Swan Vocals
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Swan Vocals Bio
Mavis Kashanda Poole (Swan) is a recent
graduate of North Carolina Central University. She double majored
in Music Education/Jazz Studies with a concentration in Voice. As
a Jazz Studies major, she was under the tutelage of the well known
saxophonist Dr. Ira Wiggins, and recording artist Lenora Helm. She
has performed in an ensemble that has opened up for the Branford
Marsalis Quartet, Antonio Hart, Nnenna Freelon, Dick Oatts, Grady
Tate, Hubert Laws, Freddie Cole, and Ed Thigpen.
In 2005, Mavis competed in the Sisters In Jazz segment of IAJE (International
Assoc. of Jazz Educators). This was an international competition,
where she received special recognition and honorable mention. In
the summer of 2006, she competed for a space in the Centrum Jazz
Festival in Port Townsend, Washington. She received a full scholarship
and was placed in the highest level of participation as Semi-Pro.
There she was taught under world reknown jazz vocalists Kurt Elling,
Nancy King, and Dee Daniels. Just recently, she was selected to
participate in the prestigious Betty Carter Straight Ahead Jazz
Workshop. She was one of only 2 vocalist selected internationally.
Mavis studied under such greats as Carmen Lundy, Curtis Fuller,
Dr. Nathan Davis, Winard Harper, George Cables, Chip Jackson, and
Dr. Billy Taylor. Three of these performances can be viewed on the
Millenium Stage performances of the Kennedy Center archives under
Betty Carter Jazz Ahead 2007.
Mavis has done several theatrical projects. In 2003, she played
Sarah Vaughan in the NCCU production of "Mama, I Want To Sing."
After this, in 2005, Mavis was asked to be the vocal director as
well as a principle role in the musical "EUBIE!". Upon completion
of this task, Mavis was nominated to compete for the Irene Ryan
Acting Scholarship. She was again asked to be the vocal director
for the NCCCU production of "Crowns" where she also had a principle
role.
In July of 2007, Mavis was afforded the opportunity to work with
the great Diane McIntyre at the American Dance Festival (ADF). She,
paired with vocalist Ariene Reinhart, performed rare negro spirituals
to accompany a reconstructed dance work, "How Long Brethren?" originally
done by Helen Tamiris.
A very active student, Mavis is a member of Tau Beta Sigma, National
Honorary Band Sorority, Inc. As an undergraduate, she participated
in the NCCU Jazz Ensemble, NCCU Vocal Jazz Combo, NCCU Touring Choir
(Miss Choir 2006-07), IAJE student chapter, NATS student chapter
(Vice Pres. 2003-04), MENC student chapter. She also held her place
on the Dean's List since 2004, and graduated Magna Cum Laude in
the top 15% of her class. Seed Time & Harvest Fellowship is her
church home. She has worked with many local choirs and currently
continues to do so.
Website:
http://www.swanvocals.com
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