We are Uncommon|Ground...
Uncommon Ground is now in its 14th consecutive season of great music-making. It originated with the intent to provide an outlet for outstanding vocal jazz singing and study in a small group setting. It performs a variety of jazz literature both unaccompanied and with a rhythm combo. Members are exposed to various singing styles including Swing, Blues, Funk, Latin, Doo Wop, Pop and Solo Styling.
Up until the Fall of 2009, Vocal Jazz was a for-credit ensemble, and Dr. Lauren Fowler-Calisto, former choral director at Christopher Newport University, served as the musical director of the ensemble, challenging the group with difficult, exciting repertoire and practice of improvisation that pushed her students to continue learning about this distinctly American art form. In 2009, in the wake of the economic crisis, the ensemble was unfortunately discontinued in the Department of Music, but rather than simply ceasing to perform, the remaining members of Uncommon Ground took ownership of their group and worked with the CNU Office of Student Activities to create it as a student-run organization.
We now welcome our new adviser Dr. Kelly Rossum. Dr. Rossum is the director of Jazz Studies at Christopher Newport University and frequently records and publishes his own work.
The dedicated members of this group serve in many extra capacities to help the ensemble move forward, such as serving administrative positions on the executive board, organizing auditions and choosing repertoire, and rehearsing twice a week on top of many hours alone in practice room. Uncommon Ground is committed and excited about continuing in the great tradition of CNU's already impressive reputation as one of the leading music schools in the Commonwealth of Virginia and on the east coast.
In the past year, Uncommon Ground has performed at a variety of venues, including local church bookings, retirement homes, high school jazz workshops in Hampton Roads, as well as VA All-State Choir showcase. They look forward to continue to grow individually as artists and expand their performances even further into the community.