WSU Jazz Singer Earns National Award From Down Beat Magazine

PULLMAN, Wash. — Washington State University’s resident jazz artist and graduate student Julie Silvera will receive Down Beat magazine’s “most outstanding college vocal performance” recognition as part of the publication’s 25th Annual Student Music Awards.

Silvera began her music studies in Florida before transferring to WSU in 1996 to complete an undergraduate degree. Her interest in piano performance broadened to classical voice performance. “One day I was told to give vocal jazz a try, and I was hooked from the start,” she said. She is completing her master’s degree in conducting.

The jazz vocalist performs with the WSU Concert Choir and the WSU Big Band. She also has been part of the university’s Vocal Jazz Ensemble and the WSU Opera Workshop. She has sung roles in several musicals, including “Sweeney Todd” and “For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Was Enuf.” She also has many awards to her credit, including the best college solo/alto division for the third year running at the 2002 Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival.

Silvera’s CD, “Sojourner,” includes 10 of her favorite vocal jazz pieces and is available locally.

She is applying to graduate school and plans to work on a doctorate of music.

For 68 years, Down Beat has served as the book of record for the jazz world. Hundreds of artists throughout the world compete in its recognition programs.

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