Vocals
Vocals, level 1—This interactive class will explore singing in bluegrass music. We’ll cover the basics of tone production and breath support, and how these skills lend power and flexibility to each singer and song. Beginning with the lead voice, we’ll study how to make the most of a given melody, touching on individual style, and elementary harmony singing. Basic vocal technique will be covered, and individual performance will be encouraged.
Prerequisites: A love of singing is the only prerequisite for this class.
Keith Little is a nationally acclaimed bluegrass musician, recording artist, and composer, who has been a member of many national touring bands including the Country Gentlemen, Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder, and Lonesome Standard Time. As a vocalist, he’s participated in many top bluegrass recordings, including Dolly Parton’s award winning albums The Grass Is Blue and Little Sparrow. Performing on guitar, 5-string banjo, mandolin, and fiddle, Keith regularly appears with duo partner Jim Nunally, and is also a featured member of the David Grisman Bluegrass Experience. His solo album “Distant Land to Roam” has become a perennial bluegrass favorite, and his compositions have been recorded by Longview, Tim O’Brien, Claire Lynch, and the Whites (among others).
A dedicated teacher and coach, Keith has taught at the California Coast Music Camp, British Columbia Bluegrass Workshop, Puget Sound Guitar Workshop, Augusta Heritage Workshop, American River Acoustic Music Camp, and the Sore Fingers Workshop in Sommerset England. His vocals class at our camp has been one of the most popular classes we offer, and we’re proud to have him on our staff.
http://www.keithlittle.com
Vocals, level 2—We'll learn what gives bluegrass singing its distinctive sound and harmonic “buzz," exploring bluegrass singing technique and typical bluegrass ornamentation while we pay special attention to tone and blend. We’ll learn how to sing correctly with good breath support and diaphragm control, how to improve pitch control, increase our vocal ranges, increase our volume, and sing in different bluegrass styles. We’ll also cover the building blocks of harmony theory, how to recognize intervals, learn harmony parts to many kinds of bluegrass songs (and possible variations), and explore singing harmony by ear. There will be lots of opportunity for individual help and to experience singing with other class members.
Prerequisites: Ability to sing in tune and carry a simple harmony part on your own.
Carol McComb is a vocalist, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist with forty years of performing, recording, and teaching experience in bluegrass and other styles. She is a veteran of the Gryphon Quintet (known for their gospel harmonies and Carol's original bluegrass songs) who played in the CBA festival often in the 1980’s. Her songs have been recorded by Laurie Lewis, Kathy Kallick, Keith Little and many others. These days when Carol is not teaching, she tours with her bluegrass/country/folk band that includes Keith Little; as one half of the Elektra Records traditional folk and old-time duo “Kathy and Carol;” and occasionally with Linda Ronstadt, singing and playing guitar. We’re glad to have her join us for her first year at the CBA Music Camp.
www.carolmccomb.com
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