Southwestern Oregon Community College’s Music Department received an invitation from Manhattan Concert Productions in New York City for the Southwestern Vocal and Instrumental Jazz Ensembles to participate in the New York City Jazz Festival from April 7 – 10, 2017! After hearing the submitted audition material, the letter of invitation stated, “ Recognizing the quality of your program…we value the opportunity to collaborate with you and your ensembles.” This is an extremely exciting opportunity for our young musicians to participate in jazz clinics and receive feedback from an acclaimed panel of jazz experts. In addition, they will have the opportunity to perform at the historic and famous Apollo Theatre in Harlem, which hosts this event every year. Finally, the ensembles will have the opportunity to hear professional jazz musicians, attend a Broadway production, and tour Manhattan. Southwestern Oregon Community College is extremely proud of our music students and thrilled to embark on this journey with them. Opportunities are still available to help get our students to the New York City Jazz Festival in April! You may donate any amount (which is tax deductible for 2017!) by writing a check to the Southwestern Foundation (write “NYC music trip” in the memo line), keeping in mind that an anonymous donor has agreed to match any amount up to and including $100! You may also purchase a raffle ticket ($50.00 each) for a 1928 Gulbransen Baby Grand Piano ($3800 value); the drawing will take place on January 30 and there are still plenty of tickets left. Please contact Mike Turner (541-888-7242 or mturner@socc.edu) to purchase raffle tickets or if you want any other information about this historic opportunity for the music department.
