"SING!" Vocal Workshop Series

Study  (vocal technique, languages, movement)
Information  (resumé, photo, presentation)
Networking (management, opera companies, conductors, colleagues)
Go for it! (auditions, apprenticeships, performance venues)

The voice faculty of the Hayes School of Music, Appalachian State University is inaugurating a vocal workshop series for serious, classical singers in the Southeast region of the United States.  Topics not usually covered in typical music classes will be highlighted. The first event of the series was an Audition Workshop with baritone John Muriello from the University of Iowa. The second event of the 2006-2007 series will be a French Song / Aria Workshop featuring bass, Laurence Albert on Friday, January 26 and Saturday, January 27.

Schedule

Friday, January 26, 2007 • 6:30 – 9:00PM
Saturday, January 27, 2007 • 10:00 am – 12:00 pm & 1:30 – 3:00 pm
Broyhill Music Center Recital Hall (Rm.129)

Workshop Details

This workshop will deal with all aspects of song or aria performance in the French language. In addition to briefly exploring the poetry, poets, songs, arias and composers from an intellectual point of view, the bulk of the workshop will be dedicated to preparing physically and mentally for the performance. Emotional and dramatic aspects of each song presented will be considered, with the opportunity for each participant to work with Mr. Albert.

Applicants should submit a completed application form (PDF), postmarked by January 10, 2007. Prepare two selections from French opera or French song literature of contrasting styles. Up to 14 participants will be chosen to work directly with Mr. Albert in one of the scheduled sessions. Participation will be determined by the date application materials are received. Early applications will be given priority. Bring your own accompanist or we can provide one for $50 included with your application.

Participants and observers are welcome to attend free of charge, as this workshop is funded by two grants from Sigma Alpha Iota Philanthropies, Inc. and the Mariam Cannon Hayes School of Music, Appalachian State University.

Class participants will be asked to talk about themselves, their musical choices for the master class, and to share some info on their poet(s). It would be great if each performer and accompanist could bring some form of art (as a photo download, for instance) that serves as an inspiration in working on the particular chosen repertoire. We will do some reading collectively in each session.

Everyone should attend the workshop dressed for freedom of motion and for work on the floor.  We will concentrate on movement, and especially on reducing body tension in order to remove this barrier to our creativity. Hopefully, all of these things will help us feel a sense of community.

Everyone should do some vocalizing before class, but that is left up to each person’s methods of preparation.

We will use any/all support materials we can use (translations, IPA, recordings of great artists, color, dance, food, body movement, acting improvisation, sound/lack thereof, film, DVD, books, articles, etc.) which will assist our work on our project of exploring French song/music together.

More information and directions at: www.music.appstate.edu
E-mail: Dr. Julia Pedigo <pedigoja@appstate.edu>

About Laurence Albert

Laurence Albert’s career has spanned more than two decades. Early in his career, the singer was the first African-American to represent the Mid-South region at the Metropolitan Opera National Auditions. Since then, Laurence Albert has performed in over twenty countries, his vocal artistry encompassing both bass-baritone and baritone repertoire. His concert and operatic performances have been broadcast throughout Europe on both radio and television. He has sung world premieres of concert music and operas including Heinz Holliger’s What, Where? with the Frankfurt Opera and the French premiere of Knot Garden by Sir Michael Tippet on a tour throughout France. He has been praised by critics for his “impressive dramatic presence”, his “well-rounded instrument that imparts power and beauty” and his “amazing range of nuance”. Laurence Albert has recorded for the Skarbo, Meridian, Musick Monument division of Carlton Classics, and EMI/Pathé – Marconi labels.