Join the 2014 Freedom Jazz Choir

Download PDF (221kb): Freedom Jazz Choir – Call for Participants

Freedom Jazz Choir 2014

Raise Your Voice in Song

Healdsburg Jazz and the Marcus Shelby Orchestra announce the formation of the 2014 Freedom Jazz Choir. Working alongside professional musicians, the Freedom Jazz Choir will perform on stage with the 19-piece Marcus Shelby Orchestra, fostering cooperation while expanding access to jazz and American culture. 

This will mark the second year of the Freedom Jazz Choir, which launched in 2013 with “Soul of the Movement: Meditations on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.”, a musical suite for big band and choir inspired by the music in the Civil Rights Movement.

For 2014, the program will showcase the music from the suite “Harriet Tubman: Bound for the Promised Land,” created for big band and choir. The oratorio tells the compelling story of Tubman, who escaped slavery and dedicated herself to challenging the grave injustices in her day.

Freedom Jazz ChoirIn addition, Adam Ivey from the Community Baptist Church will premiere a composition commissioned for this repertoire. Choir members will have the opportunity to discuss freedom songs from their own backgrounds and suggest specific compositions to be included in the choir’s public performances.

Participation is FREE and open to all regardless of age, background or ability. Show up for the first rehearsal Saturday, March 8 and be ready to sing!

About the Freedom Jazz Choir

Led by composer, bassist and educator, Marcus Shelby, the choir will be created from the diverse demographics of Sonoma County using music as a unifying force. The choir is a free-of-charge ensemble that will bring diverse communities together for a rich musical experience. It is supported by a grant from the James Irvine Foundation.

Participation

Choir members must commit to 5 rehearsals and 3 performances. 

Rehearsals: Saturdays,  March 8 and 22, April 12 and 26, May 10. Each rehearsal is from 2 pm-5 pm

Location: Community Baptist Church, 1620 Sonoma Avenue, Santa Rosa

Concerts:

  • Santa Rosa on Saturday, May  17 and Saturday, May 24.  (Locations to be announced.)
  • Healdsburg: Thursday, June 5 (Raven Theater, during the 2014 Healdsburg Jazz Festival)

Registration:

You may register in person at the first rehearsal on March 8, 1 pm at the Community Baptist Church. Or contact us by email or by phone, (707) 433-4633.

6 comments

  1. Hi Jessica, I thought I signed up before to sing in the Jazz Choir once again.
    My mom took a turn for the worse this weekend, and many family members were in town and I could not make the rehearsal. I will be there next time and I won’t miss another rehearsal. I hear the music is more difficult, and I have sung much more difficult music, so I know I can learn it.
    Penelope la Montagne

  2. The sign-up process includes a “double opt-in” stage. Once you sign up a second window appears asking that you verify your email; you do this by checking the email account you used to sign up and click the link in that message, which will verify that it’s a real email account and not a spam. It may be that this is the message you are seeing – your name will be added when you confirm you email by this method.

    If you are still having trouble, be sure to come to the first rehearsal on Saturday, March 8, from 2 – 5 pm at Community Baptist Church. 1620 Sonoma Avenue, Santa Rosa. You can sign up there and become part of this year’s Freedon Jazz Choir.

  3. Hello Choir Members,
    I have the sad news to share with you that our fellow singer Mark Harrington passed away in December. He was a very special lovely man who lived life to the fullest. He was riding his bike with his son when he had a massive heart attack. He will be missed by many.
    Looking forward to singing with you all again.
    Carla Musik

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