2011 Vocal Jazz Workshop II
September 12-16, 2011
Studio Theatre, Yukon Arts Centre
Brought to you by a Yukon music industry partnership
Jazz Yukon, MusicYukon and the Yukon Arts Centre
With assistance from the Cultural Industries Training Fund
ABOUT THE WORKSHOP
This jazz vocal training and development initiative will engage capable female and male vocalists of any age in group sessions with some smaller group/individual attention over a period of five days. Workshops will be held Monday – Friday, September 12-16, 2011. Two blocks are 120 minutes long and a third block is for 90 minutes.
You don’t need to know anything about the jazz genre to get a lot out of and thoroughly enjoy these vocal workshops. The first offering of the Vocal Jazz Workshop in March 2011 received rave reviews from participants. 97% of those completing evaluations gave the workshop a high or extremely high rating. The clinician got a ‘standing ovation’.
Through demonstration and lots of singing and ‘hands-on’ work, the workshops will explore vocal jazz fundamentals, vocal jazz styles (such as swing, bossa nova/samba/latin, jazz waltzes, ballads, and blues) working with selected jazz literature (‘standards’).
Each day will include a special topic addressing some of the basics (such as chart preparation, choice of keys, beginning and ending tunes, tempos, soloing), care and maintenance of your voice, as well as use of microphones and working with a live band.
For novices, there is the possibility of a one and one-half hour “Introduction to Vocal Jazz” on a weekday, depending on the level of interest expressed.
Registration for each of the separate sessions held daily is limited to 15 participants for the two-hour blocks and to 12 for the one and one-half hour block. Vocalists may sign-up for one or more blocks daily during each of the weeks. The more you are able to participate, the greater the benefit. That said, space is limited, therefore your registration is not a guarantee of admission.
WHO IS THE CLINICIAN?
Karin Plato is a vocal coach, performing/touring/recording jazz artist from British Columbia. She has a Bachelor of Music Degree in Piano & Voice from The University of Saskatchewan (1982), completed the commercial music program (composition & arranging) at Capilano College in North Vancouver (1985), and as a BC Registered Music Teacher (voice, piano, theory) has been operating a private teaching studio in Vancouver since 1988.
Karin has completed further jazz studies with vocalists Sheila Jordan and Jay Clayton at the Banff School of Fine Arts (1996 & 1998), with vocalist Nancy King and pianist Steve Christopherson in Port Townsend, Washingston (2002 & 2003), and with vocalist Kurt Elling in Port Townsend, Washington (2005).
A recording artist with several CDs, Karin has appeared in several jazz festivals in Canada and performed in clubs and for concert societies and Jazz societies across Canada and the United States.
She was nominated for a Juno Award for her recording “There’s Beauty In The Rain” (2000), twice nominated Canadian Jazz Vocalist of the year at ‘The National Jazz Awards’ (2003 and 2004), and nominated for a West Coast Music Award for her recording “The State Of Bliss” (2004).
Karin has led several performance/workshops in schools and colleges while on tour with her ensembles in cities and towns in Canada. She has also taught the Art of Vocal Jazz for several years at the annual summer, week-long Swing Camp presented in Sorrento, British Columbia.
One or more Yukon jazz pianists, including Grant Simpson, Annie Avery along with Anne Turner, acoustic bass and a jazz drummer (on the Friday only) will be assisting Karin Plato with the workshop.
THE WORKSHOP
The scheduled sessions are:
Block A: Noon – 2:00 pm, Monday through Friday
Block B: 4:00 – 5:30 pm, Monday through Friday
Block C: 7:00 – 9:00 pm, Monday through Friday
Agenda for A & B BLOCK sessions, “VOCAL JAZZ FUNDAMENTALS”
These blocks will offer a similar vocal learning experience, although different music will be used to illustrate the different styles/repertoire in each session, making it fresh in the event some people wish to participate in more than one.
After a warm-up, the week ‘s agenda includes a mix of jazz vocal technique, specifics of working with the jazz genre, different styles of jazz and the repertoire, the basics (charts, keys, working with a pianist, microphones, etc.) through a mix of demonstration, group and smaller group (and solo) singing and discussion.
There will lots of singing working with the pianist and acoustic bass player from the ‘get go’ as a group. Following this, we break into smaller groups to do things in front of the class for the demonstration and exploration of certain concepts such as time, rhythm, expression, listening, reacting, etc. The group will work on developing repertoire, work on improvising ideas/exercises and work through singing (collectively and solo) on putting the concepts learned into action and some of the important repertoire for jazz vocalists.
Each day will feature a different style/feel within jazz, such as swing, bossa nova/samba, jazz waltzes, blues, ballads etc. Depending on the make-up of the group, the final session on day five may involve solo presentations with the rhythm section, including a jazz drummer after previews of selected charts that would be discussed with the entire group so that everyone learns about what makes a good choice.
For everyone, while singing is integral to the workshop, listening and observing is an equally important aspect of learning and absorbing the content.
Agenda for C Block
The agenda will be the same as for Blocks A and B, except that on the Wednesday evening you will attend a special Jazz in the Hall presentation of Karin Plato & Friends in concert. This will be followed by a question and answer period with Karin and her rhythm section.
SPECIAL CONCERT BY KARIN PLATO
By popular demand from the participants in the Vocal Jazz Workshop I in March 2011, Karin Plato & Friends will perform at a special Jazz in the Hall event at the Old Fire Hall, on Wednesday, September 14 at 7:00 pm. $10 at the door, except for those in Block C. She’ll be demonstrating everything you’re learning and more!
Each participant in Block A and B can purchase two admissions for $15.00 (a $5 discount), so plan on bringing a friend.
Each participant in Block C is admitted as part of their registration and may bring a friend for a discount of $5.00.
PRIVATE, SEMI-PRIVATE AND SMALL GROUP LESSONS
Lessons will be provided on Sunday, September 11th and again on Saturday, September 17th.
Lessons are for 45 minutes. Rates are $50/private, $40/each for semi-private and $30/each for group of three people.
They will be held at a private studio located at 20 Harbottle Road, Wolf Creek subdivision.
VENUE & REGISTRATION
The workshop will be held in the Yukon Arts Centre’s Studio Theatre. Parking is behind the Centre and you access the space from the rear Performer’s Entrance. The adjacent Green Room will also be available.
The Studio Theatre will be equipped with a grand piano and a portable sound system with five microphones for use by singers. A jazz pianist and acoustic bass player will be assisting Karin Plato throughout.
A CD of audio samples, along with lyrics and charts of the tunes that will be used in the workshop will be provided upon acceptance. This will give you an opportunity to do some advance preparation if you wish.
Bring water/water bottle and snacks to keep your energy up.
Fees
$75 per person for Block A, B and C. For this, you will also receive an Associate Membership with Music Yukon.
$15 per daily session that is part of Block A, B or C.
$15 per person for “Introduction to Vocal Jazz” session.
Lessons are for 45 minutes. Rates are $50/private, $40/each for semi-private and $30/each for group of three people.
Refunds may only be provided if notice of cancellation is received no less than 10 days before the start of the scheduled workshops in September
To Register
Submit a completed application with cash or cheque made out to Jazz Yukon as soon as possible, and by no later than September 2nd to Steve Gedrose, MusicYukon, 10 am – 4 pm, Monday, Wednesday or Friday at 509B, Jarvis Street (enter from the alley and go upstairs). Priority is given to early applications clearly meeting workshop criteria.
Applicants may apply for fewer than the full 5 sessions, Monday – Friday and will be considered. Please indicate which days on your application form.
Applicants who are accepted for the workshop will be contacted as soon as possible.
There will be direct follow-up to sort out what is feasible for private, semi-private or small group lessons.
If you have questions, contact Steve Gedrose at , by phone 456-8742 or drop by the Music Yukon Resource Centre. Or contact Duncan Sinclair at .
Due to space limitations, it may not be possible to accommodate everyone who applies. Fees paid at time of registration will be fully refunded to people who cannot be accommodated. Minimum enrollments are required for workshops to proceed.
Brought to you by a Yukon music industry partnership
Jazz Yukon, MusicYukon and the Yukon Arts Centre
with assistance from the Cultural Industries Training Fund
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