Happy Valentine's Day

A special Valentine’s Day performance, just for you! GRCC’s Shades of Blue vocal jazz ensemble performs “Love Walked In” by George and Ira Gershwin.

The collaboration between the GRCC Foundation and the Music and Media Technology departments demonstrates how the pandemic didn’t prevent faculty and staff from keeping students engaged in meaningful projects.  

“While 2020 presented many challenges, we have adapted,” said professor Jed Scott, director of Shades of Blue. “A normal year is spent working on intricate, challenging music and learning to work cohesively as an ensemble to deliver performances that are in a true jazz aesthetic -- reacting in the moment to the music. It’s a labor of love!”

Faculty members found innovative ways to teach remotely. Scott discovered the transition allowed some students to participate from far away.  One Shades of Blue member, a professional touring guitarist, started the semester in the Ukraine and is now in New York.    

“Love Walked In” was among the ensemble’s most challenging recording. Students were provided a keyboard demonstration lined up to a video of Scott conducting. Students followed a video of a classmate singing, listening on headphones while singing their parts into their cell phone microphones. The Media Technologies team then added visuals to bring this performance to life.

We hope you enjoy it!

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