MANSFIELD, PA— The Mansfieldians, directed by Sheryl Monkelien, have
been invited to participate in the 2015 New York City Jazz Festival from April 9-12. The festival concerts will take place in the world famous Apollo Theatre in New York City.
“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 Mansfieldians are a highly select ensemble of singers specializing in vocal jazz. This year’s group consists of Heath DeGaramo, Caroline Fish, Brett Helmus, Lucas Lourenco (sound), Victoria Nance, Sarah Polinski, Rae Rosenbayger, Martin Schmidt and Jacob Wilson.
The students will depart from MU on Thursday, April 9 and take part in festival activities with 10 other college and high school vocal jazz ensembles from around the world, including a group from China.
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, present a concert in the Apollo Theatre.
To find out more about the New York City Jazz Festival, go to mcp.us/new-york-city-jazz-festival/
To learn more about the Music Department at MU, go to music.mansfield.edu
The trip is funded in part by Student Activities Fees.