A good time was had by all! Left to Right: Bonnie Warnock, Becky Johnson, Charlene Johnson, Anke Summerhill, Bill Stoye
Last month we had a great Vocal Performance workshop at The Studio at Harvest Lane in Midway. Unlike my 'Stage Skills 101' class where singers and speakers work on stage movement, talking to an audience, using the mic, moving easily onstage etc., the VPW helps singers do all of the above, adding a crucial element - emotionally connecting with the audience. We really get into our lyrics (or for speakers, you topic/content); reducing them down to the pure, underlying emotion. I always talk about the importance of 'subtext' or what you're really saying underneath those words.
We had a really eclectic group for this workshop, sharing music from Opera all the way to "Girl From Ipanema'. This all day workshop gets the participants focused on what's important - connecting with their audience, while being relaxed and at ease on stage. So it's more than a stage skills class - it's about being a consumate performer. During the day, there were many emotional moments which were great break thrus for the participants. I reminded everyone that it's OKAY to cry! All of us were right there with the performer as they let their raw emotion spill out. IT WAS POWERFUL! Isn't that what music is all about???? Sharing feelings???! If you're covered, or insincere, your audience won't feel a thing. If you're authentic and exposed, we'll all be able to identify with you. We've all been there! I am big on being an authentic performer! Everyone emerged from the workshop more confident, more open, more aware of the underlying emotions in their lyrics.
Here are some comments from the class:
"(The workshop) gave me tools to develop and sustain focus and courage on stage." B.S.
"If you like to sing at all, you will benefit from this!" Becky J
"I learned from everyone's experience, not just my own. Thank you! I love you!" Charlene J
"...gave me new insight into lyrics and helped boost the confidence level" BW
"Take it! A very powerful performance workshop in a great environment for learning!" AS
