TCU Students Prepare to Perform with New York Voices During Farewell Tour
For nearly four decades the New York Voices has helped shape the sound of vocal jazz. This semester, TCU School of Music students will have the opportunity to learn from and perform alongside the internationally acclaimed, Grammy-winning quartet during its 2026-2027 farewell tour.
The ensemble will visit TCU for a residency featuring workshops, master classes and rehearsals, ending in a public concert with TCU's student jazz ensembles.
Learning From Jazz Legends
Throughout the residency, New York Voices will work directly with students on improvisation,
songwriting, vocal technique and professional musicianship, sharing insights from
decades of performing and collaborating.
For Michelle Pearce, a junior music major and member of Purple, White and Blues, the opportunity has already shaped her approach to vocal jazz. Although initially unfamiliar with the group, she has expanded her understanding of the genre by listening to its music and learning about their career.
"When hearing that we had the opportunity to collaborate with the New York Voices on a concert, I was thrilled," Pearce said. "It opens up the door to learning from the pros, and it is exciting to be able to form connections with such big names in the vocal jazz scene."
Senior Kolby Carpenter, a double major in music and political science, joined Purple, White and Blues during his first year at TCU and has since developed a passion for jazz.
As he prepares for graduation, the residency offers an opportunity to learn from established musicians while exploring his own artistic direction.
"I see this residency as more than just a performance opportunity," Carpenter said. "It's a chance to challenge myself, expand my musical perspective, and take another step toward the career I hope to build after TCU."
Sharing the Stage
The residency will conclude with a public concert featuring New York Voices alongside
TCU's Purple, White and Blues and Jazz Ensemble I.
Directed by Amy Stewart with assistance from Joey Carter, Purple, White and Blues has earned national recognition through appearances at the Jazz Education Network Conference and Southwestern American Choral Directors Association Conference. The TCU Jazz Ensemble I, directed by Allen Cordingley, has also performed on national and international stages, collaborating with distinguished jazz artists throughout its history.
For Isabella Lopez, senior vocal performance major and John V. Roach Honors College student, performing alongside professional musicians has been among the most valuable parts of her education.
"Reflecting on my time here as a student, the most educational experiences I've had at TCU have been from jumping in and performing with the pros," Lopez said. "It really lights a fire under me and raises the quality of my work as a musician."
The concert will also give the Fort Worth community an opportunity to experience New York Voices during its final touring season.
"For the broader Fort Worth/Dallas community, it's an opportunity to see this group live one last time, as well as to hear our own student ensembles perform alongside them," Stewart said.
The residency is supported by a grant from the TCU College of Fine Arts.
Join New York Voices and TCU's student jazz ensembles at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13, in Van Cliburn Concert Hall.