Fall 2017 Jazz Ensembles at PVCC

The Music Department at PVCC is excited to offer several new and unique music-making opportunities focused on JAZZ MUSIC for Fall 2017. Courses are for students of all ages and abilities. Ensemble classes begin September 4th. 

UNION JAZZ INSTITUTE COMBO · Wednesday 5-6pm

JAZZ COMBO · Monday 4-6pm

BIG BAND · Monday 7-9pm

COMMUNITY JAZZ COMBO · Monday 7-850pm

THE PVCC NONET · Wednesday 7-950pm

LATIN JAZZ COMBO · Thursday 7-850pm

See course descriptions + register at classes.sis.maricopa.edu · Search for MUP (Music Performance)

Summer 2017 Flute Choir Concert at PVCC

The Paradise Valley Community College Summer Flute Choir presents its 24th annual concert this summer! The program started in 1994, and the choir is composed of folks from all walks of life: students to doctors, retirees to parents of young families, founding members to those who just started playing with the group this year.

An exciting addition this summer: Catherine McMichael, the composer of one of the pieces the group is playing will be coming in to work with the group on the piece, and share insights into the work's composition.

This work, as well as several others, will be performed on Thursday evening, July 27, at 7:30 pm in the Center for the Performing Arts. Admission to the concert is free of charge to the public. Come up and say hello to someone - we look forward to meeting you then!

Lee Chivers,
Flute Choir Director

The above photos show the variety of flutes in the choir: Contrabass (the BIG one), to bass and alto, regular flute and piccolo.

PVCC's Singer-Songwriter Tribute: Meet the Singers

PVCC is proud to present A Musical Tribute to SINGER-SONGWRITERS on Friday, June 2nd at 7:30pm. Performed by the Union32 All-Star Band with dynamic singer-songwriters Ciara Cisneros, Cameron DeGurski, Janae Dunn, Micah Lukas, Alex Mullins, Ally Owens, and Callie Young.

Featuring music from some of greatest singer-songwriters from the 1970s through today, including James Taylor, Jackson Browne, Joni Mitchell, Bruce Springsteen, Elton John, Billy Joel, Stevie Nicks, Ryan Adams, George Ezra, Vance Joy and much more!

All proceeds from this concert will benefit the Alice Cooper’s Solid Rock to PVCC Pathway Scholarship Fund. Held at the Center for Performing Arts, Admission is $6-$10.  

PURCHASE TICKETS HERE

Ciara Cisneros

Inspired by:

Heart, Kaki King, Pink, Led Zeppelin, Prince, Hosier, Ed Sheeran, Foo Fighters

I got my first taste of performing as a singer in a 6th grade talent show and have loved it ever since. Two years later I found another passion: playing guitar. I'm currently writing my own music and performing at local venues around the valley. I hope to release my first EP by the end of the year or in early 2018. I am beyond excited to be playing with the faculty musicians. I was very fortunate to perform at PVCC during the Alice Cooper Proof in the Pudding contest and at the Festival of Tales, which both took place last year. Both experiences were fabulous, from the beautiful venue to the amazing people at PVCC. I can't wait to see everyone at this show and all for a GREAT cause!

There is nothing like jamming with other musicians who also love music and then connecting with an audience. It blows my mind every time!

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Cameron DeGurski

Inspired by:

Ryan Adams, Chris Cornell, Eddie Vedder, Emily King, D'Angelo, Bill Withers, Justin Pierre

"I'm not going to play anything I can't pour my heart into." 

Straightforward, honest, and un-apologetically raw, Arizona-native Cameron DeGurski (say it with me - "dee" "grr" "ski") doesn't mind baring his soul behind the microphone. He's a self-proclaimed "purveyor of sounds and feels." 

With a style that incorporates elements of folk, soul, grunge, and even alt-country, a genre-specific definition is hard to come by for DeGurski, something he takes pride in. Listeners can find shades of Ryan Adams, Chris Cornell, David Gray, and Bill Withers peeking through in his performances. One word that everyone can agree on? Emotion. 

"I'd rather play something that exudes emotion, and make an audience feel something, ANYTHING, than regurgitate the tunes you can play in any jukebox, at any bar in town. If you want the jukebox, I'll give you a quarter. If you want to share some energy, and leave feeling a little more human, 'I'm your Huckleberry.'"

 I've been a student at ASU, GCC, and I even did a small stint in culinary school - but I've never felt as involved or as much a part of a community as I do here at PVCC. I truly enjoy coming to class and interacting with the other students and faculty. PVCC has really cultivated something special, and I'm glad to be a part of it.

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www.camerondegurski.com

Janae Dunn

Inspired by:

Sara Bareilles, Ed Sheeran, John Mayer, Jason Mraz, Birdy

Janae Dunn is an independent singer-songwriter, and actress in the valley. She has been singing since she could talk, and begun making up my own little ditties shortly after that, and it all blossomed from there. She creates music about promoting self-love, mending heartbreak, and how to navigate the surprises of this rollar-coaster we all call life. Music is much like therapy in some ways for Janae, for it always works as a vessel to unlocking and understanding the emotions and complexities lying within her heart. She thanks God everyday for the creation of music, its incredible power, and the abilities to do it and pursue it. 

I am all about lyrics to a song first: the metaphors and painting pictures and feelings with words. I am super excited to get to perform with a live band; I always love seeing other passionate artists living out their love for music. It's a perfect example of the beautiful power music has in the world and in bringing people together.

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Alex Mullins

Inspired by:

U2, Coldplay, Imagine Dragons, The Killers, Queen, The Beatles, Bruce Springsteen

Alex Mullins is a 23-year-old singer/songwriter from Phoenix Arizona. Alex has been playing around Arizona as well as the greater southwest for the past 4 years both solo and with his former band, Alex Mullins and The Royal. After the disbanding of Alex Mullins and The Royal in 2017, Alex resumed his solo career with a folk, funk, soul and pop flare that stays true to his roots from growing up with the ubiquity of Bruce Springsteen, U2 and countless others. He also continues to compose and write for other artists around the country. His debut EP is set to release in the fall of 2017.

It is humbling to play alongside such talented musicians with savant qualities. All the essentials to recording, performing and live sound were instilled in me at PVCC. Performing here is like a small college reunion every time.

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Ally Owens

Inspired by:

Ann Wilson, Joan Jett, Tracey Chapman, Michael Jackson, Guns N Roses, Tina Turner, Aretha Franklin

18 year old Ally Owens performs a wide range of music throughout the Valley as a soloist as well as with her band, Second Soulstice. She was the 2013 Prescott Idol winner, 2015 Miss Tempe’s Outstanding Teen and made it to the semi finals of both the 2014 and 2016 Alice Cooper’s Proof is in the Pudding Talent Competition as a soloist. Ally also enjoys community service including performing at the St. Vincent de Paul Hearts and Hands monthly event, the Annual Arthritis Walk and Juvenile Arthritis Convention as well as creating a fundraiser for the Arthritis Foundation called Mocha for Moola - musical event geared to raise funds. She was selected to be a part of the Arizona Ambassadors Choir and this June she will be traveling to Europe performing with the group.

It's always great to work with new musicians and having new learning experiences. I performed at the Festival of Tales at PVCC and it was fun to interact with the kids and help them see how great music is. Performing on the PVCC stage for Proof is in the Pudding was a great experience!

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Callie Young

Inspired by:

Stevie Nicks, Lana Del Rey, Heart

Callie Young is a sixteen-year-old singer/songwriter from Phoenix, Arizona. She plays guitar, ukulele, piano, and has been performing since she was ten. She was a two time finalist in Alice Cooper's Proof is in the Pudding Competition and has been featured on Alice's Taste of Christmas Pudding CD. Callie had the privilege of being able to perform at the 2017 NAMM Show at the Anaheim Convention Center- the biggest music trade show in the nation. She plays all over the valley at concert venues, restaurants, coffee shops, festivals, and so much more! Callie will be recording and EP this summer.

Playing with a band is always such a fun experience. Don't get me wrong, I love playing with my guitar. But having the chance to dance around and use your whole body when you perform is amazing. 

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Exciting Spring 2017 Events at PVCC

BIG BAND JAZZ AT THE NASH

Featuring PVCC's Wednesday Night Jazz Band and SCC's Jazz Big Band

Wednesday, March 29th at 7:30pm. $5 for MCCD students with ID.

Come out to see some great big band jazz featuring the PVCC Wednesday night ensemble presenting the music of Charles Mingus, directed by Adam Roberts and the SCC Jazz Big Band performing jazz favorites, directed by Eric Rasmussen.

The Nash is located at 110 E Roosevelt St, Phoenix, Arizona 85004

Click Here To Purchase Tickets Online

PVCC FACULTY JAZZ ENSEMBLE LIVE AT VALLEY BAR

Saturday, April 1st at 7:30pm.

A kaleidoscopic view of the great record, taking the audience to unexplored aspects of the songs from "Revolver" - the 1966 classic Beatles recording. Highlights include: a drum-and-bass version of 'Eleanor Rigby', an avant-garde jazz version of 'Yellow Submarine'; and a harmonically-dense ballad of 'And Your Bird Can Sing' reminiscent of the music Bill Evans.

Click Here To Purchase Tickets Online

JAZZ UNDER THE STARS

Featuring music by PVCC's Monday Night and Wednesday Night Jazz Bands

Wednesday, April 5th at 7:00pm. CPA Outdoor Stage. Free Admission. 

Audience is invited to bring folding chairs or blankets for lawn seating.

PVCC FACULTY JAZZ ENSEMBLE LIVE AT BLACK MOUNTAIN

Thursday, April 6th at 7:00pm. Aquila Hall Outdoor Stage. Free Admission. 

Audience is invited to bring folding chairs or blankets for lawn seating.

PVCC's Black Mountain Campus is located at  34250 N. 60th Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85266 (60th St and Carefree Highway).

ALL MY SONS by Arthur Miller. Directed by Joe Flowers.
April 14, 15, 21, 22 at 7:30pm and 22 & 23 at 2:00pm. Admission:  $6-$12.  

In 1947, Arthur Miller exploded onto Broadway with his first major work, All My Sons, winning both the New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award for Best New Play and the Tony for Best Author. The play introduced themes that would preoccupy Miller throughout his career: the relationships between fathers and sons and the conflict between business and personal ethics.  All My Sons is still a powerful show, a true classic of the Theatre. 

Click HERE to purchase tickets

Festival of Tales is a fun day of reading, literacy and cultural activities for children and families that includes storytelling, arts and crafts, games, face painting, live music, food trucks and much more! PVCC’s Art of Storytelling classes Program, Division of Fine & Performing Arts, and the Music Program, this free event for children in the community.

For information, visit us online at www.festivaloftales.com

 

 

Four Events Celebrating The 50th Anniversary of Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band

PVCC'S SGT. PEPPER'S PROJECT:

Lecture: The Significance of the Album Cover

Thursday, February 16th, 12:30pm-2:00pm, Center for the Performing Arts Theater, Tomi Johnston (Art History Professor)

Lecture: The Revolutionary Recording Process

Tuesday, February 21st, 12:30pm-2:00pm, KSC 1000A, Dr. Brett Reed (Music Professor)

Performance: A LIVE recording session

Wednesday, March 1st, 12:30pm-2:00pm, Center for the Performing Arts Music Room (CPA 115), Dr. Brett Reed and Dr. Christopher Scinto

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50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF THE BEATLES'

SGT. PEPPER'S LONELY HEARTS CLUB BAND CONCERT

March 10-11, 2017 at 7:30pm,  $8-$20 admission.  (Sunday, March 12th performance canceled).

Come and experience the Beatles' legendary album performed live by the PVCC Faculty Rock Band, Special Guest vocalists and a 30 piece orchestra.  Proceeds from this event will benefit the Paradise Valley Community College Student Scholarship Fund. 

Click Here to purchase tickets online

Saturday Concert Series: Grupo Liberdade

October 15th will be an exciting day at PVCC!

PVCC Fine & Performing Arts Open House from 1:00p-4:00pm

Saturday Concert Series with Grupo Liberdade and Queso Good food truck at 6:00pm.

Grupo Liberdade is a performance group dedicated to freedom of expression through Culture, Movement & Sound. We promote COMMUNITY, DIVERSITY & EMPOWERMENT drawing upon the traditional & contemporary rhythms of Brazil and beyond while bringing an original sound & energy to our desert metropolis. Specializing in Batucada including the Afro-Brazilian styles of Samba, Samba Reggae, Côcos and Maracatu, Grupo Liberdade strives to share the infectious sounds of Brasil with Arizona to further enrich, move & inspire.   

Since 2004, the group has performed throughout Arizona under the direction of Brazilian native, Poranguí from leading the Annual Phoenix Parade of the Arts through downtown Phoenix, to drumming & dancing in the new year for thousands of party-goers at the historical Hotel Congress in Tucson.  Founded in 2008 by Angelique Starks, the SambAZ Dancers have quickly become one of the liveliest and most notable Samba acts in the country.  Dedicated to creating music to move the body & soul, this project brings together diversity on all levels with an incredible show of talented musicians & dancers that must not be watched, but experienced! 

Fall 2016 Fine Arts Open House

Saturday, October 15th | 1:00 PM - 4:00 pm

On Saturday, October 15th Paradise Valley Community College’s Center for the Performing Arts (CPA) will host the Fine Arts Open House. This free event features demos, performances, tours, workshops, and hands-on activities.  Music, dance, theatre, costume design, creative writing, film, and studio recording are among the fine and performing arts programs that will be showcased. Information about classes, programs, events, scholarships and performance opportunities will be available, and those in attendance will be treated to a variety of special performances and workshops throughout the afternoon.