January 23-25
Sages of the vast majority of traditions counsel us to live "in the moment"; vocal improvisation is a musical way to access that moment. It is both the ancient foundation of all music and the newest contemporary sound; both the most personal and the most universal expression of human emotion. We sing to share our joys and sorrows, to mark our gatherings and leave-takings, to connect with each other, and to honor the sacred in our lives.
Laurel Masse is a highly successful professional singer. She loves to open the door to the power of the voice to express emotion, rouse spirit, and alter consciousness. Many of us have been cut off from the free expression of our voices and our hearts by the fear of "not doing it right," but in this workshop there will be no printed music to read, no notes to memorize, and no pressure to perform. The primary goal is to discover the pleasure inherent in musical improvisation. We will learn to become more comfortable with improvising, exploring the power of song until our unique voices ring in harmony, in tune, and in balance. This workshop is open to all. Inexperienced singers will be encouraged and surprised by what they can do; experienced singers will remember why they started singing in the first place.
"She has a marvelous sense of style, a purity of tone that is evident in everything she does... A dazzling performance."
John S. Wilson, The New York Times
Laurel Masse, one of the founding members of the Grammy award-winning vocal group Manhattan Transfer, has toured and recorded as a solo artist since 1979. She is recognized internationally as an artist who "should be heard by anyone who loves and values the sheer joy of musical creativity." (Don Heckman, The Los Angeles Times). She also teaches workshops and master classes in both jazz and cabaret singing at colleges and retreat centers throughout the country (for more information, see www.laurelmasse.com.