TWO PART WORKSHOP: A Cappella Polyphony

Let’s sing together! In this class, we will explore multi-part singing and we will delight in blending our voices together again! Be prepared to sing in at least one other language but due to our short time together, it won’t be overly challenging linguistically! All are welcome to join in this a cappella ensemble.

SINGLE SESSION WORKSHOP: Duets

Duets – dynamic, flexible, intimate and joyous! We will explore how to meld our voices with another singer, how to sing in a way that is responsive, attentive and playful. We will learn the songs as a group and then have opportunities to try the songs in various pairings or small groups. For people used to singing in choir or singing solo, duet singing brings an entirely different challenge of listening and connecting plus a whole new level of fun! Repertoire will be in English and based on folky/traditional styles.

Karla Mundy is a vibrant, soulful and diverse vocalist, pianist, arranger and choir leader. Karla directs the City Soul Choir, Rhythm ‘n’ Roots and Harmony Mountain Singers in Vancouver, and the Island Soul Choir on Vancouver Island. Karla leads harmony singing workshops throughout BC and organizes many singing camps, workshops and singing study trips abroad. Her singing study travels have taken her to Cuba, the Republic of Georgia, New Orleans, North Carolina and South Africa. Karla is a founding member of the No Sh!t Shirleys, TriVo, Cleia, Plough, Tanglewood Trio and Big Whoop! Karla is passionate about teaching harmony singing, getting the music off the page and digging deep into new musical territory.

TWO PART WORKSHOP: Learning and singing pan-cultural choral music

In a both reflective and active singing session, Jim will invite participants into the troubled and dark waters of colonialism and cultural ‘strip-mining’ of choral music. He will present problems and understandings from his international research and experience in Europe, Central and South America, and Africa. Perhaps singing itself, can help us move forward?

SINGLE SESSION WORKSHOP: Untangling the learning for advance repertoire – Using ‘mimed-singing’ techniques for fast music learning

In a hands-on singing session, Jim will present a 3-step process of learning music through perception (awareness), processing (planning), and production (singing).

Quick Bio: Ever since he can remember, music has been central to Jim’s life. His Okanagan upbringing, the influences of early music, teaching and leading singing in multiple environments all led Jim to his PhD studies in cross-cultural singing around the world.

Whether working at the piano, coaching young conductors, leading in church, university or community settings, Jim is an advocate for music’s transformative power to move, heal, inspire, and connect people.

Long Bio: Dr. Jim Sparks is a teacher, conductor, and researcher from Vancouver, Canada. His recent positions include interim Director of Choral Activities at Boston University, adjunct Professor of Conducting at the University of British Columbia School of Music. He is senior advisor for choral music for Music Mentors International and former teacher of choral and ensemble music at the renowned Langley Fine Arts School (LFAS) in Langley, Canada for two decades. Jim has been chorus director for Beethoven’s 9th Symphony, Brahms’ Requiem, Faure’s Requiem, Stravinsky’s Symphony of Psalms, Ryan’s Requiem for a Generation, and William Walton’s Henry the Fifth with the Vancouver Symphony and Maestro Bramwell Tovey. His recent choral season at Boston University featured performances of Verdi’s La Traviata, Poulenc’s Gloria, Holst’s Planets at Boston Symphony Hall, and a collaborative residency with renowned Latvian composer Ēriks Ešenvalds. Jim is the recipient of the Professional Music Educator Award from the British Columbia Music Educators Association and the Healey Willan Award from the BC Choral Federation. For his research into Cross-Cultural singing, he received the Simon Fraser University President’s PhD Award in 2014.

Jim has been a guest conductor and researcher in singing with four renowned international conductors: Alina Orraca in Havana, Cuba (Schola Cantorum Coralina); Joseph Muyale Inzai in Nairobi, Kenya (National Boys and Girls Choir of Kenya); Anatoliy Avdievski in Kiev, Ukraine (Veriovka Choir); and Helle Høyer in Aarhus, Denmark (Aarhus Pigakor Choir). In addition, Jim has taught choral and orchestral conducting to undergraduate and graduate students in Canada, the United States, and Brazil. He has enjoyed conducting residencies in Sobral, Brazil; Charente-Maritime, France; and Havana, Cuba, and has given presentations on his singing research in Canada, Kenya, Denmark, Estonia, France, and Brazil. He is on the panel of international adjudicators for the International Choral Kathaumixw in Canada, and continues to be in demand as an adjudicator, lecturer, guest conductor, and music consultant throughout Canada and abroad.

TWO PART WORKSHOP: Smiley Smile » Building Harmony with Brian Wilson

In this workshop you are going to learn a fun approach to harmony by examining the genius of Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys. This workshop will look at the influence of the Four Freshmen on Wilson, and the impact they both had on modern pop vocal performance and arrangement.

SINGLE SESSION WORKSHOP: Canon Fodder

This workshop will teach you a variety of different styles of songs in Canon. These rounds will be challenging, but fun, and the type of unaccompanied song you can just as easily bring to a concert or sing around a campfire.

Jake Jenne is a drummer, singer, arranger, music teacher and saxophonist, born and raised in Smithers, BC. Everyone here knows him and how impressive he is. Ask anyone. Jake has toured the world and played on over 40 albums over his career helping him to create and participate with a wide spectrum of artists. Through his varied musical exposure, Jake hopes his teaching and facilitating workshops allows participants to explore styles and approaches to music previously foreign. Versed in jazz, Latin, and modern avant garde styles, Jake also hopes to add a freshness and an accessibility to otherwise intimidating genres.

Naomi is a singer, multi-instrumentalist, and music teacher who takes great joy in collaborative music. She started singing as a young child, singing with her Mom and learning how to harmonize on long car rides around Northern BC. She went on to study voice during highschool with Robin Norman, and is a founding member of Nove Voce, a women’s choir based out of Prince George. Naomi studied cello at the Victoria Conservatory obtaining a diploma from Camosun College, and went on to pursue her undergraduate degree in St. John’s Newfoundland, studying cello performance and musicology at Memorial University. While in St. John’s Naomi was able to absorb herself in a rich tapestry of music, performing in everything from indie-pop bands, to folk duos, to the Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra.

In 2014, Naomi returned to Northern BC and was the Principal Cellist of the Prince George Symphony for two seasons. In the time since, she has dedicated herself to writing, recording and performing her own music, and also performing and recording with several artists in Northern BC as well as across Canada. In 2018, Naomi sang again in Nove Voce, and in 2019, joined the choir at the European Choir Games in Gothenburg, Sweden, where the choir won silver medals in both the Folk and Classical categories. She is thrilled to call Smithers home, and is excited to get to sing with so many new people!