Raymond OrtizWP4 — An Unapologetic ThinkerAbove all, I want to affirm: I am proud of myself. The start of this semester was a scary one. I came into this class mentally prepared to…May 9, 2022May 9, 2022
Raymond OrtizinWriting 150WP3: The Patriarchy in JazzWhen the words patriarchy comes to mind and the word is verbalized, the connotation it tends to have immediately frames this negative idea…May 6, 2022May 6, 2022
Raymond OrtizPOST 2: Jazz SlangLike every niche community, jazz musicians have formed their own lingo, behaviors, and attitudes. Kinda like a mini culture. I didn’t start…Mar 21, 2022Mar 21, 2022
Raymond OrtizPOST 1: Femininity and Women In JazzI’d like to preface this post by letting you know a little bit about my gender identity and expression. I am “male-presenting” (according…Mar 21, 2022Mar 21, 2022
Raymond OrtizinWriting 150WP2: Real Life Experiences as a Jazz Vocalist: Sara and EmilyAllow me to introduce you to my vocal jazz professor, Sara Gazarek. A GRAMMY nominated jazz vocalist from Seattle, Sara has built her…Mar 19, 2022Mar 19, 2022
Raymond OrtizinWriting 150WP1: I’m a Vocalist.It’s safe to say that everyone considers jazz to be “elevator music” or what old people listen to, but once you dip your toe into the…Feb 14, 2022Feb 14, 2022
Raymond OrtizPOST 3: Unique RootsI’ve been singing vocal jazz for 4.5 years now. About a quarter of my life. Although it’s been a while, I’ve truly only dipped my toe into…Feb 14, 20221Feb 14, 20221
Raymond OrtizPOST 2: What’s it like on the Bandstand?As an audience member watching a band, it’s easy to brisk over the fact the band has worked their ASS off to perform on a bandstand. There…Feb 14, 20221Feb 14, 20221
Raymond OrtizPOST 1: Finding My VoiceReflecting on all of the beautiful statements that were communicated in USC’s podcast “Stepping into Self”, I get reminded of all the…Jan 13, 20221Jan 13, 20221