Below is the list of course descriptions for the Los Angeles A Cappella Festival 2010.
Instructor: Jonathan Pilat
Weird sounds, strange grooves, two notes at once, and singing and beatboxing at the same time. The best vocal percussionists are the backbones of their groups and they bring the whole sound together. Learn how to complement your group and when to be the center of attention -- and of course, how to bring the house down. Audience participation required.
Instructor: Dan Jordan
During this 50 minute class, Dan will engulf you in the richness and ever-changing music of the barbershop style. This not the stereotypical look or sound of four guys with mustaches and striped vests under a lamp post (drunk), singing Sweet Adeline. Your ears and eyes will be opened when you hear what Dan has in store for you.
Instructor: Fletcher Sheridan
Creating an arrangement for your a cappella group can be a daunting task. Member of m-pact, and self-proclaimed music theory nerd, Fletcher will share some insights to help you get started, and to help you avoid some of the most common pitfalls of the beginning arranger.
Instructor: Ariel Glassman
Recording, touring, new and performance equipment -- what do they all have in common? They cost a lot! Learn how to take your group to the next level by understanding the basics of raising money from your nearest and dearest: alumni and fans.
Instructor: Chris Crawford
An interactive overview of the digital distribution scene and how it's changing the music business. We will talk about royalties and licenses, getting your music into the digital retailers, aggregators (Tunecore, CDBaby, IOTA) and services, how the iTunes Store works, and social music sites (Pandora, Last.fm, Lala, YouTube) and their rules.
Instructor: Ben Stevens
Instructor: m-pact
With 14 years of collective and individual professional experience in the entertainment industry, this interactive "meet-the-artist" session is an opportunity to see and hear what makes m-pact tick. The group will give a brief performance, provide individual introductions, and facilitate a Q-&-A session about m-pact's music and experiences.
Instructor: Jeff Smith
If you've always wanted to try your hand (or lips) at VP, but weren't sure how to get started, this class is for you. Jeff Smith will simplify the seemingly complex art of vocal percussion (or beatboxing) by breaking it down to its fundamental elements.
Instructor: Julia Hoffman
How to manage the stickiest interpersonal situations and excel at leadership in a cappella groups. Acquire the skills to quiet Chatty Kathys, take away solos, fire commitmentphobes, and handle intra-group hook-ups, among other things.
Instructor: Moira Smiley
Learn, by singing and through discussion, how to co-create instant fabrics of song, exciting rhythms, collaborative lyric ideas, comfort with improvisation on-stage and so much more. You will leave this class with an expanded sense of your voice as an instrument, and greater confidence in creating new music with others.
Instructor: Amy Engelhardt
Is your group projecting the confidence, control and stage savvy that rivets an audience? Stage and concert veteran Amy Bob Engelhardt will work with several a cappella groups to maximize their focus, ensemble energy, and performance technique.
Instructor: Trist Curless
Come discover some key techniques to bass singing in an a cappella group. Having a low voice helps, but there a few basic principles that will help bass singers make the most of what they've got! This session will focus primarily on bass singing in groups, and on microphones.
Instructors: Freddie Feldman, Charlie Forkish, Bill Hare, Mark Hines, Jonathan Minkhoff, & Dave Sperandio
Planning, syllable sexification, sonic goals, distribution, group image, and more: how to make your album go triple platinum...without breaking the bank! Learn from some of the top producers in the a cappella community!
Instructor: Sonos
Thinking about a professional career in music? Join Sonos for a brief performance and an insider look into their unique sound and style. Q&A session to follow.
Instructor: Charlie Forkish & Tony Huerta
Learn to maximize the impact of your live performances using the latest in live sound technology. Speakers, subwoofers, mixing consoles, mic technique, using effects, how to choose a live production company, and more. Whether you're trying to make the most out of the house system or are looking to revamp your setup, this class will teach you what you need to know to use the sound system to your advantage.
Instructor: Mister Tim
Come fill your marketing toolbox with principles, tips, and ideas on how to make your group FAMOUS! Get gigs, sell merchandise, and sell out your next show...GUARANTEED.
Instructors: Julia Hoffman, Amy Malkoff, Dave Brown & Fermata Nowhere
External motivation is all around you if you're looking! President of CASA, Director of the CARAs, frequent ICCA judge, and conveniently, adolescent psychologist, Julia Hoffman explains how to win CARAs and the ICCAs. Amy Malkoff, Dave Brown, and 2010 ICCA Champions, Fermata Nowhere, will also be present to give their advice and share their competition experience!
Instructor: George Hoffman
A cappella is an ensemble sport, but a great lead can make a performance while a mediocre one can sink it. Come learn about all of the tools you need to step forward from the group and deliver a powerful solo, from developing your performance concept and style, to stage presence and connecting with the audience, to phrasing, mic technique, and recording in the studio.
Instructor: Jonathan Pilat
Learn tips and tricks for getting the most out of your singers with charts that put your group's best foot forward. This class is intended for arrangers in collegiate and professional groups alike that want to refine their arranging skills and write music that groups want to sing.
Instructors: Matt Emery & Julia Hoffman
You are part of something much bigger than your group! Learn more about The Contemporary A Cappella Society (CASA), as well as the different agencies, organizations, and businesses in the a cappella world. The connections you make will provide you with the resources and opportunities you need to learn, grow, and enjoy your singing experience even more.
Instructor: Amy Malkoff
No matter what flavor of group you've got, if you want gigs, you need a press kit. More specifically, you need a press kit that conveys the best of what your group has to offer in the quickest time possible. This workshop will teach you how to put together the kind of materials that will get you noticed and get you gigs!