WVC alumna teaches Jazz History

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WVC alumna Rhiana Foster

 

Wenatchee Valley College alumna Rhiana Foster has returned to the college to teach Jazz History, a new music course offered spring quarter.

Students need not be music majors to enroll in Jazz History. The course, designed for non-music majors, fulfills a general education requirement and will trace jazz from its roots to contemporary styles. Jazz history is more than just dates, Foster said. Students will be able to relate jazz to world events, and understand how music affects culture, and culture affects music.

"Jazz history is compact, and that's what makes it so exciting," she said.

Jazz History is a five-credit humanities course offered on Mondays through Thursdays from 1 to 2 p.m. during spring quarter. The quarter begins March 30.

Foster earned her transfer degree and associate of fine arts degree from WVC. "I had a great experience here," she said. She decided by the time she enrolled at WVC that her goal would be "music or nothing." The music program, which includes courses in theory, ear training, and harmonics, helped prepare her for advanced theory and harmonics. After leaving WVC, she was accepted into Berklee College of Music in Boston. At Berklee, Foster studied jazz almost exclusively. She earned one bachelor's degree in music business/management and entrepreneurship, and one in vocal performance.

"I'm really excited to dive right in and add to the culture," Foster said of her new role at the college.