Two most common questions/reactions to our summer workshop series:
“What exactly happens during the workshops?” followed closely by “I have to do WHAT in a masterclass?!”
So we decided to go straight to the source, and here is what our director Jennifer Rodgers Beach has to say:
In the workshop on August 24th, we’ll combine a couple of my favorite things! Yes, we’ll cover the basics of vocal production in the morning, which is always full and fun. No matter how long you’ve been singing, it’s always good to spend time with your breath and your body!
In the afternoon, we’ll branch out and talk about bringing all these skills and all your fears, hopes, quirks, and strengths to the performance. I love working with adult singers and their approach to performance. It’s here we see the vulnerability, the risk-taking and truly how we communicate ourselves! The afternoon workshop will be good for solo or choral singers – we are all up there saying something! We’ll talk about nerves, of course, and also how to keep your head about you with all the information that you’re supposed to keep track of. (Hint: don’t track it so closely!!) Plus…how to have your heart in the game and really enjoy the experience!
In the middle and at the end, we’ll have two masterclass sessions. Now, I’m realizing that many folks don’t know what a masterclass is and how it works. First off – YOU don’t have to be the master. That’s supposed to be me…I get to be called a master teacher!
The singers who perform should bring a piece to sing, ideally with accompaniment unless you plan on singing without. This doesn’t have to be a big, new challenge…something to put out in front of an audience and let us see you on the spot. We’re really nice and we don’t bite. It’s okay if you’re a mess and it’s okay if you’re a chanteuse!
For me and for the audience, we get to take part in an artistic playground and all of us experience how the changes and suggestions impact both the singer and the audience. It’s a favorite setting for me, for sure! It’s quick, creative, hands-on and a lot of fun for all!
Hope to see you!
For those of you who want a detailed break down of the day, this is what the workshop will look like:
9 – 9:30 am
Registration
9:30 – 9:45
Welcome and Overview
9:45 – 11:15
Morning Workshop
(vocal production and technique focusing on breathing,
bodywork, resonance, registration, vowel and diction)
11:15 am – 12:30 pm
Masterclass 1
12:30 – 1
Lunch
1 – 3
Afternoon Workshop
(performance technique including presentation and interpretation,
stage presence, nerves, broader perspective vocal production, and auditioning)
3 – 3:15
Coffee Break
3:15 – 4:30
Masterclass 2
So there you go. A thorough workshop day, fun-filled, creative, with friendly folks, an encouraging director, lunch (on us if you buy that option), nibbles and drinks (on the house), and a great start to the season! (Which by the way, we’re counting down to – because we start singing in earnest on August 27, 2013.)
Don’t wait too long, masterclass spots go fast – get your tickets for the workshop today.
Questions? Ask us!