2020 and 2021’s increase in anti-Asian racism has hit hard with PARMA artist Jordan VanHemert. While anti-Asian racism in the United States is not new, the recent escalation of hate-related instances must be stopped. The nonprofit Stop AAPI Hate reports that there were roughly 3,800 reported Asian-American hate incidents this past year during the pandemic, and then on March 16, a racially-motivated massacre occurred in which six of the eight victims were Asian women. This concert is presented as a means to raise awareness and make concrete changes through music.
All of VanHemert’s proceeds will be donated to the National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum. To donate visit: https://www.facebook.com/donate/143497054358492/
I AM NOT A VIRUS is available from Big Round Records.
About
Dr. Jordan VanHemert is a Korean American saxophonist and composer lauded for his skill as a modern jazz improviser. VanHemert’s music—including his new album I AM NOT A VIRUS—is deeply informed by his political consciousness, employing his distinctive compositional voice to address issues of race and social justice. Critics recognize VanHemert’s music as being profoundly relevant; noted jazz journalist and historian Scott Yanow recently praised VanHemert’s debut release as “quite impressive,” stating that his piece “Autumn Song” “could eventually become a standard.”
VanHemert serves on the faculty at Hope College as Assistant Professor of Music Instruction in saxophone and jazz studies. He is also the Music Director of the Holland Concert Jazz Orchestra, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to jazz advocacy, education, and performance. As an active composer, VanHemert has fulfilled commissions for ensembles across the country, including works for the Zenith Saxophone Quartet, Friends University Vocal Jazz Ensemble, the Bradley University Jazz Ensemble, Greenhill (TX) School Flute Choir, and many others. He holds degrees from Central Michigan University, the University of Michigan, and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
VanHemert is a Vandoren Artist-Clinician and Selmer Paris Saxophones Performing Artist. He performs exclusively on Vandoren reeds and mouthpieces and Selmer Paris saxophones.
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