The 2024 Lancaster Festival is proud to offer two Choral workshops as part of this year’s events. Like the other events as part of FOV, these community workshops are FREE and OPEN to the public.
Join us for an engaging and music-filled day at our festival with a wide range of workshops, designed to immerse you in the world of music, regardless of your previous experience or skill level. Here’s what we have lined up:
- 10:30 – 11:30am Sacred Harp Singing (Elizabeth Patton) Experience the rich tradition of shape-note singing from the Sacred Harp hymnal. Elizabeth Patton will guide participants through this communal singing style with deep American cultural roots. No singing experience? No problem! The workshop is open to all who wish to participate in creating four-part harmonies. We’ll start with a quick introduction and devote the rest of the session to abundant singing.
- 11:30am – 12:30pm History of Black Music (Jeannette Weyhe) Delve into a profound narrative as Jeannette Weyhe charts the historical journey of black music. Starting with the rhythmic heartbeats of African drumming, this workshop will take you on an exploratory trip through the evolution of black music, touching upon key moments and genres that have shaped the musical landscape up to the sounds of the present day.
- 12:45 – 1:45pm A Cappella in the Barbershop Style (Lori Jo Whitehaus)
Discover the joy of a cappella singing with a special focus on barbershop harmony under the guidance of Lori Jo Whitehaus. This isn’t just a passive listening session; it’s a chance to actively engage with this uniquely American musical form. Participants will sing “tags” and explore the distinctive chord structures and voicings that define barbershop music. Come and find out how the barbershop style has evolved over the years and continues to captivate audiences.
- 2:00 – 3:00pm Somatic Voices (Jen Lobo Rose Your body is more than just a vessel—it’s your instrument as a singer. Jen Lobo Rose of ResonateYou will take you on an interactive journey to discover how you can engage with your body to produce stunning vocal sounds. In this workshop, you’ll move beyond traditional vocal exercises as you learn to feel, move, and adapt your inner vocal mechanisms. This workshop promises a safe, enjoyable, and educational environment where all voices are celebrated and welcomed.
- 3:15 – 4:15pm Song Writing 101 (Liz Fulmer) Explore the craft of songwriting with the accomplished Lancaster musician Liz Fulmer. Regardless of your experience with music, this workshop is designed to spark your creativity and give you the tools to express yourself through song. Spanning from drumming and journaling to improvisation, you’ll receive hands-on guidance through the fundamental elements of songwriting. Liz will help you understand the structure of songs, including the chorus, verses, bridge, and hooks, as you learn through play, experimentation, and collaboration.
With this diverse selection of sessions, our festival is poised to offer an enriching and entertaining experience for musicians and enthusiasts alike. Bring your love for music, and we’ll provide the rest!
Workshops are all FREE, but please register, so we can plan materials accordingly. Text Darla Bair at 585.494.1795 or email musictohealourworld@gmail.com to register with your name and the workshop(s) you’ll attend.
