Amber deLaurentis heads the vocal jazz program at University of Vermont, where she co-directs the UVM Jazz Vocal Ensemble with husband Tom Cleary. Amber also teaches vocal jazz at St. Michael’s College and maintains a private studio of voice and piano students. Amber performs regularly as a member of vocal trio, Blue Gardenias, and jazz quartet, Birdcode. As a songwriter, Amber released her first full-length record, Hey Sadie in 2008. One of Amber and Tom Cleary’s original songs, “All Year Long” was featured in the soundtrack for the 2012 premiere of the holiday film, Scrooge and Marley. Amber has previously performed with Ben Folds, opened for Patti Larkin, Dan Hicks and his Hot Licks, NRBQ, Tom Paxton, Marshall Crenshaw, Five for Fighting, Alana Davis, and Entrain. She has performed with jazz artists including pianist Marcus Roberts and Judi Silvano. Originally from Philadelphia, Amber has compiled a considerable resume; her band won best out of 1,200 in the Discmakers Independent Music World Series. The songs of deLaurentis and long-time lyricist Sarah Blue also led to a second place finish in the Billboard International Songwriting Competition and honorable mention in the John Lennon Songwriting Competition. Amber is thrilled to be performing with VCME.