Grass Valley Vocal Jazz
Grass Valley Vocal Jazz
Grass Valley Vocal Jazz
Grass Valley VOCAL JAZZ (GVVJ)
Grass Valley VOCAL JAZZ (GVVJ)
Accolades
GVVJ is an ensemble of public school students in grades 3-4-5, complete with a student rhythm section (piano/bass/drums). These 8-11 year old students attend Grass Valley Elementary
in Camas, Washington and rehearse for 60 minutes one day each week after school.
No audition is necessary to participate in GVVJ and students possess a wide range of abilities. With personal, academic, social, racial and economic diversity, these students demonstrate a passion for America's music with confidence! Their dedication to each other and to the music is highly commendable. Their performance ability is exceptional as evidenced by the many accolades they have achieved.
GVVJ proudly performs in numerous school concerts, community events, and jazz festivals annually.
GVVJ has been fortunate to be recognized in the music world for their contributions to jazz music at such a young age. The concept and existence of an elementary vocal jazz ensemble is rare. That said, it has not stopped GVVJ from participating in jazz festivals and submitting applications and winning awards in the junior high division of jazz festivals and Downbeat magazine.
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2023 Downbeat "Outstanding Performance" Award
2023 Downbeat Three (3) "Outstanding Soloist" Awards
2020 Downbeat "Outstanding Performance" Award
2019 Downbeat CO-WINNER Lg. Vocal Jazz Ensemble
2018 Downbeat "Outstanding Performance" Award
2015/2018 Downbeat "Outstanding Soloist" Awards
2013-2014 Downbeat" Outstanding Performance" Award
2012 Downbeat "Special Judge's Award"
2012 Winner MS/JH Division NW Vocal Jazz Festival
2011 Winner MS/JH Division NW Vocal Jazz Festival
2010 2nd Place MS/JH Division NW Vocal Jazz Festival
2006 Downbeat Award WINNER Lg Vocal Jazz Ensemble
Jazz Artist Collaborations
Grass Valley VOCAL JAZZ has shared the stage with many professional vocal and instrumental jazz musicians.
In-class workshops, clinics and rehearsals have prepared
the students for performances with:​
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Patrick Lamb
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Dan Balmer
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Ed Bennett
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Steve Christofferson
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Emily Braden
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Kristin Korb
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Michael Allen Harrison
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Darcy Schmidt
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Melissa Fisher
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Kirk Marcy
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Kevin Mahogany
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Todd Johnson
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Steve Zegree
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John Hollenbeck
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Pamela York
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Louise Rose
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Terry Blaine
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Lorraine Feather
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AND MORE!
Professional Conferences
GVVJ has performed in concert and as a demonstration group for these professional organization conferences:
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American Choral Directors Association (ACDA)
Lower Columbia River Music Educators Association (LCRMEA)
International Association of Jazz Education (IAJE)
Washington Music Educators Association (WMEA)
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Additionally, they are referenced in Natalie's presentations at professional conferences of
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What Makes GVVJ So Special?
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Non-audition ensemble
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Young age of the members (8-11)
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Student rhythm section members
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Performing with stylistic integrity
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Vocal and instrumental improvisation
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Dedicated and excited to try new ideas
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Willing to explore jazz concepts/forms/styles
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Learning/performing jazz standards
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Composing/arranging songs together
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Interacting frequently with jazz professionals
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Inspirational performances on/off the stage
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Appreciating America's music - jazz!
Grass Valley Elementary School's Jazz Choir in Vancouver, WA 2013 directed by Natalie Wilson. Arrangement by Teena Chinn.
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