Vocal Jazz Ensembles

Winner of FIVE Down Beat Student Music Awards!

Sacramento State Jazz Singers

Although much of the study focuses on group sound, improvisation and solo singing are also important aspects of the program, with a thriving bachelor's program in jazz studies/voice. Jazz voice majors (currently eleven in the program) study privately with the outstanding jazz vocal artist Julia Dollison.
 


Vox 2

 
The vocal jazz program at Sacramento State is under the direction of Kerry Marsh. The program consists of the Jazz Singers, C-Sus and Vox 2, all of which are formed by audition. The sounds of Sac State Vocal Jazz are influenced by the great vocal jazz groups of the past and present: The Hi-Lo's, Singers Unlimited, Take 6, New York Voices, The Real Group, Manhattan Transfer and others. However, the program strives to explore new, innovative approaches to contemporary vocal jazz.
 


C-Sus

To learn more about each group, including pictures, sound clips, repertoire, and current member information, please visit their pages by clicking their photos.

CLICK HERE to view a YouTube playlist of videos related to Sacramento State Vocal Jazz, including TV appearances and live performance footage.

Sacramento State Vocal Jazz Recordings

"It's You"

"It's You" is the most recent CD release from the Sac State vocal jazz program, featuring tracks by C-Sus, Jazz Singers, and one song from the Take 6 Repertory Ensemble. This CD includes "Butterscotch" (as a vocalist), of "America's Got Talent" fame. The CD is available by visiting our CD Baby Website, where you can view the track listing and listen to portions of each track. Notable songs include "Scarborough Fair", "I Want You Back", and "Travels". Many of the tracks on "It's You" resulted in our groups winning four DownBeat Student Music Awards over the last three years.

"In the Winelight"

Track Listing: (click on the title to listen)
  1. Sing a Song of Song
  2. Beautiful Love
  3. Song for the Traveler
  4. Midnight Voyage
  5. Talking to Myself
  6. That Old Black Magic
  7. In the Winelight
  8. Yesterdays
  9. Walk With Me, Lord
  10. In Your Eyes
  11. love is more thicker than forget

"In the Winelight" contains music recorded during the fall of 2004 by both the advanced ensembles, Jazz Singers and C-Sus. This album was a major step for our program in attempting to push the boundaries of vocal jazz with innovative and new sounds. The CD contains 11 songs, and is available for $15 by visiting our CD Baby website. Vocal jazz connoiseurs know that collegiate vocal jazz is one of the main sources of quality music within the genre. One of the goals of Sacramento State Vocal Jazz is to contribute to the genre with a fresh and innovative perspective. If you enjoy exciting, close harmony, this CD will not disappoint. All funds collected from the sale of Sacramento State vocal jazz CDs support touring, recording, and other program activites contributing toward the students' education.
Auditions for Sacramento State University Vocal Jazz Ensembles

Auditions for Sac State Vocal Jazz groups are held at the beginning of every semester. Sign-up and information sheets will be posted in Capistrano Hall before school begins for the semester. The audition will last about 8 minutes, and will consist of the following:

1. Performance of a prepared song, preferably in the jazz style. "Summertime," "Autumn Leaves," "Route 66," and "My Funny Valentine" are some examples of appropriate audition songs. If you have questions about this requirement, feel free to email Kerry Marsh , and he will help guide you. Improvisation is not required in your audition, but it never hurts to try.

2. Ear training exercises. First, you will hear a series of three or four pitches on the piano, and you'll be asked to sing them back. Then you'll be given a starting pitch and asked to sing notes that are certain intervals away (up a 5th, down a minor 3rd, etc.)

3. Range testing. You'll be asked to sing major and/or minor triads from starting pitches, and your comfortable and usable voice range will be determined.

4. Quick sight-reading and part learning: You will be given a short, one-page section of a vocal jazz ensemble tune, and you'll be asked to sight-read your part along with a recording of the song. Then Kerry will work with you on the part briefly and give you another chance to read the line with the recording. Be prepared to stay focused, relaxed, and to demonstrate your flexibility and quick-learning skills, while watching your intonation and blend as well.