Songwriter keeps busy with Genesis

While many students come to MHCC in search of a direction, second- year student LeAnne Robinson knew exactly why she wanted to come here.

Robinson started coming to MHCC when she was a freshman in high school for the Northwest Vocal Jazz Festival on campus. Originally from Idaho, Robinson said, “I came here to specifically be in Genesis.”

Robinson, the lead soprano for the MHCC vocal jazz group, has been playing piano since she was five or six and participated in church choirs as well as band and choir in middle school.  Robinson also attended a private high school for the arts where she studied vocal jazz.

Music is important to Robinson because “it’s a level that everyone can connect on, everyone enjoys it. It is a higher form of expression. To be able to study and perform all day, everyday, is unbelievable.”

Robinson said she does not participate in the MHCC musicals, as she is very busy with Genesis, although she has previous musical experience from when she participated in “Les Miserables” in high school.

Robinson said Genesis records twice a year, once in January and again in April. After they record in January, they send in an audition tape to the Next Generation Jazz Festival and they hope to be invited. The festival takes place in Monterey, Calif.

Robinson has been working on writing new songs and getting out into the community. According to Robinson, she has made a lot of connections here in Portland with musicians in the Portland area.

Robinson is focused on learning as much a she can during her time at MHCC. She is currently taking 17 credits of music.

She hopes to start recording her own music soon so it will become well known. Her hope is to transfer to Portland State University next fall and study with the instructors there.

Robinson’s goal is to make it as a recording and performing artist and to teach music.

Genesis will perform at the Genesis Invitational Festival and Concert Nov. 11 and 12. Genesis will open for jazz vocalist Louise Rose on Friday while Saturday will be high school performances and a performance by Genesis at the end of the night.

According to Robinson, Genesis will also start visiting area high schools and performing for them during the day as a way to recruit students and be recognized in the community.