Above: The Jazz Choir Ensemble is one of three ACC choirs organized each fall and spring semester. Photo below: Cathy Befi as performed with the choir for a year and a half.

By Noelle Hernandez

With a crowd of about 200 people watching, six men and women – all dressed in black – began snapping their fingers and singing a capella. Their vocals were flawless on the Latin-jazz piece, and when the backup band kicked in, the room felt as if it had turned into a nightclub.

The performers were ACC’s very own Jazz Choir Ensemble. They sang for the opening session of the NISOD (National Institute of Staff and Organizational Development) conference in May at the Austin Convention Center.

The Jazz Choir Ensemble is one of three ACC ensembles that perform choral and jazz works under the direction of Jim Shepherd. Each group rehearses twice a week and performs at least two concerts a semester.

The highlight of the spring semester was a trip to the University of Northern Colorado Jazz Festival – the largest national jazz festival of its kind.

“The Colorado Festival was my most memorable experience,” says ACC student Cathy Befi, who has performed with the choir for a year and a half.

Befi and fellow choir members Matt Cook and Meghan Buchanan met other vocal jazz groups and participated in workshops and performances at the festival.

The ensemble’s members have a deep appreciation for jazz music, and they all share the love for performing. Befi wanted a choir that would fit with her schedule and tackle difficult music. Cook was searching craigslist.com for a group of serious singers when he learned about the ensemble.

Singers need to schedule an audition, where they do vocal exercises and perform a capella. Most auditions take place a week or two prior to the new semester.

Not all members are ACC students. “Anyone may audition to join,” says Director Shepherd.

Non-students may sign up through Continuing Education.

Current members of the vocal jazz ensemble encourage others to join the ensemble.

“There’s a place for everyone,” Buchanan says.

“It’s a good outlet to push yourself,” Cook adds. “I think others would enjoy being a part of this group.”

Visit the choir website or contact Jim Shepherd at 223.4008 to learn more about the choir or auditions for the fall semester.

ACC student Noelle Hernandez is a singer majoring in commercial music management.