Experience Voice Works
Artistic Director
Pharis Romero Pharis has been a part of the Voice Works family since 2009. She’s taught every year, expanded into her role as Artistic Director beginning in 2018. An early student of technical classical and casual country, she grew up performing with her family’s folk-country band while jamming out to her dad’s original songs and her mom’s opera and 60s rock. She has spent her life learning the songs and stories that made her want to dig deeper into every aspect of the music. These days she performs and writes music mostly with her husband Jason, and is equally at home disappearing into an old-time jam as she is singing on stage or teaching the joy of song and sound at music camps around the world. Fewer things fill her cup more than three part harmonies or a terrific melodic line. She’s won four Juno Awards for her recordings with Jason, and is a three-time Canadian Folk Music Awards Traditional Singer of the Year. She makes her home in the lovely little town of Horsefly, British Columbia, and when she’s not playing music she’s working in the J. Romero Banjo shop, running with their two kids, and heading for the woods.
Artist Faculty
2027 Artists will be shared soon! Please see our 2026 Artist Faculty below:
Class Descriptions
Partial list of class descriptions
All faculty teaching concurrently in the mornings. These are intensive 90-minute sessions.
There’s no limit to class size unless noted.
Morning Classes
Improvisation - Gideon Crevoshay
Explore the infinitudes of the voice, beginning with deep listening and embodied meditation to awaken the senses and open our ears. We will then develop improvisations inspired by sound painting, movement, and the elements of the natural world around us. This is an opportunity to play, listen, and discover together!
From the Appalachians to the Ozarks - Joe Newberry
Settlers who moved from the Appalachians to the Ozarks took all their worldly belongings, as well as their music. From ballads and popular songs of the day, to tunes with floating verses, to newer composed songs, this class will get folks up and singing and will help build repertoire.
Help Your Body to Help Your Voice - Julie Pfeffer
Fundamentals of singing technique that enable you to produce your best tone as well as more volume and range than you ever thought possible, while keeping your throat safe and your body calm. We will focus on relaxation of every imaginable body part, optimal intake and use of breath, and what goes into achieving great sound. This class is suitable for singers in every genre and will provide you with lots of specific tips and tricks on how to practice, overcome trouble spots, and delight your audience.
Western Swing Songs, Harmonies & Yodels - Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer
Songs, stylings, yodels and harmonies of Patsy Montana, Bill Boyd and the Cowboy Ramblers, The Sons of the Pioneers and the wild vocals of the DeZurik Sisters. We’ll learn melodies, harmonies, vocal approaches, yodels and a few trick vocal stunts. Songs may include: Way Out There, Blue Shadows on the Trail, The Arizona Yodeler, I Wanna Be A Cowboy’s Sweetheart and That’s Where the West Begins
Working with the “Maturing” Voice - Laurie Lewis
As we age, we face many changes. Our voices may lose range and suppleness, but we also gain other strengths and tools. We will explore the fine art of working with what we have, exploring what’s new, and maintaining it.
Songwriting with Elise Leavy
Writing with a prompt, how to get unstuck, cowriting, how to start and finish a song... a little bit of talking, a lot of songwriting
Ring shouts - Hubby Jenkins
The ring shout is one of the oldest African traditions in America. Early enslaved used the ring shout to worship and preserve parts of their African lineage in defiance of their captors. In this workshop, we will explore the rhythm, stories and songs that make up this early root of American music
The Art of Close Harmony: Early Country Duet Singing - Andrew Small and Ashlee Watkins
We'll listen critically and explore essential elements of style and technique demonstrated by a range of country harmony masters such as the Carter Family, Delmore Brothers, Monroe Brothers, Louvin Brothers, Davis Sisters, and many others. Working through some great old songs along the way, we’ll try our hands (and voices!) at summoning that rare magic that comes to life when two singers blend their voices into something greater than the sum of its parts.
Becoming a Harmony Singing Chameleon - Isa Burke
We'll practice matching phrasing, tone, and pitch with other singers, talk about the conventions of harmony singing in different music styles, and develop our voices and our ears to be more agile and flexible.
Vocal Presence & Performance - Khari McClelland
Build a reliable, expressive sound through working with breath, resonance placement, and tension release. We'll use simple patterns and short songs to strengthen tone, range, and stamina—without forcing. This supportive class will include work on a grounded presence, simple stage craft, and nervous-system friendly tools.
(Option B) Performance Without Panic - Presence & Connection (limit 20) - Khari McClelland
A supportive performance lab focused on grounded presence, simple stage craft, and nervous-system friendly tools. Participants can sing a short excerpt (optional) and get clear, kind feedback.
Afternoon Sessions
60 minutes classes
Corsican polyphony - Gideon Crevoshay
Corsican polyphonic singing, which is traditionally sung with 3-4 voices (bassu, segunda, and terza), is an ancient singing style distinctive to this Mediterranean island. Here we will learn both sacred and secular pieces, and how the voice parts fit together to create beautiful tension and resolution. We will also spend time learning the basics of Corsican ornamentation. There will be full group sessions, and small ensemble time to really dig into the dynamic nature of this music.
Creative Harmony Arranging - Isa Burke
We'll listen to recordings with unique and creative harmony arrangements and discuss what we love about them, then split into smaller groups (depending on attendance) and come up with our own harmony arrangements for songs we love. Attendees can bring in original songs or favorite songs by other artists, and I'll have some songs in mind as well.
The Golden Ear: Improving Musicianship and Confidence Through Focused Listening – Andrew Small and Ashlee Watkins
Developing our musicianship starts with learning how to listen. In this workshop, we’ll use focused listening exercises to strengthen pitch accuracy, rhythmic feel, musical awareness, and related core skills. Each day will introduce practical tools and approaches that can be applied to individual practice and ensemble singing alike. By cultivating a more attentive and responsive ear, participants will gain confidence and flexibility as singers and musicians.
Work Songs - Hubby Jenkins
Traditionally, cultures around the world have accompanied work with songs. These songs help to coordinate work and pass the time. In America, songs were used and developed for many types of labor from picking cotton to hammering railroad spikes. In this class, we will explore the history, poetry, and beauty of these songs through singing and rhythmic use of our bodies.
Spirituals and Gospel - Hubby Jenkins
In America, black religious music has been the cornerstone of communities, the soundtrack of the civil rights movement, and the inspiration for many popular songs. Hubby endeavors to have a little church as we sing our way through the history of spirituals and gospel.
Dirty Blues Listening Session - Hubby Jenkins
Bawdy blues with their double entendres, sexual depictions, and jovial drug use were very popular during the golden age of recording. Get low down and dirty with Hubby as we listen to - and sing - some of his favorite bawdy blues.
Improv Games for Encouraging Vocal Bravery - Khari McClelland
Low-stakes, high-joy vocal improv through games that build listening, courage, and spontaneity. Expect group textures, short solos (optional), and a lot of laughing while getting better.
Old Songs From the Black Tradition - Khari McClelland
With themes of protest, love and resilience.
Creative Harmony Singing - Elise Leavy
Learning to write a harmony that brings out the most glorious aspects of a melody, and how to sing it so it haunts you forever.
Performance Lab / Coaching - 5-7 students per day (sign up at camp) - Joe Newberry
This daily session helps participants to either structure a performance - whether it is an individual song or an entire set. Any students not signed up are welcome as audience. Folks can sign up for multiple days, first come first serve each day.
Resolve Your Singing Challenges - five slots per class, spectators welcome - Julie Pfeffer
Sign up for a slot and bring a song that you want to improve. We'll tackle any challenge--delivery, developing a harmony part, genre-specific technique, or anything that gets in your way (“I keep running out of air!” or “I can never hit this note!”). This class is for singers of any level of ability and is meant to be a safe space to learn!
Learn to Yodel – Cathy Fink
Who doesn’t love a country yodel? Yodeling requires breath control along with learning to manipulate where your voice “breaks” between your head voice and your falsetto voice. Think Patsy Montana, Pete Seeger, Riders in the Sky. Cathy will teach you how to yodel the same way she taught Better Midler how to yodel for the movie “Big Business.” And we’ll listen to some fabulous yodeling songs along the way.
Community Sing & Song Leading – Cathy Fink
A community sing is more than a song swap. It’s an opportunity to build community by joining our voices in songs that are either very familiar, or very easy to learn. It is generally not a “request” session and though jamming is often cool, it’s not really a jam session. Bring your instrument if you play one, or just your voice and join the community. Think ahead of a song to lead where either you can teach the chorus or repeating lines easily. If you don’t have experience doing this, you can learn by doing!
The Boswell Sisters – Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer
This close harmony singing trio of the 1920’s and 1930’s created amazing jazz arrangements with their voices. We’ll listen to and learn the song “It’s The Girl.” Boswell version Cathy & Marcy version Lyrics and accompaniment will be provided so we can focus on the melody and 2 harmony parts. Recommended for intermediate/advanced harmony singings, but others are welcome to hang out! Listen to the song 20 times before class! You can’t learn this one on the fly.
Write Your First Song (or part of it) – Cathy Fink
Is there a songwriter hiding in you that’s just dying to come out? Don’t know where to start? In one short hour, I’ll get you started and who knows, you might even finish a song! At least you’ll have started one.
Rounds – Marcy Marxer
Two-, three-and four-part rounds will go around and around and around and around. Might even do some in harmony! Lyrics provided when needed. I’ll have plenty of songs, but you’re invited to share and lead rounds that you know, too!
Sing Your Way Through Basic Music Theory – Marcy Marxer
Without becoming too pedantic, we’ll have fun assigning sounds to their place in music theory. We’ll sing and identify scales, intervals and chords in unison and harmony to develop the ear training that makes us better singers. Major, minor, short and tall, we can all do this!
Improve Your Accompaniment – Marcy Marxer
Do you have a song you love, but need help coming up with a guitar, ukulele or other accompaniment that will help you put it all together?
Learn Vocal Stylings with Close Listening – Marcy Marxer
Taking examples from Eva Cassidy in the folk world and in the bluegrass world, Del McCoury, we will listen to one or two songs each as well as the roots of where their vocal styles came from. Who did they listen to? Then we break down some of the details in their vocal style through close listening and singing to try to replicate the sound.
Hazel at 101: the songs of Hazel Dickens, 101 years after her birth - Laurie Lewis
Something to Sing About - Laurie Lewis
Songwriting is probably equal parts hard work and inspiration. I love the “magic” of the miraculously completed song, but we all need to hone our skills to capture the Muse whenever she might decide to grace us with her presence. We will engage in exercises to identify and sharpen that skill set, explore what it is that makes a song great, and roll up our sleeves and get down to the nitty gritty of the all-important editing process.
Bring a recording device (voice memos on your phone work great), a notebook with blank paper, a surfeit of sleep, and pens that won’t run out of ink (shouldn’t we all have this?). And bring a scrap of an unfinished song to share in a cowriting situation.
A Classic Bluegrass Trio - Laurie Lewis
We will break down a classic trio of Bill Monroe, Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs, with special attention to Earl’s baritone line.
Schedule
2026 Schedule
Here is how you’ll spend your time:
THE FIRST DAY! Monday, June 22
Check-in starts at 4:00 p.m. at the Centrum office. Dinner is served at 6:00 p.m. in the Commons.
SHORT FORT WORDEN TOUR – Find out where classes are held, which buildings we’ll be using, and get a general feel for the Fort Worden campus. The tour ends at the Wheeler Theater in time for orientation. Meet behind 204, we’ll depart at 7:10 p.m.
An extensive welcome and orientation session begins at 7:30 p.m. in the Wheeler Theater. Bring this book and a pencil, and your badge. We will introduce each of the musicians who are on staff, ask them to sing a little, and to talk about what they’ll be teaching. We’ll also talk about the workshop schedule, bring any fresh information, and try to get your questions answered.
General Schedule - subject to change
9:30: warm ups
10:00 - 11:50: class session #1 - all faculty teaching concurrently
12:00 - 1:00: lunch
1:00 - 2:00: siesta or practice
2:00 - 3:00: class session #2
3:30 - 4:30: class session #3
4:45 - 5:45: wildcard/ALL CAMP SING/open mic
6:00 - 7:00: dinner
Evenings
Thursday - public performance at 7:30 p.m. in the Wheeler Theater featuring all of the Voice Works faculty.
Friday - Honky Tonk Polka Dot Dance at 8:00 p.m. in the USO
Kids & Teens
Most of our workshops are family events, and we welcome musicians of all ages and abilities to participate.
If you are under 18, you must be accompanied by a registered adult. Please register the adult first, as you will need a confirmation number.
Costs
2026 Costs
Workshop tuition includes admission to everything, including a great seat at the public performance.
Adult Tuition: $550
Additional Family Member (sibling, spouse, child; limit of two): $275
Youth (under 22): $275
Canadian Resident: $380 USD
Private dorm room: $300
All meals: $350
Lunches only (4): $100
Airport shuttle (optional): $130 round trip or $65 one way
Centrum has a variety of ways to be able to attend our workshops even if you’re on a budget. If you need financial assistance, Centrum has a robust scholarship program awarded on a first-come, first-served; and as-needed basis. Apply online as you register. Please note that except in rare cases, scholarships are available for tuition only. Centrum requires a $200 deposit of scholarship applicants, which is fully refundable before May 25 if you are unable to attend.
Room & Board
Most participants stay in private dormitory rooms at Fort Worden. There are a limited number of double rooms, that is, rooms with two twin beds. If you’d like a double, please request one, and list another registered participant who has signed up for room and board in order to share that room. It is first come, first served.
Meals are served at Fort Worden Commons. The first meal is dinner on June 22; the last meal is breakfast on June 27.
Cancellation/Refund Policy
All but $50 is refundable if cancellation is made on or before May 25, 2026.
FAQ
Scholarships
Apply online as you register. Please note that except in rare cases, scholarships are available for tuition only. Centrum requires a $100 deposit of scholarship applicants, which is fully refundable before May 23 if you are unable to attend. If you are interested in volunteering, or a work trade position, please contact Peter McCracken at peter@centrum (dot) org.
Voice Works shuttle schedule:
Arrive – Monday, June 22, 2026, depart SeaTac airport, 2:30pm, Pacific Time.
Depart – Saturday, June 27, 2026, depart Centrum at Port Townsend, 9am, Pacific Time.
If you have any more questions about Voice Works, please contact Peter McCracken at 360-385-3102, x127, or peter@centrum (dot) org.
PERFORMANCES
Workshop tuition includes admission to everything including the public performances. Concert details will be shared in March 2027.
Past Artist Faculty
