Santa Barbara's Premiere Vocal Jazz Ensemble!
VocalPoint is a 12 member mixed ensemble that specializes in performing unique arrangements of classic and modern jazz pop standards, as well as original compositions. The group's lush, close harmony can be heard in concert venues, private parties, and educational settings.
For booking information, please contact our business manager, Melissa Brooks, at 805-569-9658. For e-mail, click here
VocalPoint Members:
KIM COLLINS - Director, Arranger, Bass. Kim has been a professional jazz musician for 30+ years. He both sings bass and plays bass professionally. He teaches instrumental and vocal jazz through Santa Barbara City College and is a worship leader at the Free Methodist Church. Kim has performed locally in 'Skatzenjammers', 'Airborne', 'Take 5 Trio', 'Wingspan' and 'Full D.E.K.". He is co-creator of all material for the SBVJF 8 week workshop, and multi-grade residency programs.
EJÉ LYNN-JACOBS - Associate Director, Tenor. Ejé is a professional vocal musician who has spent time as a studio musician in Hawaii, San Francisco and L.A., and has sung back up for various artists, such as Maria Muldaur. With a music degree from San Francisco State, Ejé is also a composer and vocal instructor, specializing in beginning, intermediate, recording studio singing, and is assisting traumatic brain injury patients recover their speech.
MELISSA BROOKS - Soprano. A pianist since childhood, Melissa has incorporated her love of jazz and blues harmony into her study of music. She has studied both classical and pop-style singing, and has performed in various local groups since coming to Santa Barbara 10 years ago. Besides her duties as the VP Business Manager, Melissa is a visual artist, happy to be here in Santa Barbara with her husband and son.
CINDY DELSTER-REIBER - Alto. Cindy has performed in various jazz vocal groups and is a former member of the Choral Society. With more than 15 years of harp performance experience, Cindy's repertoire is vast and includes jazz. She plays locally for receptions, informal parties and weddings. In addition to raising 2 wonderful kids, Cindy is a Cardiac Care Unit nurse.
SHANNON SALEH - Soprano.
JAN HAHKA – Soprano. Jan Hahka has been involved with music most of her life. She majored in Piano and minored in voice at Southeastern Louisiana University . She is teaching music for K-6 at Kellogg Elementary School, as well as teaching the workshops with the team for the Santa Barbara Vocal Jazz Foundation. She and her husband Randy have two great kids who also love music.
BRUCE HALE - Tenor, Baritone. A Hawaii transplant, Bruce performed in stage musicals and pop-rock duos before finding his way to jazz. He is an indifferent guitarist and a sometime actor. Bruce is best known as a public speaker and the author of over 20 children's books, including the award-winning Chet Gecko mysteries. He and his wife Janette love hiking and traveling.
SHARLAE JENKINS - Soprano. A Santa Barbara native, Sharlae Jenkins has been involved in the community for many years as a singer, accompanist, studio vocalist, songwriter, and teacher. Sharlae teaches piano and voice to children and teens, is a worship leader at Calvary Chapel, and is one of the Associate Music Directors of VocalPoint. She feels blessed that her husband, Greg and two sons, Josh & Tim share her love of music, and especially…jazz!
KAREN NEUENSCHWANDER - Alto. A pianist since childhood, Karen has been involved in vocal groups in the Bay Area, including musical theater, Madrigals, and 'Caleidoscope' at UC Berkeley, and various local church ensembles. Being a practical gal, Karen has always kept her day job as a pediatric nurse and currently works for an elementary school district. She and her husband Lee have two great kids.
LEE NEUENSCHWANDER - Tenor. An alumnus of both the Westmont College Choir and the Westmont Brass Choir, Lee has performed with various brass and vocal ensembles in the San Francisco Bay area and locally. Lee studies jazz theory and improvisation and currently practices dentistry in Santa Barbara.
JAMES SIU - Tenor, Baritone. James studied music at the University of California, Riverside. He worked as a studio musician in Los Angeles. Before moving to Santa Barbara, James lived in Kalispell, Montana, where he played lead trumpet in the Don Lawrence Orchestra. James also played Afro-Cuban jazz with a group called Cocinando as well as a variety of blues combos. As an involved community member, James also found time to direct a youth band and a children's choir. When not singing or playing, James is spending time designing the SBVJF website.
KIRK TAYLOR - Bass, Arranger. Kirk has a strong musical theory background and is a classically trained pianist. He previously performed with Kim Collins and Debbie Denke in the 'Skatzenjammers' jazz vocal group. In addition to arranging some of tonight's music, Kirk tunes pianos locally and is a math instructor at San Marcos High School.