Faculty: Joe Herbert

Office Phone: 303-556-3180 Email Address: joe@groovesociety.org Classes taught: Vocal Jazz Home Page: www.groovesociety.net

Joe Herbert is the co-founder, co-director, and primary arranger for the internationally-acclaimed vocal jazz sextet, Groove Society.  With the release of their new CD, Groove Society is receiving radio play from coast to coast and around the world.  The group has performed at international jazz festivals throughout North America, sharing the billing with, and/or opening for music legends including Bonnie Raitt, Herbie Hancock, Bobby McFerrin, The Neville Brothers, Eddie Palmieri, Paquito D' Rivera, Freddy Cole, Patty Austin, The Rippingtons, Bobby Hutcherson, Jimmy Heath, The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Dr. John, and many more.  In 2006, Groove Society was named "Vocal Group of the Year" by the JPF International Music Awards, as well as being honored for "Best A Cappella Album," and "Best A Cappella Song."  In January 2007, the ensemble received the "IAJE Award for Outstanding Service to Jazz Education."

Joe earned his Bachelor of Music Degree in theory and composition from The University of Northern Colorado, and has worked as a clinician and adjudicator at jazz festivals and jazz camps throughout the United States.  While singing with UNC's Grammy-nominated Vocal Jazz 1, Joe won several prestigious Downbeat Magazine Awards.  Since then, his arrangements and original compositions have become popular with high school and college jazz choirs worldwide.

In addition to writing and arranging, Joe is also an accomplished jazz and Latin trumpeter in the Denver area, and draws on this instrumental background to enrich his writing and singing style.