CLASS PERIODS ~1 hour
1) Improvisation Basics (MIC)
An introduction to several a cappella and improvisational models such as circle singing, discovering the motor, interlock, and contrast of songs, and developing the three functions within small and large group improvisational forms.
2) Short Form Improvisation - Lyrical
Activities geared toward spontaneous creation, quick rhyming, inventing new languages, interpreting written lyrics, getting out of your head and improvising lyrics.
3) Long Form Improvisation - Musical
Furthering loop-based and free form improvisation through harmonic progression and phrase development such as AABA, AA1AB, and Verse-Chorus. The concept and practices behind WEBE3.
4) Song Form Improvisation
Improvisation games that explore longer song forms through verse variation, bridge development, lyrical reinterpretation, shapeshifting, and small group arranging culminating in full song forms complete with lyrics.
5) Solo Improvisation
Developing the solo improviser with games and activities such as melodic contour construction, phrase length experimentation, and target note recognition. Expanding the tool belt by advancing rhythmic and harmonic intuition, recognizing common traps, transforming and sequencing melodies, and language techniques.
6) Building Harmonic Loops
Large group improvisation games including the “four-chord song”, Traveling Trios/Quartets, circlesinging, InstaBand, and specific exercises practiced by Rihannon, Bobby McFerrin, etc. Includes a beginner’s guide to live solo looping.
7) Vocal Percussion
An introduction to the pedagogy and production of vocal percussion, on and off microphone.
8) A Cappella 101
An interactive launch into the world of a cappella music: from famous names through must-hear arrangements, recordings to videos, games & performance techniques, and everything in between.
9) Organic Arranging/Small Group Lab
Improvisation games geared towards thinking, seeing, and listening like an a cappella arranger. Focusing on texture, voice leading, chord voicing, syllables through 3 Face Front, Turn, FlippyFloppy, circlesinging, shapeshifting, Pattern/Melody Duets, Spirolution, Home, WEBE, and breakout labs where small groups will be given timed a cappella challenges.
10) A Cappella Games
Improvisation games and singing games designed to get people singing as quickly as possible. Games include the Pitch Perfect “Riff Off,” Turn, Spirolution, Home, shapeshifting and InstaBand.
11) Small Group Techniques
Ensemble rehearsal, performing, and recording techniques tailored to the a cappella group and singer.
12) Group Tune-Up
A series of activities geared towards functioning as a single entity, building musical trust and support through harmonic and rhythmic intuition.
13) Science of Singing
Experimentation and exploration into physics, biomechanics, and psychoacoustics focusing on vocal production, technique, and health.
FULL DAYS ~5 hours
1) A Cappella Improv
Focus on becoming a better a cappella improviser
a. MIC
b. Long Form Improvisation – Musical
c. Long Form Improvisation - Lyrical
d. Song Form Improvisation
e. Solo Improvisation
2) A Cappella Arranging
Focus on becoming a better a cappella arranger
a. MIC
b. Building Harmonic Loops
c. Vocal Percussion
d. A Cappella 101
e. Organic Arranging/Small Group Lab
3) A Cappella Musicianship
Focus on becoming a better a cappella musician
a. MIC
b. A Cappella Games
c. Vocal Percussion
d. A Cappella 101
e. Small Group Techniques
4) A Cappella Team Building
Focus on working together towards a common goal
(Great for competition or album preparation, sending off Seniors and welcoming new members!)
a. MIC
b. Group Tune-Up
c. A Cappella Games
d. Organic Arranging/Small Group Lab
e. Small Group Techniques
5) A Cappella Education
(become a better a cappella educator)
a. MOTOR INTERLOCK CONTRAST
b. Vocal Percussion
c. A cappella 101
d. Organic Arranging/Small Group Lab
e. Small Group Technique
FULL WEEKEND ~2-3 days
1) The Individual Package
(Everything a cappella in 2 short days)
a. Focus on becoming a better improviser
b. Focus on becoming a better arranger
c. Focus on becoming a better musician
2) The Group Package
(For established groups)
a. A cappella team building
b. Focus on becoming a better arranger
c. Group seminars tailored to your needs
Workshops culminate in a live performance 1 hour after the las