MANSFIELD, PA— The Mansfieldians, Mansfield University’s highly select ensemble of singers specializing in vocal jazz, have been invited to perform in the 2018 New York City Jazz Festival at the world famous Apollo Theatre on Sunday, April 8 at 7:30 p.m.
They will be performing as the featured college ensemble in a concert with the John Fedchok Big Band and the internationally acclaimed vocal jazz ensemble The Real Group.
This year’s group, directed by Professor Sheryl Monkelien, consists of Brady Bennett, Ben Eisenhour, Robert Flora, Rachel Lehman, Veronica Phillip, Victoria Royal, Nathan Shedd and Tayana Woodton.
“It is exciting to think that we will be performing on the same stage as jazz greats like Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Charlie Parker and Miles Davis,” Monkelien said. “Our students have been given a rare opportunity and are thrilled to be a part of this festival.”
The students will depart from MU on Friday, April 6 and take part in festival activities with other college and high school vocal jazz ensembles from around the world.
The Mansfieldians will have a chance to hear the other participating vocal and instrumental jazz ensembles, work with renowned jazz educators in a private clinic, experience some of what New York City has to offer, and most importantly, perform on the stage of the Apollo Theatre.
The trip is funded in part by Student Activities Fees.
To learn more about the Department of Music at MU, go to music.mansfield.edu