Vocal music takes centre stage at Toronto's inaugural a cappella festival, dedicated to celebrating Canadian and International vocal artists joined in collaboration by the same goals: to illustrate that the voice knows no limits - knows no constraints of genre, language or cultural background; to inspire and educate today's youth; and to foster a new and revitalized patronage for the vocal arts
From pop to jazz to classical to gospel to world music, festival goers are treated to a wide range of professional and community performance groups. Industry veterans lead vocal, performance, composition and music business workshops for singers of all ages and levels of experience. It's a rare chance for Torontonians to get up close and personal with world-class performers and clinicians who have made major contributions to this unique musical style.
torontovocalartsfestival.com
Call the Box office at 416-973-4000 and quote "SINGSONG" to take advantage of a two-for-one offer on the following concerts: Elmer Iseler Singers, Toronto Chamber Choir, World Music Concert, and Retrocity. Offer valid until April 12, 2012.
New York Voices and Cadence
8:00pm
Music
Three-time Juno-nominated vocal band Cadence opens for Grammy Award-winning vocal ensemble New York Voices for a not-to-be-missed evening of group singing.
The Songwriters Association of Canada presents Songwriting 101
9:30am
Learning
Music
The Songwriters Association of Canada presents an interactive workshop presented by award-winning songwriters.
Introduction to South Indian Music
10:30am
Learning
Music
An interactive workshop on some of the distinctive elements of South Indian classical music. Instructed by Juno-nominated musician Suba Sankaran.
This Business of Music
11:30am
Learning
Music
Join industry professionals Patricia Silver, Paul Sanderson and Heather Reppen for an interactive session that covers the business side of music.
Toronto Chamber Choir and Cantores Celestes
1:00pm – 2:30pm
Music
Join Toronto Chamber Choir (pictured) and Cantores Celestes for a choral program ranging from early music to world to contemporary.
Beatboxing and Vocal Percussion 101
1:00pm
Learning
Music
Join master beatboxers Human Record (a.k.a. Luke Stapleton) and Dylan Bell on an interactive journey through the vocal drum kit.
The Singer's Playground
2:30pm
Learning
Music
Engage one-on-one in this workshop led by former Nylon, Micah Barnes.
Retrocity and Human Record Beatboxer
3:30pm – 5:00pm
Music
No instruments required. Over an hour of '80s a cappella pop awesomeness is in store as Retrocity (pictured) and Human Record turn the Brigantine Room inside out!
Score Marking for Choristers and Conductors
4:00pm
Learning
Music
This workshop takes score marking beyond the default circle, and teaches vocalists to use a wide range of markings in their music to efficiently note everything that their conductor asks of them. Instructed by conductor Dallas Bergen.
Sacred Harp: An introduction to Shape Note Singing
5:30pm
Learning
Music
Pleasance Crawford and the Toronto Shape Note Group teach how to read shape note notation and sing along to historic, stirring hymns and anthems.
Creating Instrument Sounds A Cappella
7:00pm
Learning
Music
Want to breathe some new life into your tired old vocal charts? In this educational and entertaining workshop, award-winning performer/clinician Aaron Jensen will teach you how to create authentic instrument sounds with your voice that will rocket your singing group to the next level.
The Nylons
8:30pm
Music
Hear "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" and other hits as Canada's legendary 2011 Juno nominees, The Nylons, show you how it's done – a cappella-style!
Darbazi and Lachan Jewish Chamber Choir
11:00am –12:30pm
Music
Enjoy Darbazi\'s (pictured) take on traditional music from Georgia while Lachan Jewish Chamber Choir regales you with their brand of Jewish and Jewish-influenced music.
Mass Sing-Along & Award Ceremony
1:00pm – 2:00pm
Music
The Mass Sing-Along offers a unique opportunity for amateur and professional singers alike to join in song in an inclusive, and inspirational environment, singing two songs together in harmony. The SING! Legacy Award will be presented at this event.
Elmer Iseler Singers and High Park Choirs of Toronto - Allegria Choir
2:30pm
Music
The Elmer Iseler Singers (pictured) is one of the country’s most illustrious professional choral ensembles, while High Park Choirs of Toronto is carving a serious niche in the Canadian choral landscape. See both perform during this intimate concert experience!
Singing without a Safety Net
4:00pm
Learning
Music
Whether you are an amateur chorister, an experienced improviser, or have never sung before, you will be challenged to push your limits. Members of the Swingle Singers combine their years of experience to guide you safely through a fun and intense time of exploration, and help bring out the improviser in you!
The Vocalist as a Performer
5:00pm
Learning
Music
Award-winning performer, educator and Jazz FM broadcaster, Heather Bambrick, leads this hands-on vocal boot camp, focusing on performance practices, mastering tone and timbre, and bringing your music to life through various stylistic approaches.
The Singer's Body: A Complete Singers Resource
6:00pm
Learning
Music
Suited to all levels, this workshop will explore confidence in presenting your voice, physical and vocal exercises, accessing true potential while in studio or on stage, proper body alignment and relaxation, outstanding breath control made easy, how to deal with fear and creative blocks, and how to deal with illness and maintain vocal health. Instructed by Orville Heyn.
The Swingle Singers and Countermeasure
7:30pm
Music
Countermeasure, a fast-rising, genre-defying Canadian vocal group opens for The Swingle Singers (pictured), a UK-based, Grammy Award-winning a cappella phenomenon.
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