and a reflection of the depth of our jazz area that we have won three this year.
Students Record at Capitol Records
Christine Guter directed a group of our vocalists for a recording session at the famed Studio A at the iconic Capitol Records Building just north of Hollywood and Vine last weekend. They recorded the closing credits for a film scored by Christopher Caliendo.
Studio A was inaugurated by Frank Sinatra in 1956. Among others to have recorded there are Judy Garland, the Beach Boys and the Beatles.
Silvia Carluccio wins the 2013 “Outstanding Thesis”
Silvia Carluccio (Musicology) has been awarded the 2013 ”Outstanding Thesis” award for the College of the Arts. Her paper, “Fitter Happier”: The Psychological Effects of Fame on The Creative Process,” was an examination of the effect of fame on the music of Nirvana, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Radiohead. The award will be conferred at commencement.
PST Headlines for the Oceanside Jazz Festival
Pacific Standard Time, directed by Christine Guter, was the headliner act for the Oceanside Jazz Festival last weekend at Mira Costa College. The festival has always engaged a professional ensemble to be the headliner, but this year PST was asked by the director of the festival to have the prime spot.
Noted jazz educator, Kelly Kunz, wrote, “I was sitting here today thinking again about your concert last night. It was with no doubt, the best vocal jazz choir I’ve ever heard. Great charts, strong rhythm section, great ensemble singing, really good sound, intonation and balance, tight, energetic and entertaining, the whole 9 yards. I’m not one to gush or heap praise all that much, but I’m left without too many other words. Your work, your group and those kids were so inspiring and have clearly become the model that others should be looking to. It was joyous for me to witness such a high level of musical and personal integrity.”
Select Graduating Vocalists to back up Rolling Stones
Select graduating vocalists will be singing with the Rolling Stones on May 3rd. The concert, at Staples Center, kicks of the Stones’ “50 & Counting Tour.” Dr. Jonathan Talberg will be conducting.
Sometimes you get what you want…
University Percussion Group takes First in California PAS
Congratulations to The University Percussion Group who placed first in the California PAS (Percussion Arts Society) College Percussion Ensemble Competition. They are pictured with a new Yamaha snare drum awarded to the first-place ensemble from Yamaha Percussion. Six ensembles competed from BCCM, CSU Sacramento, San Jose, Bob Allen Music, Fullerton, and Chapman.
Congratulations to Nick Gilroy as well, who placed second in the solo College Multi-Percussion Division. The University Percussion Group just completed their first tour, performing at the California Day of Percussion in Fresno on April 19.
Dr. Gerhart gave a presentation at the conference entitled “The 21st Century Percussionist: Today, Tomorrow, and the Future.”
Stephen Salts Sings with Pacific Bach Project
Stephen Salts was hired to sing with the choir and authentic period-orchestra of The Pacific Bach Project for their inaugural concert in San Diego, April 12 and 13. The Pacific Bach Project is led by artistic director Rick Westerfield. This is the third professional Bach festival that Stephen has been hired for this year; the others were LA Bach Festival and the Long Beach Bach Festival with the Horizon Chamber Choir & Players.
Daniel Favela to Solo with Holland Symphony Orchestra
Daniel Favela sang the tenor solos with the Holland Symphony Orchestra in Michigan April 20th. The Holland Symphony consistently sells out its performances. Its music director is our own Johannes Mueller Stosch.