The West Valley College Jazz Ensemble, a vocal group, has been invited to perform in a cultural exchange with China from June 14 to 25. The total cost is about $50,000, or $2,500 per person, for almost 20 students to take part in the trip.

But this is a group of community college students who can barely afford the rising costs of tuition, let alone a trip overseas. Music major Darin Ketner, one of the students planning to go, is working three jobs on top of his classes to come up with the $2,500. The cost per person includes airfare, meals, hotels, tours and ground transportation--an opportunity not to be missed.

"I can give you the names of 20 people who wanted to go on this trip but didn't have the money," said Director of Jazz Studies Gus Kambeitz, who is heading the excursion.

The Jazz Ensemble participants are looking forward to sharing their American culture, fashion and music with the people of China.

"Our students will be treated like rock stars," Kambeitz said. "Jazz is new to the Chinese culture. Their society is so structured, there is no room for personal expression, and watching people playing jazz is baffling to them because it's based on improvisation."

They'll be performing at clubs and universities, which will afford them the opportunity to have close interaction with their audiences. Kambeitz believes the invitation came as a result of China trying to be more open to Western culture to demonstrate the country is prepared to host the 2008 Olympics.

"Most of our students have never been out of the country, and this promises to be a life-altering experience," Kambeitz said.

West Valley College student and vocalist Angel Scharff visited China in 2001 with the American delegation high school marching band and color guard. She said everything-- from the traffic to the food to the ethnic culture--was so amazing that it's worth experiencing again through West Valley College. She and Kambeitz were part of a band that performed during the opening ceremonies of the 22nd annual World University Games, held in Beijing in 2001.

"I wouldn't have chosen to go to China, until that trip," Scharff said. "It was so different. You couldn't read the street signs. People didn't speak English."

Kambeitz, in his third year teaching at West Valley College, said the tour company leading the trip this June will help translate for the American students and is also setting up gigs for them. The cultural exchange concerts throughout China will include the college's regular repertoire, along with some added pop music by groups and artists like Nirvana and Sting, to name a few.

"It's going to be different for us," Kambeitz said. "The marching band thing was cool, but the audience was a million miles away. This will be so much more personal."

"It's a once in a lifetime experience to be able to give your talent to someone else like this," said Rachel Venable, a West Valley College student and child development major Rachael Venable said.

To help pay their way, the students are hosting a series of upcoming concerts open to the community. Concerts dates include March 11 and 13, and May 7 and 21, to name a few. Most concerts are $10 and begin at 8 p.m. They will be held in the college's theater, 14000 Fruitvale Ave., Saratoga. Donations will be accepted, and all contributions are tax deductible. Kambeitz said they'll also be happy to list donor names in concert programs.

"It would be great if members of the community attended the shows. A little hometown cheering sure helps," Kambeitz said.

For a complete list of concerts, visit www.westvalleyjazz.com, call Kambeitz at 408.741.2460 or email gus_kambeitz@wvmccd.cc.ca.us.