Colchester Institute

 

 

Jenny Darren has been teaching as a part time vocal coach at Colchester Institute since September 2001. Jenny has organized many different forms of musical ventures since she has been in residence at the College. Concerts and gigs have been undertaken in the Jazz Vocalist genre, utilizing the skills of College student musicians together with top professional players, therefore razing the standard of both College musicians and singers alike. Together with the  highly talented 'Carl hudson' on piano/keyboards and his wonderful Arranging and Musical directorship skills, the evenings that have been undertaken have been hugely successful.

 

The 'Pop' Concerts at 'Tracks Club' in Clacton were the first to be featured. The evenings were the first Wed of every month. What started as a three piece band very soon graduated to a seven piece, adding guitars and brass. In 2002 Jenny decided that a bigger venue was required and therefore the next 4 Concerts were performed at 'The Soundhouse' in Colchester (Formerly 'The Twist'.) As the 'Soundhouse' was much bigger than 'Tracks'...the band expanded somewhat, and on the last count. there were six brass players and four rhythm, together with 16 singers perforning solo and on occassion with backing vocalists. As always the last tune in the show involves all the singers onstage, singing a line of the song to say Goodnight in a memorable way.

 

Other shows undertaken have been three at 'The Spice of Life' in London 's West End . Ipswich Jazz Club, 'Wyvenhoe Rock and Pop Festival' 'The Fleece' one of UK 's most known jazz venues at Boxford, near Colchester , plus Concerts at the College in the Refectory and the Swinburne Hall.

Evenings out have also been organized to see World class entertainers. Patti Austin appeared in Birmingham with the 'Radio Big Band', and five students attended the concert with Jenny.

Students have also been to see Jenny perform with the 'Nick Ross Orchestra', plus other gigs with her own four piece band.

 

Jenny teaches all stagecraft, microphone technique, movement, basic dance, speech, dialogue, dress, deportment, one to one vocal lessons, groups and workshops etc... Styles taught are the following: Pop, blues, soul, jazz, Motown, gospel, Latin American, World Music, songs from shows, light Operetta etc...

A recommended practice regime is also taught (Different vocal exercises for voice strength, breathing techniques. recording and vocal production. Demonstrating and setting up of equipment is also explained.

 

 

The most recent Concert at the Headgate Theatre featured Latin music. The music of writers and Artists  such as Antonio Carlos Jobim, Paul Simon, Ivan Lins, Ned Washington and Randy Crawford were performed to a very high standard. Together with 'Tim Pells' guitar students, the evening demonstrated some very unusual music. Once again Carl Hudson as MD showed a marvelous aptitude for leadership, especially as he was conducting and leading other players.. Andy Watson on guitar, and Jack Monk on bass, both of whom are tutors at the Institute. Jenny's regular drummer Damian Rodd played kit, plus Sue Stanton (College piano accompanist) this time played double bass. It was a very alternative musical evening, with a huge learning curve.

 

Jenny also teaches around ten pupils a week privately. Other musical teaching ventures consist of visiting other Colleges to perform Workshops, and also private venues. One notable evening was a charity concert at 'Tracks' in Clacton, using student singers and professional musicians in a venture to raise money for Croatian orphanages.

 

A Newspaper article advertising a charity gig at 'Tracks'

 

Special attention is given as to future Concert and performance bookings before the student has actually left College. Agents, Managers, Record Companies, cruise line companies etc...plus help with dealing with the above, discussing contracts, suitable material for different venues, musical equipment, arrangements needed and so forth.

Jenny has also been involved in vocal coaching for various record companies, regarding up and coming young vocalists and boy/girl bands.

Jenny takes a great interest in her students progress, and delight in the development of their voice and career (If chosen) in the music and stage industries. As Jenny is a Singer, performer, and now teacher with much experience to offer, her help and guidance to the young singers and performers of the future cannot be underestimated. She is a committed caring Artiste and teacher.

 

 

<Click to read testimonals from Students and Lecturers at Colchester Institute>

 

 

Pictures of Student concerts at local Colchester venues...