Faculty - Voice

Mary Jo Bischoff

A gifted and versatile educator, Mary Jo specializes in voice technique, improvisation and ear training. She holds a Master of Music in Jazz Studies from Georgia State University, a Bachelor of Music in Composition from the University of Missouri, and a Music Diploma from Grant McEwan College.

Since 1984, Mary Jo has been performing coast to coast in the U.S. with her own Quartet and groups as diverse as the Kansas City Street Band, The Jim Weidner Orchestra, and the eclectic Chateau Debris. Her original blues fusion projects have earned grants, production awards, and radio and television appearances. She has also worked extensively in artist development, as a staff producer at Benchmark Sound Studios in Atlanta, and as a voice and song writing coach for LaFace Records artists.

Kate Hammett-Vaughan

Nova Scotia-born, Vancouver-based singer Kate Hammett-Vaughan is one of Canada's preeminent jazz vocalists. Equally acclaimed for her interpretations of jazz standards and for her improvising work with avant-garde groups such as the NOW Orchestra, she has received two JUNO nominations since 1994. Her performing and recording career spans more than two decades and a half a dozen record labels. Hammett-Vaughan's diverse musical projects include guest hosting of CBC television and radio shows and collaborations with modern dance and performance artists. http://katehv.com/index.php

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make. - Paul McCartney Peace is the greatest treasure under heaven. - Lao Tzu

For more information on Kate Hammett-Vaughan and her music, please visit her website at http://www.katehv.com

Steve Maddock

Steve was a student at Capilano College from 1990-1993 and has been instructing at the college since 1996. He freelances as a jazz, pop and classical vocalist, having performed on radio and television, and at numerous festivals and concert venues both at home and abroad. He is also an active member of Vancouver's thriving theatre industry. Some recent shows include The Sound of Music, Annie, South Pacific and two lengthy runs of My Fair Lady with the Arts Club Theatre Company. Steve recently recorded a jazz album of show tunes with Bruno Hubert (piano), Andre Lachance (bass), Paul Townsend (drums), Bill Coon (guitar) and Campbell Ryga (sax).

Réjean Marois

As a faculty member of the Jazz Studies program, Réjean conducts two vocal jazz ensembles, NiteCap and Capital Jazz, as well as the College's "A" Band. He also teaches vocal improvisation, arranging and composition, and conducting. Réjean's involvement with the Capilano College Jazz Series concerts has included performances of NiteCap and "A" Band with internationally renowned jazz artists. These include: pianists Kenny Werner and Cedar Walton; arrangers Bob Mintzer, Fred Stride and Dave McMurdo; vocalists Kurt Elling, Ranee Lee, Dee Daniels, Denzal Sinclair and Nnenna Freelon. Réjean has published original works for jazz band, choir, jazz choir and concert band. For more than 15 years, he has been in demand throughout North America as a clinician, adjudicator, conductor, music advisor and arranger.