By Robert Roxburgh
Tight harmony and big-band sound will fill the Harris Fine Arts Center when BYU”s vocal jazz choir Syncopation performs on March 6.
The performance will feature popular pieces from all styles of jazz including blues, bebop, swing, funk and Latin.
Syncopation consists of eight female and six male singers and a rhythm section. Harmonies range from four-part to eight-part. Some music is sung a cappella and other arrangements utilize the group”s piano, guitar, bass and drum accompaniment.
Kristie Arnold is in her second year as artistic director of Syncopation. She had previously served as assistant director of the group since 1998.
“We work meticulously to improve the students” musicianship through rehearsal and performance experiences, as well as expand the community”s understanding and appreciation of this art form,” Arnold said.
Arnold is a BYU graduate and was a member of Syncopation while attending the university. She has toured and performed on both local and international levels. Arnold brings years of experience to Syncopation and is eager to take the group to new levels.
Syncopation is known for it(s tight harmonies, rhythmic accuracy, and improvisational (scatting( abilities and their reputation has spread rapidly.
In 2002, Syncopation had the rare opportunity to perform for an international audience without leaving home. The group showed the world its talent when it performed at the Winter Olympic Games.
The group performed with six other BYU groups at the Tabernacle Park Pavilion in Provo as part of the two-week festivities. Syncopation performed along with Vocal Point, the Ballroom Dance Company, the Folk Dance Ensemble, the Folk Music Ensemble, Synthesis, and Theatre Ballet at the World of Ice venue sponsored by NuSkin.
Syncopation also took their music to the Peaks Ice Arena, providing six concerts to hockey fans during the Winter Games.
Almost every night of the Olympics at least one of the BYU groups performed in Provo for spectators from around the world. The seven BYU ensembles gave a total of 56 performances.
This past year, the group performed in the Assembly Hall on Temple Square and placed second at the prestigious Gene Harris Jazz Festival.
Syncopation has performed several times at the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival in Moscow, Idaho, placing as high as second out of more than 40 groups.
The group was also invited to perform for the International Association of Jazz Educators in Los Angeles in 1999.
“Truckin,” “This Can”t be Love,” “In a Mellow Tone,” “Kansas City,” “Come Home” and “My Funny Valentine” are a few of the popular numbers that the choir has sung.
The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. in the Madsen Recital Hall. Admission is $9/person with 2 for 1 admission available.
(Editor”s Note: An earlier verion of this story said the admission was free. According to director Kristie Arnold, an admission price will be charged. See the ticket office for details).
