What began as a lark among six Belmont school grads has come to life as an engaging exploration into vocal jazz harmony.
A cappella group Rhapsody Belle will be featured at Jazz Vespers this month.
The members of the group are Aaron Scoones (baritone), Katy Kerr (mezzo soprano), Alana Johnson (soprano), Kristi Sihota (alto), Taylor Holmwood (bass), and Andrian Szewczyk (tenor).
Scoones was born to a family of musicians in Victoria, and is pursuing a career as a sound engineer. He has studied with Louise Rose and at the Berklee College of Music in Boston where he also discovered a love of recording and producing music.
Kerr began her singing career as a moustachioed policeman in Pirates of Penzance at 12 years-old. More recently, she interned with the Victoria Jazz Society and the Victoria Symphony and teaches with the Victoria Choral Society. She also has a BA in Music Business, having studied under vocal instructor and recording artist, Vijay Singh at Central Washington University.
Johnson was born and raised in a musical family in Victoria, and pursued music studies on a number of instruments. She will soon graduate from UVic’s Music Education Program.
Sihota, after completing a Bachelor of Education at UVic, teaches music to elementary school students.
Holmwood divides his time between Rhapsody Belle, various other vocal ensembles, and earning a UVic Percussion Performance degree.
Szewczyk was born into a Ukrainian family in Winnipeg, and was immersed in music and Ukrainian dance from a young age. Aided by an incredible ear, he has become a master of complex vocal harmony.
Rhapsody Belle performs on Feb. 13 at 7 p.m. at St. John’s United Church, 10990 West Saanich Rd. There is no admission charge; an offering will be taken. For information, call Bernadette at 250- 656-0875 or email bernadettegreene@shaw.ca.
