The Ensemble Experience at PVCC

The Music Department at Paradise Valley Community College is pleased to offer a wide variety of music performance ensembles for the Spring 2016 semester. The music ensembles are open to music students and community members of all ages and abilities. The spring offerings include Concert Band, Jazz Big Band, Latin Jazz Band, Jazz Combo, Vocal Ensemble, String Ensemble, Cello Ensemble, Piano Ensemble, Contemporary Music Ensemble, Clarinet Ensemble, Multimedia Ensemble, Brazilian Percussion Ensemble, Student Rock Band and much more!

Music Ensembles are listed in the course catalog under the prefix MUP and course number 160, 185, 181, 190.

Music Ensembles meet once per week in the late afternoon and evenings in the Center for the Performing Arts.

The ensemble experience at PVCC provides students with community: our ensembles are a mix of high school students, college-age students, community members and retired professionals. Students and instructors collaborate to select repertoire for public performances held in the Center for Performing Arts. Students gain practical and performance experience in instrumental, vocal, and mixed ensembles.


Spring 2016 Ensembles at PVCC:
MUP 163 Jazz Ensemble: Jazz Big Band
MUP 181 Chamber Music Ensemble: Union Jazz Institute
MUP 181 Chamber Music Ensemble: Jazz Combo
MUP 181 Chamber Music Ensemble: Latin Jazz
MUP 190 Percussion Ensemble: World Music
MUP 181 Chamber Music Ensemble: Multimedia
MUP 181 Chamber Music Ensemble: Openscore
MUP 181 Chamber Music Ensemble: Flute
MUP 181 Chamber Music Ensemble: Cello/String
MUP 181 Chamber Music Ensemble: Brass
MUP 181 Chamber Music Ensemble: Band
MUP 181 Chamber Music Ensemble: Recording
MUP 181 Chamber Music Ensemble: Classic Piano

Register for Spring 2016 at classes.sis.maricopa.edu

The Fall 2015 Festival of Tales | Student Review by Nicole Zimora

The Festival of Tales is a FREE storytelling festival at Paradise Community college. From 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., children from the community engage in different types of literacy-based activities: arts & crafts, storytelling and more. During registration each child is given two tickets - one for a “book walk” and the other for a free book.

Children have the opportunity to pick their favorite book at a table set up with hundreds of different types of books for different reading levels. They receive free books by doing the “book walk.” Music plays as they walk around a number placement; when the music stops numbers are drawn and the number called out receives a free book! Children play games centered on literary characters and participate in storytelling sessions in which books are read aloud.

Throughout the event live music was playing provided by the PVCC Ensembles. Two bands played: a jazz band and a Latin jazz band. They had various instruments such as a saxophone, cello, bass guitar, and tambourine as their timbre and a piano. The rhythm of the songs that were being played made you want to get up and dance! It was a fun and great way to spend a Saturday afternoon.

Jazz Under the Stars | Student Review by Sarah Toth

The Jazz Under the Stars event held on Tuesday October 13th in the PVCC outdoor amphitheater was a night of toe tapping entertainment. Between the two “Big Band Music” groups, there was a variety of slow, to moderate, to fast tempos of music. Any age could go out and enjoy the lovely music being played. The causal environment made the whole atmosphere a family-friendly setting. The bands helped each other out on stage during the performance, and the director openly made jokes about himself and the band. The casual setting also made the performance all the more enjoyable. The entire performance was outstanding.

THE INSTRUMENTS BATTLED EACH OTHER IN DISSONANCE AND THEN RESOLVED THEMSELVES IN HARMONIES. MOST BANDS TRY TO STAY CONSTANT WITH THE OTHER SECTIONS, BUT JAZZ IS FREER THAN THAT. 

Each band kept the same tone throughout their movements. Hearing the instruments battling each other out in dissonance to resolve themselves in harmonies was a new experience. Most bands that play will try to stay constant with the other sections, but jazz is freer than that. For example, some pieces played were originally written for other instruments, such as the alto saxophone, but were manipulated for other instruments like the trombone. With each band, it was obvious that for some pieces, certain instruments were the focal point. With other pieces, adding an instrument made a huge difference. The addition of an instrument was the difference in making a classical piece modern.

Each band had soloists in every selection they performed. To highlight the soloists, they would stand and use a mic to amplify their instruments. Not only did the mic help the solo clearer, but the rest of the band would back off the notes and harmonies, just to crescendo back into the piece. In the first band, they had a key soloists perform with them. He is a professor at the University of Central Florida, Mr. Mike Wilkinson. Mike performed in several of the performances and added a new feel to the band.

The first band was bigger than the second band. They had larger sections for the instruments, as well as had more soloists. The first band is what you would think of with a stereotypical jazz band. The second band had an all around new style to the way they performed. The director was an actual band player himself and played in the performance. In this band, there was a more prominent feel to the revolutionary styles of jazz, and added more modern instruments, drum sets and a bass, to modernize the sets. Although the second band had fewer members, the power behind the instruments was well known. In the first band, the crescendos were powerful, and the sound carried throughout the amphitheater. Where the second band lacked in power, it made up for it in the difficulties of the music.

THE FIRST BAND BROUGHT A PROFESSIONAL TROMBONE PLAYER TO ASSIST THEM, WHERE THE SECOND BAND HAD A REALLY COOL ADVANTAGE OF HAVING A COMPOSER IN THEIR SET. 

Each band also brought something different to the table. The first band brought a professional trombone player to assist them, where the second band had a really cool advantage of have a composer in their set. The second band always tries to play a piece of his every show, this shows being titled Burk the Baby.

Jazz Under the Stars was a very fun experience. From learning about music in class, to really hearing it live and in person is a whole new experience. From a college band, that amount of perfection put into these pieces was amazing. You wouldn’t have been able to tell if this was a class, or if it as a group of people doing what they love. Jazz Under the Stars was a really good all around experience.  

#thisweekatpvcc: Free Film Festival, Music Festival and Food Trucks!

FILM FESTIVAL @ PVCC - THE ARTS AND ARTISTS THROUGH FILM PRESENTS:

Mrs. Henderson Presents (Great Britain, R; 103 min.)

Wednesday, September 30th @ 6:30pm. Free Admission. CPA-Mainstage Theater.

First Saturday Outdoor Concert Series: October 3, 2015 at 6:00pm, Free Admission

Paradise Valley Community College’s Center for the Performing Arts (CPA) will host a series of music concerts on the first Saturdays in September, October and November 2015. These free performances are presented on the CPA’s outdoor amphitheater stage from 6-8 p.m., and audience members are invited to bring a folding chair or blanket as the space accommodates lawn seating only.  Several of Phoenix's most popular Food Trucks will be on site to serve concessions. Cash donations will be accepted. Kids Craft Area supervised by students in PVCC's Education Program.

October 3rd Event Features:

Music: Rebel Heart (Country/Blues/Rock)

Food Trucks: Frites Street - Gourmet Pomme Frites and Tom’s BBQ

Fine & Performing Arts Student Spotlight Video - Lindsay, Dance

A short video highlighting PVCC's dance program and the experiences of student Lindsay Bush. Learn more about PVCC's dance program at: www.paradisevalley.edu/dance

Free First Saturday Concert Series at PVCC

This fall, the First Saturday Concert Series returns to PVCC with free outdoor concerts every First Saturday of the month in August, September, October and November of 2015.

These free performances are presented on the CPA’s outdoor amphitheater stage from 6-8 p.m., and audience members are invited to bring a folding chair or blanket as the space is lawn seating only. Several of Phoenix's most popular food trucks will be on site to serve concessions.

August 8th, 2015: An Evening in Brazil with Grupo Liberdade| 6pm | Free Admission

Featuring exciting music and dance performances by GRUPO LIBERDADE and the SAMBAZ DANCERS. Grupo Liberdade is a performance group dedicated to freedom of expression through Culture, Movement & Sound. They promote COMMUNITY, DIVERSITY & EMPOWERMENT drawing upon the traditional & contemporary rhythms of Brazil and beyond while bringing an original sound & energy to our desert metropolis.

September 5th, 2015: The Cal Tjader Tribute Band| 6pm | Free Admission

With exciting performances of Mambo, Cha cha cha, and other grooves, The Tjader Tribute Band pays homage to one of the most important Latin-jazz artists of the last century.

October 3rd, 2015: Rebel Heart: Country Rock| 6pm | Free Admission

Rebel Heart is a 5 piece band from Arizona consisting of seasoned stage veterans covering percussion, lead guitar, bass, and lead vocals. The dual vocalists carry a powerful and soulful sound and presence. They offer a variety of country, rock, and blues ranging from old to new.

November 7th, 2015: A Night on Broadway| 6pm | Free Admission

Featuring vocalists Kristen Drathman and Tommy Strawser, enjoy a night on broadway with your favorite show tunes. 

For more information about events at the Center for the Performing Arts, view our Fall 2015 Events Calendar or call 602-787-7738. Box Office hours are noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday thru Friday and one hour prior to show.

The Center for the Performing Arts is conveniently located at 34th Street and Union Hills at the east end of the campus of Paradise Valley Community College in North Phoenix. Parking is free.

Hands-On Music Series - Free Events & Workshops at PVCC

The music department at Paradise Valley Community College is pleased to present a new series of hands-on and interactive musical opportunities for students, staff and members of the community. All events in this series are FREE and only require an interest to learn something new and have fun. No Experience Necessary!


Tuesday Evenings: Afro-Latin Drum and Dance Workshops

6:30p-8:30p, KSC 1000A • June 16, 23, 30 • July 7, 14, 21

Learn to play and dance to the exciting rhythms and music from Cuba and Brazil.

All Drums will be provided. Featuring Guest artists Joe Goglia and Jesse Joaquin Parker.


Thursday Afternoons: Concerts with Faculty and Guests

11:00a-12:00p, Studio Theater/M-East Bldg

June 18: The Rattler Hot Jazz Orchestra

June 25: Paradise Winds (Location TBD)

July 2: PVCC Faculty Jazz Ensemble

July 9: Dr. Ashley Oakley, piano

July 16: Tribute to West Coast Jazz

July 23: GCC Guitar Ensmbles, under the direction of Chuck Hulihan

Concerts are family-friendly. Bring your lunch and enjoy the music!

June Events at PVCC - Two Theater Productions, Drum Workshops and Free Concerts


UNDER THE BED (a play for children and families).  DIRECTED BY CRAIG KOSNIK
June 11th and 12th at 11:00am, June 12th and 13th at 7:00pm, June 14th at 2:00pm.
Performances held in the Studio Theater/M-East Building, Seating is limited. $5 adults/seniors/staff/students/military; $2 children
Click HERE to purchase tickets 

Mo and Jo are staying with their Aunt Flo as their mom is on her honeymoon with the new man she has married.  Mo and Jo cannot fall asleep because they think that there is something (or someone) under the bed.  They hear strange sounds from under the bed.  They smell strange odors from under the bed.  That means that there must be something under the bed, right?  Suddenly, a Hot Water Bottle comes to life and tries to help the siblings go to sleep.  He suggests that they travel somewhere else so that they can escape whatever is under the bed.  In their travels, the trio visit Antarctica and meet a Spanish Penguin that recites poetry, and a Monkey in the South Seas.  Will they ever be able to fall asleep?  For all ages!

NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY: AFRO-CUBAN DRUM AND DANCE WORKSHOP
June 16th, 6:30pm-8:30pm, KSC 1000A, Free Admission
Learn to play and dance to the exciting rhythms and music from Cuba and Brazil. 
All Drums will be provided. Featuring Guest artists Joe Goglia and Jesse Joaquin Parker

LUNCHTIME CONCERT SERIES: THE RATTLER HOT JAZZ ORCHESTRA
June 18th, 11:00am-12:00pm, Studio Theater/M-East Bldg, Free Admission
Local Phoenix Musicians Jordan Tompkins, Greg Lloyd, Kevin Bock, Eric Wells, and Josh Bennett invite you to enjoy the sounds of Traditional New Orleans Jazz with The Rattler Hot Jazz Orchestra! From classic Hot Jazz standards, to the music of Louis Armstrong, and even new popular songs RHJO brings the spirit of New Orleans to the Phoenix valley. So bring your friends and family and join us at Paradise Valley Community College on June 18th in the Black Box Theater as we celebrate the music that launched a new musical movement in America!

SPAMALOT (musical).  DIRECTED BY ANDREA ROBERTSON
June 19th, 20th, 26th, 27th @ 7:30pm. June 21st and 28th @ 2:00pm.
$15 adults; $12 seniors/staff; $10 students/military; $8 children

Click HERE to purchase tickets *4 additional ticket fee at the door 1hour prior to performance.
Lovingly ripped off from the classic film comedy MONTY PYTHON AND THE HOLY GRAIL, SPAMALOT retells the legend of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table, and features a bevy of beautiful show girls, not to mention cows, killer rabbits, and French people. Did we mention the bevy of beautiful show girls?  The 2005 Broadway production won three Tony Awards, including "Best Musical," and received 14 Tony Award nominations.

NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY: AFRO-CUBAN DRUM AND DANCE WORKSHOP
June 23rd, 6:30pm-8:30pm, KSC 1000A, Free Admission
Learn to play and dance to the exciting rhythms and music from Cuba and Brazil. 
All Drums will be provided. Featuring Guest artists Joe Goglia and Jesse Joaquin Parker

LUNCHTIME CONCERT SERIES: PARADISE WINDS
June 25th, 11:00am-12:00pm, Location is TBD, Free Admission
The Paradise Winds are a collection of artists presenting chamber music concerts, educational programs, benefits, fundraisers and community events in Greater Phoenix, AZ. The variety of artistry provides a diverse background of other specialties, but each artist appearing with the ensemble has accomplished great feats in music performance, research and education. The Paradise Winds represent the past, present and future of wind chamber music.

NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY: AFRO-CUBAN DRUM AND DANCE WORKSHOP
June 30th, 6:30pm-8:30pm, KSC 1000A, Free Admission
Learn to play and dance to the exciting rhythms and music from Cuba and Brazil. 
All Drums will be provided. Featuring Guest artists Joe Goglia and Jesse Joaquin Parker 

For additional information about any of the listed events, please contact the Center for the Performing Arts Box Office at 602-787-7738 or email boxoffice@paradisevalley.edu.

Acts Creative: Introduction

Dr. Brett Reed, Music Faculty

Dr. Brett Reed, Music Faculty

Long-time friend, collaborator, and schlagzeuger, Doug Nottingham, greeted me last week with the declaration, “I’m committed to doing a creative act every day of the summer break.” I wasn’t surprised at this comment, its a great idea, but I was at first puzzled - how is this different than our usual practice? Most days of an active musicians life has to be this way to teach, present concerts, make recordings and get better at our craft. 

After mulling it over for some time here are the ways this proclamation is different than our typical modus operandi. First, for those of us whose body clock shares DNA with the academic calendar, this statement suggests that the summer break is not for finding the nearest couch and the remote that is sure to be on the arm rest. Second, and more importantly, the concept is rooted in commitment, in acknowledgment, in some form of accountability. There is a lot of power in owning something no matter if in the arts or any other aspect of life. Lastly, the pledge also suggests priority; to pull it off would take energy, planning, and active participation.

Consideration over, because it is a great idea and for how it coincides with other current things I have been chewing on about what it means to be a successful artist I, and fellow music faculty member Keith Kelly, have decided to take the same oath as Doug. Over the coming weeks each of us are going to post on weekly basis about what we get up to and share with you our progress, sources of inspiration, finished works or anything else that illustrates our acts creative. 

I hope that at least you will find it interesting, better still it might encourage you to take the plunge with us and do the same, no matter your field, area of the arts, or otherwise. As a warmup here is clear documentation of a creative act, shared by Keith and I in the making of his most recent record: 

Enjoy the music, see you next week.
 

Dr. Christopher Scinto honored at Annual Employee Recognition Luncheon

 

The Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation (MCCF), the fundraising arm of the Maricopa County Community Colleges (MCCC), each year recognizes MCCC employees who have made outstanding contributions to the MCCC District's mission.

This year, five awards were made to individual employees at a luncheon held April 28, 2015 at the Foundation’s offices.  Dr. Stephen Helfgot, CEO/President of MCCF presided over the luncheon and remarks were made by Dr. Rufus Glasper, Chancellor, MCCC and Heidi Schaefer, Chairman, MCCF Board.

Congratulations to PVCC's own Dr. Christopher Scinto,  Division Chair of Fine and Performing Arts, who was one of the five honorees.  Under Dr. Scinto’s leadership students have flourished and demonstrated success in the arts; significant community partnerships and notable scholarships. In just the last five years, PVCC Center for Performing Arts has provided over 625 performances, drawing over 69,000 community attendees.  Through various benefit events, more than $40,500 has been raised for Fine and Performing Arts scholarships.

Congratulations!

A B O U T   D R .   S C I N T O

Christopher Scinto's compositions have been featured on music festivals in Germany, Italy, Spain, and throughout the United States. His works, performed by the ASU Symphony Orchestra, the Cleveland Chamber Symphony, the NYU New Music and Dance Ensemble, and the Phoenix Chorale, have received awards and grants from the Long Island Composer's Alliance, Meet the Composer, the MidAmerican Center for Contemporary Music, and the National Association of Composers, USA. He holds degrees from Arizona State University (BM & DMA) and Bowling Green State University (MM), where his studies included composition, saxophone performance, and conducting. Currently, he is completing a work for saxophone and percussion, titled Octet, and is collaborating with nationally acclaimed poet and PVCC faculty member Lois Roma-Deeley on an opera, The Ballad of Downtown Jake. In addition to his artistic pursuits, Scinto is the Division Chair of Fine & Performing Arts at Paradise Valley Community College and is the founder and artistic director of the contemporary music ensemble Crossing 32nd Street.