The UNC Summer Jazz Workshop is a five-day program where community members and students from middle school, high school and college come together to learn about jazz theory and engage in group lessons in order to prepare for the final student concert on the last day of the program. Attending the workshop is 16-year-old high school student Ruthie Collett from Morganton, North Carolina.
I learned from Ruthie that her experience with singing began early on and that her focus has mainly been on jazz and rock. For the first two days of the workshop, I’ve been attending the vocal lessons taught by jazz vocalist, Kate McGarry where I’ve gotten to observe and learn a bit about what goes behind rehearsing and have also gotten the opportunity to hear Ruthie sing. To say the least Ruthie has an incredible voice, and I am very excited to see how great her performance is on Friday.
When I approached Ruthie about interviewing her, she was so kind and welcomed any questions.
How did your experience with singing begin?
Ruthie said that at a young age she showed an interest in singing, so her parents encouraged her to sing at her church choir around the age of 9. When asked how she got into jazz she said, “It’s been a constant thing in my life because my dad always played it around the house, so I got exposed to it early on, that and rock.”
In middle school she was in her first ensemble, where she sang rock music, and was also in a jazz group for two years.
Did you always know you wanted to be a singer?
She said she tried some instruments including the piano, and the saxophone but didn’t think it was going too well, so she stuck to singing.
Do you participate in any musical extracurriculars at the moment?
Ruthie said that she currently partakes in her high school acapella group, called Azure which focuses on rock music.
Favorite singer?
“Ella Fitzgerald, I love her so much. She had a great career, and she was never classically trained, which I think is really interesting and that’s something I can kind of relate to because I’m also not classically trained.”
How did you find out about the workshop?
Ruthie said that she told her mom that she was interested In attending some type of workshop over the summer, so her mom found the SJW and it was close to where she lived.
What do you want to take or gain from this workshop?
“I definitely really appreciate the experience of singing in a combo,” said Ruthie. She also hopes to gain more music theory knowledge and has enjoyed learning about improvisation.
Do you consider singing a hobby?
Ruthie said that singing isn’t something she would consider just as a hobby as she is very passionate about it. She wants to carry it forward and is going to try to audition for her high school’s ensemble next year. She doesn’t think she’ll major in it in school, but is something she plans to keep in her life nonetheless.
If you could perform with any artist/musician dead or alive, who would you pick?
“I know there’s a really good bassist named Esperanza Spalding. She won some Grammys a few years ago, and she’s just massively talented and her voice is insane. She sings and plays at the same time, which is crazy.”
How are you feeling about the upcoming concert?
Ruthie said she feels excited and mentioned that her combo group is very talented and loves the song that she will be singing at the conclusion of the workshop.