CURRENT STUDENTS: The main audition cycle for the VJC program (for area music students in grades 8-12) has just concluded. However, there are still a few positions open in the ensembles. We will continue to accept applications from:
1) brass musicians,
2) pianists, and
3) drummers ... until all ensemble slots are filled.
We have just added one, additional audition day on Tuesday, 12/9 (evening) for late applicants. This audition will take place at Ravenscroft in Scottsdale. Please consider joining us by applying and auditioning!
VJC Indigo (Tuesday nights) and VJC Cerulean (Thursday nights) begin rehearsing in mid-December. VJC Sapphire (Saturday mornings at MCC) begins rehearsing in January. ​We hope you will join the VJC for its 10th anniversary season in 2025-26!
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NEW EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH FROM MSW: Hansley Mussotte has recently joined the MSW-Education team to launch a new program in early 2026. Titled the Valley Gospel Project, it is a vocal/choral-focused initiative that will meet on Monday nights at Ravenscroft. Anyone with interest in singing gospel music as part of the Valley Gospel Project can CLICK HERE to learn more.
EDUCATORS: Check out the Flexible Instrumentation Big Band charts from VJC Publications. And listen to this great new music on our YouTube channel. VJC Publications offers flex. charts without compromise, designed to sound great—and complete—​with just the minimum instrumentation (11 pieces). And of course, they sound truly spectacular with a full, 18-piece big band. Given the unpredictable nature of band program size from year to year, VJC Publications represents a great investment for any music library.
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Please note that 100% of every VJC Publication purchase goes back into supporting the educational activities of the Valley Jazz Cooperative.
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FRIENDS & FANS: We have two VJC Alumni Band events coming up soon, both in Scottsdale. The VJC Alumni Band+ will perform its annual Christmas Concert (Sat., Dec. 20th @ 7 PM in Ravenscroft Hall). And the VJC Alumni Sextet—a.k.a. VJC Azure—makes its debut performance on (Fri., Jan. 9th @ 7 PM in Jazzbird).​
RECOMMENDED DONATIONS FOR VJC ONLINE PARTICIPATION
The VJC will not require a fee for participation in its virtual ensembles or workshops. But given the increased needs of arts organizations and charitable outreach groups during this time of pandemic, we respectfully request that VJC enrollees—or, more specifically, their parents or guardians—make some form of direct donation to a preferred partner (listed below). We would consider any such donation, even a very modest one, as a sufficient alternative to a registration charge for VJC Online participation. The recommended options for consideration are:
1) The Changing Lives Center of the Phoenix Rescue Mission (Click HERE to donate directly to CLC, making sure to choose it in PRM’s Designation menu.)
Music Serving the Word Ministries, the parent organization to the Valley Jazz Cooperative, has had a fruitful partnership with the Changing Lives Center for years, providing Ministry resources and personnel to assist with worship there. Donations are tax-deductible, as the CLC (through its parent organization, the Phoenix Rescue Mission) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
2) Teen Challenge of Arizona (Click HERE to donate directly to TCAZ.)
MSW Ministries has also had a long-standing relationship with Teen Challenge of Arizona, once again offering Ministry resources and personnel to assist with worship there. Donations are tax-deductible, as TCAZ is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
3) The Nash of Jazz in AZ (Click HERE to donate directly to The Nash.)
The first performances of the East Valley Jazz Cooperative (May 2016) and the West Valley Jazz Cooperative (May 2017) were each held at The Nash. More VJC performances have taken place there than at any other venue. As such, the VJC enthusiastically supports this venerable performance space. Donations are tax-deductible, as The Nash (through its parent organization, Jazz in AZ) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
4) The Valley Jazz Cooperative, an educational outreach of MSW Ministries. Click HERE or use the yellow Donate button at the bottom of this page to contribute to the VJC (through MSW).
MSW Ministries is an inter-denominational organization that promotes the unity found in Christ. Now host to more than a half-dozen ministry outreaches, including the Valley Jazz Cooperative, MSW Ministries originally began as Music Serving The Word, and has been providing resources and support to pastors, worships leaders, and musicians for more than 15 years. Donations are tax-deductible, as the VJC (through its parent organization, MSW Ministries) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
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Thank you very much for your consideration and, if able to do so, for supporting one of these worthy causes.​
