The Yakima Valley College Jazz Ensemble will be joined by guest artists from the band Sonando for the annual Spring Latin Jazz Concert on May 12. The concert will be held at 7:30 p.m. in Kendall Hall Auditorium, Building 12, Room 105.  Admission is free but donations to the YVC Music Program are being accepted. Earlier in the day, Sonando will present a demonstration and discussion on the topic “What is Latin Jazz?” The demonstration will begin at 12:30 p.m. in Kendall Hall Auditorium.

Sonando was founded in 1990 by Fred Hoadley and Lary Barilleau to explore new directions in the blending of Afro-Cuban rhythms and jazz. For over a decade, the group has performed original Latin jazz at festivals, clubs and concerts throughout the Pacific Northwest.

Musicians performing alongside YVC students during this concert are Fred Hoadley (piano and tres), Tom Bergerson (congas), Steve Smith (bongo), Ricardo Guity (drumset), Nathen Vetter (trombone), Nathaniel Schleimer (saxophone), YVC Music Instructor Jeff Norwood (bass) and special guest artist Jeff Smith (trumpet).

Sonando’s repertoire includes traditional and modern interpretations of Afro-Cuban styles such as son, changui, bata and rumba, as well as signature Latin jazz. The group perform on folkloric instruments such as bata, marimbula, tres, congas and shekere, as well as modern jazz instruments including flute, saxophone, trombone, piano, bass and drumset.

The band’s first two recordings, “Sonando” (1995) and “La Rumba Esta Buena” (1998), received airplay and critical acclaim throughout the country. Their third album, “Sonando Tres,” was released in 2006 on the Origin Arts label, and is currently being aired around the country.

YVC’s Music Department provides students with affordable academic courses and quality performing opportunities in vocal and instrumental music as well as private lessons. The department offers courses designed for students who have an interest in music as a non-major. Students choosing to pursue a degree in music should follow a YVC program leading to an Associate in Arts – Music degree and then audition and transfer to a university to continue their music major.

Students studying music at YVC will prepare themselves for a wide array of careers including music educator, studio musician, commercial arranger, composer, piano accompanist, recording artist, church-affiliated music positions and music research positions at state, regional and national institutions.

For more information about this event or study opportunities available at YVC contact Jeff Norwood by email.