Get Connected!

It's been quite a while since we've posted anything here, because we've been more active on Facebook and Instagram!

Our official group name is now Campbell Jazz Continuum. As a family of musicians with teen and young adult children in college, our group may not always look the same. Our kids have jobs and some live out of state for college, and sadly they can't always make it home to play for a gig. But the music we create will continue.

Our official Facebook page is www.facebook.com/campbelljazz, and our Instagram is @CampbellJazzContinuum. We'd love it if you'd give us a follow! :-)

New Adventures

Life seems to be flying by at the speed of light these days. If your family is anything like ours, you probably feel the same way! Kids growing into young adults, adding boyfriends, jobs, obligations, new adventures... it's all part of the blessing!

Musically, we have had several new opportunities and new adventures this past year! This girls' new band, Emalyne, (which also includes their brother Trey on the bass) has played several shows and recently had the opportunity to be featured on a local cable TV channel. We're excited for them as they grow and blossom as artists.

Russ has also had some great new opportunities, debuting new compositions and arrangements at our church, Madison Park Church of God. May 3 was an especially rewarding day for him, as our entire family participated in the performance of his original song, "Spirit, Speak for Me," along with the Madison Park Bell Choir.

As usual, the Christmas season is a busy one for a family of musicians with plenty of concerts, parties and church performances. We are blessed and thankful to be together once again as a family, doing what we love.

Here's a little clip of Emma, Russ and Trey rehearsing before a performance in the historic Paramount Theatre ballroom. Hope you enjoy Russ' jazzy rendition of "Go Tell It on the Mountain." Merry Christmas and blessings to you all during this most wonderful time of the year!

Busy But Blessed Summer!

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens." (Ecclesiastes 3:1) Summer has been a busy season for our family but a blessed one as well. The girls attended Orangehaus Music Business Camp at Anderson University in July and had the time of their lives! Their original song was selected to be recorded at Gaither Studios, and their band was also chosen to be the "video band" for the camp. Students from AU's Filmmaking Camp shot a music video of their band performing the girls' original song. What an awesome week -- one they will never forget!

Trey attended Anderson University's String Camp in July as well. He grew immensely as a cellist and made some awesome new friends. The highlight of the camp was a concert in which all of the students played in chamber music groups and a combined orchestra in AU's York Hall. It was a rewarding culmination of a week's worth of intense hard work and practice!

Russ has also been hard at work arranging music for our friends at Muncie South Side Church of the Nazarene and their upcoming taping of a live CD entitled "Worship United." This two night musical event will take place Aug. 17 (at South Side) and 24 (at New Castle First Church of the Nazarene), and will feature an orchestra, choir and several special vocalists, including our own Emma Campbell, Mark Murphy, Jeremy Fox (formerly of Adam's Voice), Andy Cole, Kate Wilson and Kimberly Blair Kline of the Blair Family.

Emma was honored to record at Gaither Studios a second time in July, this time for our good friend Lana Ranahan's upcoming hymns CD. It was so much fun to watch the process as she recorded violin tracks for some amazing arrangements! Can't wait to hear the final product!

In late July, our family was blessed to be the first music group featured in Muncie South Side Church's Summer Outdoor Concert Series. The weather was great (no rain), and the crowd was so welcoming and engaging! 

We're excited for our firstborn, Alyssa, to be starting her first year of college as a Music Business major at Anderson University. I recently attended AU's SOAR (Student Orientation and Registration) with her, where she was able to register for her classes and gain some valuable information about student life. She has a great schedule with mostly music classes -- woo hoo! Can't wait to see how God chooses to use her musical and writing talents for His kingdom!

The "big event" coming up in September will be Emma's debut as a solo violinist with the Anderson Symphony Orchestra on Sept. 6! We are over the moon excited for her and so thankful that God has given her this amazing opportunity. Imagine Emma's surprise when her best friend texted her this picture of her face on a billboard! Wow!

Colors from Grey

Spring has been a busy season here in the Campbell household with several church concerts, symphony concerts (for Emma) and high school graduation for our oldest daughter, Alyssa! We are excited to see what God has in store for her future as she goes on to major in Music Business (with a songwriting emphasis) at Anderson University!

Following in her dad's footsteps (who majored in Music Composition), Alyssa has already begun her career as a composer. Last summer, she was blessed to win the Original Composition category of the Young Hoosier Piano Competition at the Indiana State Fair. She has also written two original songs which we now perform during our concerts. Here's a clip of her original song, "Colors from Grey," shot during one of our practice sessions . We hope this song will remind you that when we let God have control of our lives, He truly can bring vibrant colors from the dark places.

The Campbells ~ Year in Music 2013

Just a fun look back at some of the events and experiences of 2013. God has been so good to our family, and we give him all the praise!

We're in the process of recording new original songs by Alyssa and Russ. It's hard work, but very rewarding! Looking forward to 2014, and all the new experiences that God will bring our way.

If you'd like to book us for a concert, wedding or another event, please leave a comment and we'll get back with you ASAP!

Introducing the Snow Band!

So, what do musicians do when they're snowed in? They create some new members for the family band! Check out these amazing snow sculptures created by Russ and the kids!

Frosty the Pianist

Porky the Bass Player!

 

Summer of God-given Gifts!

The Summer of 2013 has come and gone, but will forever be one of the most memorable in Campbell family history. We are so thankful to the Lord for the wonderful experiences He allowed us to be a part of and would love to share our joy with you.

Emma kicked off the summer by winning the Hoosier Auditions State Violin Competition at Butler University. Here is a clip of one of her performances, the "cadenza" of the Haydn violin concerto:

 

Another highlight of Emma's summer was auditioning to play in a professional symphony. She is now the youngest member of the Anderson Symphony Orchestra!



 

In July, Alyssa was awarded a scholarship to Orangehaus Music Business Camp at Anderson University, where her band, a trio of three girls, won the prestigious "Battle of the Bands" contest! Their performance of Radioactive stole the show, and they were given the opportunity to work with Tom Jackson, a live performance coach who has worked with Taylor Swift, Jordin Sparks, The Band Perry, Jars of Clay, Casting Crowns, and many others. What an amazing experience!

 

 

Alyssa also competed in the Indiana State Fair Young Hoosier Piano Competition, where she performed her original composition, Memory. She was honored to win first place, following in the footsteps of her dear old dad as a composer.

 





 

In the midst of cheering his sisters on, Trey received a new, better quality cello and has been making great strides in his musicianship. And, on a side note, he was awarded a gold belt at his karate promotion in June. (And will be moving up to green belt at his next promotion!)

God has certainly poured out His blessings on our family this past summer! We want to give Him all glory and praise! Allowing us to use our gifts to honor His kingdom is one of the greatest joys in our lives. We pray that we will be able to "live a life worthy of the calling we have received." (Ephesians 4:1)