Abilene High School will be one of nine Kansas high schools and community colleges to receive a rare opportunity to learn from a professional musician at the Bethany College Vocal Jazz Clinic on Monday, March 21, 2016. Anders Jalkéus, renowned Swedish musician, will conduct individual clinics with each of the ensembles participating in the event.
Jalkéus, who is visiting Bethany College as its 2016 Pearson Professor, is a founding member of The Real Group, a professional a cappella ensemble from Sweden. As a performer, he has toured more than 40 countries and recorded more than 20 albums. In addition to his performing, Jalkéus is also a professional choral leader and has served as an international juror and workshop leader for Interkultur, the leading international organization for the implementation of choir festivals and serious choir competitions.
Choirs participating in the Vocal Jazz Workshop will perform two pieces and get feedback from Jalkéus. He will also present a free program open to the public, titled “Elements of a Successful Vocal Ensemble,” at 10:15 a.m. in Presser Hall Auditorium. Clinic performances are also free and open to the public.
Schools participating in the event include: Minneapolis High School, 8:30 a.m.; Smoky Valley High School, 9 a.m.; Salina Central High School, 9:30 a.m.; Holcomb High School, 1 p.m.; Abilene High School, 1:30 p.m.; Gardner Edgerton High School, 2 p.m.; Allen Community College, 3 p.m.; Garden City Community College, 3:30 p.m.; Kansas City Kansas Community College, 4 p.m.
While at Bethany, Jalkéus will also be a featured soloist during the Messiah Festival of the Arts. He will perform at the “Musical Tribute to Walter Pelz” on Sunday, March 20 at 3 p.m.; “Passion According to St. Matthew” on Friday, March 25 at 7:30 p.m.; and “Messiah” on Sunday, March 27 at 3 p.m. For more information and ticket information go towww.messiahfestival.org.
The Vocal Jazz Clinic is made possible through the Messiah Education Outreach programs funded by the Bank of Tescott and the Smoky Valley Community Foundation.
