Rod Vester, Director

In the Key of C

The CONTEMPO Ensemble is a sixteen-piece contemporary band composed of vocalists and instrumentalists from diverse musical backgrounds. The ensemble’s mission is to educate, entertain and inspire as they use music for positive social change. In the Key of C will take the audience on an exciting and memorable musical journey featuring an array of genres including pop, rock, indie, rhythm and blues, soul, alternative and original compositions by ensemble members.

Digital Program

View Digital Program

Shenandoah Conservatory uses digital programs for all performances. In addition to their engaging and accessible design, digital programs are cost effective, environmentally friendly and enable us to create and update our programs more efficiently, which means we can focus our resources on the performances you love! View our digital programs by clicking the button above, scanning the QR code in our venue or texting PROGRAM to (540) 307-2336 at the performance. [Note: Digital programs are best viewed on your mobile or tablet device.]

Lean In & Engage

Q: What excites you about working on this program?

Each CONTEMPO Ensemble performance is curated by each performer and In the Key of C will take the listener on an exciting and memorable musical journey. This is the first semester where each performer completely led a rehearsal. During this time, both vocalists and instrumentalists learned the necessary and appropriate musical terminology in order to communicate effectively with one another. Vocalists learned about various chords utilized in contemporary music and instrumentalists learned about various vocal techniques employed in various styles of music, among many other things.”
– Rod Vester, director

Q: What are students learning or experiencing through this process?

Students are (1) learning and demonstrating intermediate to advanced techniques of contemporary musicianship by playing and singing both by ear, chord charts, lead sheets, and traditional printed music; (2) learning skills in utilizing music technology including microphone technique, vocal arranging, and working with live sound reinforcement; (3) learning how to effectively and efficiently lead a rehearsal; and (4) learning and demonstrating the ability to create and perform together with other musicians in rehearsals and performances.”
– Rod Vester, director

Q: What are you excited about for audiences to experience?

I am excited for the audience to experience a wide variety of music that is executed well and speaks deeply to each performer, as well as original songs by the songwriters in the ensemble!”
– Rod Vester, director

Accessibility

Accommodations for disabilities may be arranged by contacting the Box Office at least three days prior to the performance.

Photos by C King Media and Shenandoah University’s Office of Marketing & Communications