SV Jazz Ensemble I records at Pittsburgh’s Vault Studio

Students of Seneca Valley Jazz Ensemble I were given the opportunity to experience a full professional recording studio session at The Vault Studio in Pittsburgh. The four-hour session was sponsored by owner Bob McCutcheon and the Rhythm 19 Fund. The ensemble was coached and produced by Mr. McCutcheon (engineer), Brian Ammon (assistant engineer), and six-time grammy winner Jimmy Hoysen (producer/chief engineer). This was a fantastic opportunity to record with professional quality equipment at a professional studio. The rhythm section was in the main studio and the wind players were in “the vault” downstairs using audio and video feeds to communicate with their fellow musicians, SV Jazz Director Mr. Varden Armstrong, and the sound engineers. Students all used headphones and were able to adjust levels of click track and other instruments in the mix including their own during the recording process. The band recorded two tracks that will soon be released. A special thank you to SV parent Mr. Tim James for the fantastic photography capturing this event! 

“We are so thankful to The Vault, Mr. McCutcheon and the Rhythm 19 Fund for this amazing opportunity for the students of Seneca Valley,” said Jazz Director Mr. Armstrong. “This was a truly once in a lifetime experience for many of our students.”

The Rhythm 19 fund was created to honor the legacy of Ryan McCutcheon who was killed in an automobile accident in 2017. Ryan was an accomplished percussionist, a dedicated instructor and mentor to high school and college students. The mission of The Rhythm 19 Fund is to honor Ryan’s memory by providing access to art and music education for children and youth.