MCC Performing Arts Center Presents: MCC Jazz Concert with special guest the Valley Jazz Cooperative

Nov. 30 at 7 pm

Prices: $6.00 students, $7.00 staff/ military/ seniors and $8.00 general public

The Mesa Community College Jazz Band has left a long wake of continued success and has set the standard for jazz ensembles in Arizona.  The band has performed all over the country at various festivals and concerts.  It’s alum range from studio musicians, composers, film-scores, jazz stars, and music educators who are currently active all over the country.  Under the direction of MCC alum, Paul Brewer, the MCC Jazz Band has a new home in the Performing Arts Center and continues to promote jazz at a high level throughout the Valley.

The Valley Jazz Cooperative is an educational initiative of Music Serving the Word Ministries. Directed by Russell Schmidt, the Valley Jazz Cooperative focuses on the continued development of two elements that have longstanding importance within Music Serving the Word: educational outreach and improvised arts.  The initial VJC program is the East Valley Jazz Cooperative, which launched in March 2016. The EVJC is a talented group of high school and junior high school musicians. They develop creative skills together in jazz ensemble and combo settings. EVJC members also receive valuable instruction on various, related topics, including theory and improvisation. The dual goal for participants is to develop artistic gifts in ways that are personally meaningful, then go back into their own communities (churches, schools, arts festivals) to share those skills with others.