Learn the style of music sung in many African-American churches as a group with a mix of sopranos, altos, tenors and basses no matter what your singing level and increase your confidence. Experience the joy and exhuberance of gospel singing with a group of people who are all keen to express themselves in voice.

If you want to learn about the gospel experience in Sydney, then this course of 8 classes is for you.

Agenda

During this course the intention is that the following topics will be covered, but not necessarily in the order given. Due to the variable nature of Adult Education classes, parts of the curriculum may be adapted to suit the needs of the class.


Session One – Session Seven

• Physical/Vocal warm-up exercises
• Getting to know you and your voice
• Soloists (volunteer-based)
• Song preparation/singing
• Role of the choir in gospel churches
• Role of the choir director
• Singing gospel music with emotion
• Solo phrase interjection
• Swaying/clapping exercises
• Vocal Release exercises + chest voice singing
• Vocal dynamics
• Supporting other singers
• Offering/accepting positive feedback
• Marching while singing
• Dealing with nervous energy
• Forgetting lyrics/making mistakes
• Song restarts

Session Eight

• Mini concert
• Put  together all skills acquired in front of a live audience of  friends/family

Objectives

The intended Learning Outcomes for this course are as follows.

By the end of this course, the student will be able to:

• Sing as part of a gospel choir
• Apply a general history of black gospel music to add emotion to singing
• Harmonise in gospel music format
• Choose appropriate vocal warm up exercises for singing
• Sway and clap in rhythm and time
• Differentiate different parts of a gospel song
• Implement vocal scales to improve voice pitch
• Demonstrate different vocal styles of gospel singing
• Apply vocal dynamics for more exciting performances

Other Information

Please bring paper, pen and small recording device (optional).

Cleveland St English High, corner Cleveland and Chalmers Sts, Surry Hills (5 min walk from Devonshire St exit of Central Station). Enter from Chalmers St. (Click on venue below for directions)

PLS NOTE: All classes need a minimum number of students to go ahead. If your course does not have enough students it will be cancelled and you will be informed. Courses are usually cancelled, when necessary, 2 working days prior to the scheduled start date.***Please be aware that you may be informed of a cancellation &/or change via SMS or E-mail.