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2024 ACDA Northwestern Region Conference January 24-27, 2024 Spokane, Washington

Centennial High School Central Washington University
Camerata Vocal Jazz 1

Camerata is the advanced mixed choir at Centennial Vocal Jazz 1 is the premier jazz vocal ensemble at
High School in Boise, Idaho. Their strategy is to build a CWU and has gained the reputation as one of the fin-
program where they love to be together as they make in- est university/collegiate vocal jazz ensembles in the
credible music. They strive to create a space of inclusive- United States. Known for their eclectic programming,
ness, interaction, fun, and tremendous hard work. Once polished live performances, emotional connection to
restrictions were lifted, they performed at the Idaho All- the music, strong soloists, and creative arrangements,
State in 2022 (wearing masks). In 2023 they performed Vocal Jazz 1 has established a strong consistent record
in concert with Utah Valley University under the direc- of producing outstanding jazz artists, educators, ar-
tion of Reed Criddle. rangers, and composers.

Annette Mackey began her career as a pri- Vijay Singh is a professor of music at
vate music and voice teacher in Boise, Ida- Central Washington University, where he
ho. In 2007 she began working as a choir directs the Vocal Jazz program, Univer-
coach, assisting the local high school as an sity Chorale, jazz combos, and teaches
accompanist and assistant to the director. choral arranging/composition. Since ar-
In 2014 she began teaching full time. She has authored riving at CWU in 1999, he has consistently featured
four books, including Music Rhythm Worksheets, which is his ensembles at regional and national conferences of
available online as a free download for music educators. ACDA, JEN, NAfME, IAJE, and MENC. Vocal Jazz
She loves teaching and feels honored to work with teen- 1 is CWU’s premier jazz vocal ensemble and has been
agers as they learn and grow in music. She teaches at featured at National ACDA Conferences in Chicago
Centennial High School in Boise, Idaho. Mackey holds (2011) and Salt Lake City (2015). The group is known
a BM from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, for creative programming and polished live perfor-
and a master’s degree in secondary music education mances featuring new arrangements/compositions in
from Boston University. various jazz and contemporary styles.

CHORAL JOURNAL January 2024 Volume 64 Number 5 11