Schools
Edmonds Community College Teacher Wows Judges on National TV Show
Sammy Vijarro may not have to sing at weddings anymore. He is a semifinalist on ABC's "Karaoke Battle USA."
Sammy Vijarro must know a thing or two about singing. After all, he teaches voice lessons for the music department at Edmonds Community College.
Now, the country is discovering what his students know: Dude can sing.
Vijarro is a semifinalist on ABC's Karaoke Battle USA. You can check out a performance to judge his skills yourself.
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The series showcases regional competitions in the North (Chicago), South (Houston), East (New York) and West (Las Vegas), and culminates at The House of Blues in Los Angeles, where eight semifinalists will compete for the titles of America’s Karaoke Queen and King. In addition to those bragging rights, winners will also receive a prize package that includes a Hollywood Records recording contract and a trip to compete at the Karaoke World Championships in Ireland later this year.
The show features host Joey Fatone and judges Carnie Wilson, Joe Levy and Brian Scott.
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Vijarro, given the nickname "Sam Jam" by Scott, was introduced to karaoke more than 20 years ago when he found himself immersed in the scene at a Shakey's pizza parlor. Before then, he discovered a knack for singing in high school when he joined the school choir.
His passion currently lies as a teacher of ear training and private voice at EDCC. He says that he loves the rapport with the young people. "I get to teach the listening side and music." He is also involved with his church and a former youth pastor, and is occasionally a wedding singer.
He likes singing Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder and believes his best singing days are still ahead of him. Sammy's wife is also a music teacher.
Vijarro says his No. 1 fan is his mother.
Vijarro isn't the only one from EDCC's music department who has done well on reality TV. Stephanie Collins, a graphic design student who sang with Soundsation, the college's select vocal jazz choir, performed with Groove for Thought on NBC's The Sing-Off in 2010, and music alumnus Blake Lewis was a runner-up on American Idol in 2007.