VJC Spotlight Benefit Concert with John Wojciechowski

// TICKETS AVAILABLE CLICK HERE // VJC Spotlight Concert Featuring John Wojciechowksi (Benefit for HART Pantry)

The ensembles of the Valley Jazz Cooperative educational program will share the stage for the final time this season, joined by guest saxophonist John Wojciechowski. The Sapphire Ensemble (led by Paul Brewer) and the Cerulean and Indigo Big Bands (directed by Russell Schmidt) will play a wide-ranging program, with selections from Bill Holman, Thad Jones, Jueun Seok, Billy Strayhorn, and many more.

This year’s VJC Spotlight Concert is also a fundraising event, with 100% of all ticket sales donated to HART Pantry, which is dedicated to reaching teens in local high schools in the West Valley who do not have enough food, clothing, toiletries, and other basic needs. It is HART Pantry's mission to provide support and encourage teens to finish high school and increase self-esteem. (Learn more at https://hartpantry.org/)

Saxophonist John Wojciechowski, of whom the Chicago Tribune’s Howard Reich wrote: “…technically accomplished, musically profound, and harmonically daring” is originally from Detroit and has spent the last 18 years performing and teaching in Chicago. In addition to leading his own groups, he has performed or recorded with The Chicago Jazz Orchestra, The Chicago Jazz Ensemble, The Woody Herman Orchestra, The Chicago Symphony Orchestra, The Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Clark Terry, Charlie Haden, and Kurt Elling, among many others. John has appeared on dozens of recordings as a sideman and has three recordings as a leader: “Lexicon" (2009), “Focus” (2015), and his most recent album, “Swing of the Pendulum” (2023), released to critical acclaim on the AFAR Music label.

Besides being an active performer, John (a National Board Certified Teacher) is also an educator noted for his versatility, creativity and enthusiasm. He has taught at the public school as well as university levels and has appeared all over the country as a guest artist, clinician, and conductor. His student groups have performed at the IAJE Conference, Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic, JEN Conference, and the Illinois All-State Music Educator Conference.

The Valley Jazz Cooperative was founded in 2016 and is an educational outreach of MSW Ministries. Instruction is focused on expanding the creativity of VJC members by developing improvisation skills and learning the language of jazz. The program is offered free of charge to eligible, committed, passionate music students (grades 8-12).

The Valley Jazz Cooperative offers music students a uniquely valuable experience through its performing ensembles, supported by guest artist clinics, online instruction, and other educational opportunities. Valley Jazz Cooperative in partnership with MSW Ministries (our parent nonprofit organization), explores collaborative opportunities that help enrich the lives of individuals in great need by offering assistance, guidance, and encouragement. Learn more at valleyjazz.org

Whether it be through a benefit concert, coordinated school service projects, or some other venture, VJC is listening and endeavoring to positively affect our corner of the world through education, music and service to our community. Contact Director Russell Schmidt for more information. russ@valleyjazz.org

Lobby doors open at 1:00 p.m., and Ravenscroft Hall doors open at 1:40 p.m. (following a soundcheck by the students). No food or drink is permitted inside Ravenscroft Hall. Please note that parking is free and abundant on-site at Ravenscroft.

Cost for this event is $20.00 (adults) and $10.00 (students). We hope to see you there!