The American River College Vocal Jazz Ensemble under the direction of Dr. Arthur Lapierre has been in existence for 13 years. American River College is a two-year institute of learning in the Los Rios Community College District in Sacramento, California. During this time the Vocal Jazz Ensemble has received 7 DownBeat Awards from DownBeat Magazine. Most recently, in 2010, the ensemble won the Best Undergraduate Vocal Jazz Ensemble Award for their newly released CD; Your Eyes. The ensemble has previously appeared before the International Association of Jazz Educators Conferences in Toronto, Long Beach, and New York. In 2010 the ensemble appeared before the ACDA Western Division Conference. In March of 20111 the ensemble will sing before the national conference in Chicago.

Dr. Arthur Lapierre is the director of vocal jazz ensembles at American River College in Sacramento, California, where he teaches studio voice, jazz history, and jazz/pop styles. He also serves as a clinician and guest conductor. Dr. Lapierre's ensembles have appeared before IAJE, ACDA, CMEA, NYSSMA, MMEA, SCVA and are recipients of 9 DownBeat Music Awards. Previously Dr. Lapierre directed ensembles at the Berklee College of Music, Long Beach Polytechnic High School, Rancho Santiago Community College and California State Universities -Los Angeles and -Long Beach. Dr. Lapierre has also served as director of the Grammy in Our Schools Jazz Choir and ACDA Eastern Division Jazz/Show Choir R/S Chair. Dr. Arthur Lapierre earned music degrees from Fullerton College, California State University -Long Beach, and the University of Northern Colorado.

The American River College Vocal Jazz Ensemble under the direction of Dr. Arthur Lapierre performs jazz vocal arrangements of jazz standards mostly in the Swing, Hard Bop, and Contemporary styles. Singing in 5-part harmony the ensemble blends this arranged writing with improvisation and solo work. A trademark of the ensemble is to sing with a well-blended choral tone while providing instrumental-like articulations. This year's ensemble represents the new crop of young students under the stylistic leadership of lead soprano, Molly Pease. The American River College Vocal Jazz Ensemble is fortunate to sing with one of Sacramento's finest trios with Dr.Joe Gilman on piano, Matt Robinson on bass, and Rick Lotter on the drum kit.