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Boppin’ at the Sorbonne: Hendricks, Students to Sing in Paris |
| By
Kimyette Finley |
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May 3, 2002 |
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| Jon Hendricks and his Vocalstra |
On a recent afternoon in the Center of Performing Arts, a group of singers were practicing the song “April in Paris.” It’s fitting they are singing this tune — they are preparing for a trip to the City of Lights.
The University of Toledo will be represented at the Sorbonne in early May when Distinguished Professor of Jazz Jon Hendricks and several of his students will perform at the legendary university.
“There will be representatives from many universities around Europe, and it will be of academic interest worldwide,” he said.
Hendricks, who joined UT’s faculty in 2000, is regarded for creating the style of singing known as vocalese, which features lyrics set to jazz or symphonic music. He is traveling to the Sorbonne to speak about jazz, and his Vocalstra, the group of UT students, will sing at the institution. He is the first jazz artist invited to speak at the university. “It’s a cultural art form. I’m showing off what they learned and what vocalese is to be witnessed in performance,” Hendricks explained about the trip to Paris.
The Vocalstra is scheduled to perform at the Sorbonne on May 7. Hendricks and the singers also are planning to do several shows at a Parisian music club, and one will be broadcast live on the radio in France on May 9.
Hendricks said he was comfortable about the upcoming trip and the caliber of the Vocalstra. “Most of the students are professional jazz singers. They get the swing and the nuances,” he said about the Vocalstra and their mastering of vocalese.
“It’s the thrill of a lifetime. I can’t believe I’ll be singing at the Sorbonne. But I’m not nervous,” said Phylis Klimas, a freshman who is a member of the Vocalstra. She said singing with Hendricks has been exciting. “I’ve been around jazz all my life. I’ve been listening to jazz since I was a baby. The chance to study with Jon Hendricks was something I couldn’t pass up. His style is very unique. He’s the best.”
UT students and members of the Vocalstra scheduled to perform are Steve Antalek, Kelly Broadway, Kim Buehler, Judith Hendricks, Joel Hazard, Lori Johnson, Mark Kieswetter, Klimas, Kyra Morris, Kit Schultz, Eboné Waweru, Dan Welch and Abby Youngs. Dr. Raymond Marchionni, chair and professor of UT’s department of music and dance, and Ed Levy, UT instructor of music, also are going on the trip.
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