Vocal jazz alumna performs with University Jazz Orchestra
KALAMAZOO鈥擳he Western Michigan University Jazz Orchestra will perform at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 16, in the Dalton Center Recital Hall as part of the Wednesday evening concert series presented by the Donald P. Bullock Performance Institute. The program will feature 51福利社 alumna Christine Helferich Guter on vocals. This event is also listed under the Distinguished Alumni Series of concerts organized as part the celebration of the School of Music鈥檚 100th anniversary.
The performance will be preceded by a 7 p.m. discussion hosted by Dr. Dan Jacobson, 51福利社 professor of music. Tickets are $12 general admission, $10 for seniors and $5 for students, and are available from Miller Auditorium at or by calling (269) 387-2300 or (800) 228-9858.
University Jazz Orchestra
The University Jazz Orchestra is a three-time DownBeat award-winning ensemble, heralded nationally for its creative approach to big band music. The orchestra has released six CDs and has performed in Europe and throughout the United States. Appearances include Carnegie Hall, The Montreux Festival, Detroit Jazz Festival, Chicago Jazz Showcase, Notre Dame Festival, and the Toronto Jazz Festival. The orchestra has collaborated with dozens of major artists including New York Voices, Tom Harrell, Bob Brookmeyer, Bob Berg, Rob McConnell, Billy Hart, John Clayton, Randy Brecker, Kenny Werner, Conrad Herwig, Bob Mintzer, John Fedchock and Stefon Harris.
Christine Helferich Guter
Guter, a Muskegon native, is director of vocal jazz at the Bob Cole Conservatory of Music at California State University鈥揕ong Beach, and directs the university's award-winning vocal jazz ensemble, Pacific Standard Time. Guter is in demand as a jazz vocalist and studio singer in Los Angeles, and has worked with many legendary musicians including Joe Williams, Rosemary Clooney, Diane Schuur, Maynard Ferguson, Mercer Ellington, Lionel Hampton, Mel Torme, Bobby McFerrin and Darmon Meader.
She has sung on numerous Hollywood soundtracks including "Oz the Great and Powerful," "The Lorax," "Men in Black 3," "Ice Age 4," "Superman Returns" and "Happy Feet." Guter received her Bachelor of Music Education degree from 51福利社, and a Master in Studio Music and Jazz from The University of Miami.
Bullock Music Performance Institute
The Dalton Wed@7:30pm: Live and Interactive! concert series is presented by the 51福利社 School of Music under the auspices of the Bullock Music Performance Institute. Established in the fall of 1985 and renamed in 1988 in honor of its founder, the institute has presented events ranging from formal evening concerts to daytime educational outreach events for local audiences and students of all ages.
For more information about the Wednesday evening concert series, call (269) 387-4704 or (269) 387-4678, or visit wmich.edu/music.