June 24-30, 2013
Fort Worden State Park, Port Townsend, Washington
Join us in 2013 for Centrum’s latest gathering of singers. The combination of world-class artists with passionate participants will surely create a rare community. Day and night, you’ll soak up styles, songs and stories in a wide range of vocal traditions with some of the finest vocalists in the hemisphere.
“Before I came to Voice Works, I loved singing, but I never felt comfortable with what it sounded like, or my ability to blend with other people. But that class with Pharis – the warm-ups, the breathing – and then you’re in to your day, you’re warmed up, you’re opened up in a way that makes it possible for your voice to come out, it’s like you’re prepared for anything ….”
“When you go round in a circle, and your instructor says “Try this, try that,” it somehow becomes so unthreatening, and it’s really fun. Everyone has such a unique and different voice, you learn SO much from other participants, and you start to understand your sound is okay, it’s all right. It’s your voice.”
Singing is compelling, the natural human effort to communicate. Singing maintains culture. And it makes you feel good. Through close observation and personal experimentation, you’ll learn about breathing, phrasing, dynamics, how to make your voice blend, what makes your voice unique. You’ll learn new songs, you’ll learn about your range, and how to find your key. And you’ll learn that your ears just might be your most important asset.
Specifically, you’ll learn to sing harmony, vintage country duets, classic jazz, swing, blues, Southern mountain music, Cajun, gospel, honky-tonk songs, bluegrass, and probably more.
Besides absorbing a variety of cultural and stylistic music, daily technical sessions will be on the schedule. A vocal warm-up class starts off each morning, and a class focusing on proper breathing, tone production, and care of your voice is offered each day.
The workshop is open to everyone. Differing levels of ability are expected, and the faculty will respond to participant need accordingly. If you’re on the beginning end of the spectrum, you’ll find an ample slate of classes to address your needs; likewise, advanced singers will find plenty to challenge them. There’ll be four full days of intensive study, community building, singing, public performances, dances, house parties, song swaps, and participant showcases.
If you can’t help singing, or if you’ve always wanted to sing with people but for whatever reason you don’t, you should plan to be at this workshop.
