UCC’s Umpqua Singers perform at Oregon’s Capitol at invitation of Roseburg state Rep. Bruce Hanna

Monday morning, May 16

UCC’s Umpqua Singers perform at Oregon’s Capitol at invitation of Roseburg state Rep. Bruce Hanna

"The UCC Chorale came to the Oregon Capitol today. Before the opening ceremony in the House of Representatives, they did an impromptu concert in the Rotunda. The height of the room, combined with the dome and all the marble makes for an acoustically amazing environment. What a talented group!" 
                                                                                              - House Speaker Bruce Hanna -

The Umpqua Singers, Umpqua Community College’s premiere scholarship singing group will perform Monday, May 16, for that day’s opening of the House of Representatives floor session at the state Capitol in Salem.

At the invitation of House co-Speaker Bruce Hanna, R-Roseburg, a UCC graduate, the Umpqua Singers will begin singing at 10:15 a.m. in the House chamber.  They may also perform at 9:45 under the Capitol rotunda.

Additionally, they will meet with Speaker Hanna at 9:30.

UCC President Joe Olson will be joining the Umpqua Singers in the House chamber.

UCC’s Umpqua Singers are one of the premiere vocal jazz ensembles in the Pacific Northwest. This 13-member group performs a broad range of musical styles ranging from traditional swing to contemporary R & B. With 14 CD’s to their credit, the group performs 45-50 engagements per year. The Umpqua Singers were the featured performers at the Capitol Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony in Washington D.C. on December 12, 2002. In 2010, they have traveled to Aranda de Duero, in Spain, Roseburg’s sister city.  In addition to frequent radio and television broadcasts, the Umpqua Singers have been featured on FOX, C-SPAN, and XM Satellite Radio.  The Umpqua Singers is a scholarship program at Umpqua Community College.

The Umpqua Singers are under the director of Dr. Jason Heald, director of music studies at UCC.  Dr. Heald is an active composer, performer, educator and clinician in the Pacific Northwest. He holds a Ph.D. in composition from University of Oregon.  Before arriving in Roseburg, he taught at Western Oregon University, Linfield College and Mt. Hood Community College.  Dr. Heald is a published composer and has also been the recipient of many ASCAP symphonic and educational awards.

The members of this year’s Umpqua Singers and their high schools are:  Katie Beach, Douglas; Katy Bennett, home schooled; Arielle Chasteen, Umpqua Valley Christian; Erin Duckworth, Glide; Brandon Franko, Grants Pass High School; Nick Kirby, Oakland; Taylor Luzier, Sutherlin; Shady Moore, Douglas; John Olson, Roseburg; David Powlison, Roseburg; Taylor Siling, Roseburg; Brandon Westmoreland, Sutherlin, and David Whitney, South Albany High School.