~ Singing, Songwriting, Theory: Week 2 ~
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Special Gatherings | Distinctive Lectures | Literary/Performance Arts, Film | Music
Dance | Human Arts | Youth Program | Visual Arts
View the Common Ground on the Hill Catalog as a PDF HERE.
QUICK LINKS TO OVERVIEW PAGES
Special Gatherings | Distinctive Lectures | Literary/Performance Arts, Film | Music
Dance | Human Arts | Youth Program | Visual Arts
View the Common Ground on the Hill Catalog as a PDF HERE.
Big Song Swap
Faculty and students come together in a feast of good songs: traditional, original, old and new. In an era of musical hype and performance overload, this is a rare opportunity to sing, play and even just listen. Faculty will facilitate to make sure that all those who care to do so will share or lead a song. Period 5 ~ Susan Boyer Haley, Owen Hooks, Thom Nola, Bill Troxler, Bill Vanaver, Livia Vanaver
Faculty and students come together in a feast of good songs: traditional, original, old and new. In an era of musical hype and performance overload, this is a rare opportunity to sing, play and even just listen. Faculty will facilitate to make sure that all those who care to do so will share or lead a song. Period 5 ~ Susan Boyer Haley, Owen Hooks, Thom Nola, Bill Troxler, Bill Vanaver, Livia Vanaver
Bluegrass Harmony Singing
Human voices in harmony deliver a primordial power unlike any other form of music. This class will unlock the mystery of intuitively singing three- part harmonies. We will cover the classic bluegrass lead, tenor, baritone arrangement as well as high tenor and high baritone variations. Get ready to warm up your vocal chords and lean in close. Period 2 ~ Randy Barrett, Danny Knicely, Nate Sabat
Human voices in harmony deliver a primordial power unlike any other form of music. This class will unlock the mystery of intuitively singing three- part harmonies. We will cover the classic bluegrass lead, tenor, baritone arrangement as well as high tenor and high baritone variations. Get ready to warm up your vocal chords and lean in close. Period 2 ~ Randy Barrett, Danny Knicely, Nate Sabat
Finding Common Ground Through Song
Every community has unique traditions, history, and legends. These tales and truths are the elements that define a community. When treated with respect and authenticity, local stories allow us to embrace the reality we share and guide us toward common ground. Many of these stories are excellent seeds for original songs. Those stories may be well-known, obscure, and historical, or complete fiction. The goal of the class is to learn the techniques that will create songs which generate a sense of “Common Ground” within your local community. The class will focus on discovery, research, lyric and melody development, and production techniques. Examples of local traditions and events that have been turned into song will be presented. Students are encouraged to bring stories of their communities to class for discussion and development. Period 4 ~ Owen Hooks, Thom Nolan, Bill Troxler
Every community has unique traditions, history, and legends. These tales and truths are the elements that define a community. When treated with respect and authenticity, local stories allow us to embrace the reality we share and guide us toward common ground. Many of these stories are excellent seeds for original songs. Those stories may be well-known, obscure, and historical, or complete fiction. The goal of the class is to learn the techniques that will create songs which generate a sense of “Common Ground” within your local community. The class will focus on discovery, research, lyric and melody development, and production techniques. Examples of local traditions and events that have been turned into song will be presented. Students are encouraged to bring stories of their communities to class for discussion and development. Period 4 ~ Owen Hooks, Thom Nolan, Bill Troxler
How Can I Keep from Singing?
For students who love to sing. The music is based on the American folk song tradition. The song material covered will be meaningful, soulful, loving, humorous, and fun. These songs can then be shared with your families and communities in the year ahead, or simply enjoyed by YOU! Period 4 ~ Susan Boyer Haley
For students who love to sing. The music is based on the American folk song tradition. The song material covered will be meaningful, soulful, loving, humorous, and fun. These songs can then be shared with your families and communities in the year ahead, or simply enjoyed by YOU! Period 4 ~ Susan Boyer Haley
Just Enough Music Theory
Learn about scales, chords and harmonic progression, and supporting a melody. Especially good for guitar players and songwriters. Reading music is very helpful, but not essential. This is a demonstration, and discussion course. Instruments are NOT required. Period 2 ~ Bill Troxler
Learn about scales, chords and harmonic progression, and supporting a melody. Especially good for guitar players and songwriters. Reading music is very helpful, but not essential. This is a demonstration, and discussion course. Instruments are NOT required. Period 2 ~ Bill Troxler
Rise Up Singing
Come sing great songs with memorable and moving choruses. Each day, time will be spent on learning new songs, singing familiar songs and discussing vocal technique. The class will range through many different types of English-language songs: ballads, work songs, sea chanteys, songs of protest, songs of humor, and others. Rise Up Singing is a full-on participatory class for singers of all abilities. Come to sing and enjoy the company of other singers in a non-judgmental environment. Learn some technique, expand your repertoire, and have a great bit of fun. Period 1 ~ Owen Hooks, Thom Nolan, Bill Troxler
Come sing great songs with memorable and moving choruses. Each day, time will be spent on learning new songs, singing familiar songs and discussing vocal technique. The class will range through many different types of English-language songs: ballads, work songs, sea chanteys, songs of protest, songs of humor, and others. Rise Up Singing is a full-on participatory class for singers of all abilities. Come to sing and enjoy the company of other singers in a non-judgmental environment. Learn some technique, expand your repertoire, and have a great bit of fun. Period 1 ~ Owen Hooks, Thom Nolan, Bill Troxler
Sheaves of Grain
In this class we will learn selections from The Vanaver Caravan recording, Sheaves of Grain: 15 Seasonal Songs from Around the World. Songs for all ages from Brazil, India, England, Sweden, Native American, Israel, Pennsylvania Dutch, France. This course will include some simple movement to accompany some songs. Period 2 ~ Bill & Livia Vanaver
In this class we will learn selections from The Vanaver Caravan recording, Sheaves of Grain: 15 Seasonal Songs from Around the World. Songs for all ages from Brazil, India, England, Sweden, Native American, Israel, Pennsylvania Dutch, France. This course will include some simple movement to accompany some songs. Period 2 ~ Bill & Livia Vanaver
Singing Harmony
Owen Hooks and Thom Nolan have decades of professional singing experience and both have recorded with multiple bands over the years. Singing Harmony covers these topics: 1) How to harmonize by ear, 2) Understanding how chords are the containers that hold harmony, 3) How to choose the most appropriate harmony tones as a duo and as a trio, 4) How to decide whether the harmony should be set above or below the melody, and 5) how to work out a capella harmony. Each day the class will learn and song or two and explore the techniques of treating harmony as its own melody. Period 3 ~ Owen Hooks, Thom Nolan
Owen Hooks and Thom Nolan have decades of professional singing experience and both have recorded with multiple bands over the years. Singing Harmony covers these topics: 1) How to harmonize by ear, 2) Understanding how chords are the containers that hold harmony, 3) How to choose the most appropriate harmony tones as a duo and as a trio, 4) How to decide whether the harmony should be set above or below the melody, and 5) how to work out a capella harmony. Each day the class will learn and song or two and explore the techniques of treating harmony as its own melody. Period 3 ~ Owen Hooks, Thom Nolan
Songwriting with Others
Sometimes, two heads are better than one. Some of the most memorable songs were co-writes. Lennon and McCartney ring a bell? We’ll write together, in pairs, learning along the way about resolving disagreements, solving problems, knowing when to give in and when to stand your ground. Yes, co-writing is a lot like dating. Bring an idea for a song – a title, perhaps, or a line or two – and we’ll start collaborating. Period 4 ~ David Morris
Sometimes, two heads are better than one. Some of the most memorable songs were co-writes. Lennon and McCartney ring a bell? We’ll write together, in pairs, learning along the way about resolving disagreements, solving problems, knowing when to give in and when to stand your ground. Yes, co-writing is a lot like dating. Bring an idea for a song – a title, perhaps, or a line or two – and we’ll start collaborating. Period 4 ~ David Morris