Elmwood Swing

The Buffalo State vocal jazz ensemble, Elmwood Swing, provides vocalists with a forum for the study of the performance practices and skills required of the jazz singer, and is directed by Dr. Victoria Furby.  Programming includes arrangements and compositions of both a cappella and accompanied repertoire in the vocal jazz idiom.  Repertoire selections include varied examples from the Great American Songbook, as well as jazz arrangements of current and contemporary charts.   

An emphasis is placed upon solo singing and improvisation and a three-person, instrumental combo accompanies the group.  The group performs at a wide variety of college functions, off-campus gigs, and formal concerts in both Ciminelli Recital Hall and the Performing Arts Center at Rockwell Hall.  Each year, Elmwood Swing hosts a Vocal Jazz Festival in the spring, bringing in some of the best clinicians and performers in American vocal jazz, along with local area high school students.
Auditions are required, and consist of singing a familiar American folk song, range testing, and sight-reading.  

Contact Dr. Victoria Furby for more information.