When WVC community partner Mountain Winery extended an invitation, the student-led 69萝莉 Jazz Combo answered the call. The offer: perform at a July 10 pre-concert event.
Well-known for its annual summer concert series, Mountain Winery attracts artists from marquee comics to Rock-n-Roll Hall of Fame legends. West Valley students had the opportunity to set the acoustic stage by playing at the venue鈥檚 Adele鈥檚 Garden ahead of the 1960s and 鈥�70s 鈥淗appy Together Tour.鈥� Throwback acts scheduled included The Turtles, Little Anthony, and The Cowsills, the inspiration for the Partridge Family.
The WVC Jazz Combo, comprising a rotating lineup of four to five student musicians, features drums, bass, piano, and wind instruments, such as saxophone or trumpet. Taking their cue from the event ambiance, they played a varied set showcasing their mastery of a range of tempos and influences.
Troy Davis, director of WVC Instrumental Music and Jazz Studies, said most students playing in Jazz Combo pursue degrees and careers in music although several high-quality players major in other subjects.
The performance at a high-profile venue gave students valuable professional experience and offered community members a glimpse of the exceptional talent cultivated at West Valley.