Boston Sings 2019: Full Schedule

6:00pm EDT

Registration

Friday April 12, 2019 6:00pm - 8:00pm EDT
Berklee Performance Center

7:30pm EDT

Scholastic Competition

Performers

Birdland Avenue

With a unique blend and contemporary style, Boston band Birdland Avenue creates evocative music that blurs the lines between pop, neo-soul, and R&B. The three birds—Evan Linsey, Kayla Pichichero, and Toria Rainey—started singing together in college and officially formed the... Read More →

Friday April 12, 2019 7:30pm - 10:30pm EDT
Berklee Performance Center

8:30am EDT

Late Registration

Saturday April 13, 2019 8:30am - 9:00am EDT
Anderson Hall Lobby

9:00am EDT

Market Your Group Like A Startup

There are a lot more similarities between startups and a cappella groups than meets the eye. Both start out as a small group of people with zero following, and want as many fans as possible - ASAP. Most a cappella marketing strategies are outdated and aimless. By adopting some of the marketing theories and tactics that today's tech companies are successfully using to grow, your group can start hitting your goals...and start setting bigger ones.

Instructors

Josh Chopak

Josh Chopak is the owner of WGG Consulting, a digital marketing consultancy focusing on growing startups, and the former COO of Liquid 5th Productions. He has judged and taught at a cappella events throughout the world and has won CARA awards as both a performer and producer/engineer... Read More →

Saturday April 13, 2019 9:00am - 9:45am EDT
Anderson 206

Business

9:00am EDT

So You Wanna Compete

How much work goes into crafting a set for a CASA show? What are the rehearsals like, what is the set crafting process? We go through into detail about what it takes, but also how it starts way back in your audition process. We'll talk about the rehearsal process, responding to the themes, the financial aspect of traveling, and even the performance itself.

Instructors

Harrison Acosta

Harrison Acosta recently completed his BA Capstone entitled “Capturing Moments in Music feat. The Human Voice.” Originally studying orchestral performance and film score at the UCF School of Performing Arts, he is preparing to begin advanced study in the Professional Music program... Read More →

Christine Sack

Christine is a performer and director, and former artistic director of UCF’s Voicebox. She’s been crowned “the Queen” at BOSS 2018. She also works in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter as a witch. So she’s like a singing witch queen, if that makes sense.

Saturday April 13, 2019 9:00am - 9:45am EDT
Bromfield-Pearson 006

Directing

9:00am EDT

Where Arranging & Choreography Meet

Utilize musicianship to create and enhance the visual experience of a performance. Choreography/staging is one of the most controversial points in the a cappella world. We'll impart the way that we choose our movement or lack thereof, and how this has evolved over the years Impromptu has been singing together

Instructors

Impromptu

Impromptu is a new a cappella group based out of Indianapolis, Indiana. Formed from several Ball State alumni and local Indianapolis vocalists, Impromptu blends a unique sound from their fusion of jazz, soul, pop and R&B influences in their arrangements and performances. Their fresh... Read More →

Saturday April 13, 2019 9:00am - 9:45am EDT
Anderson 208

Movement

9:00am EDT

Warming Up With Improv Games

Improv is based on opening your mind, listening, and saying “yes” to ideas. This workshop uses basic improv acting exercises to illustrate different, fun, energetic ways that groups can prepare for rehearsals and performances. This class is open enrollment.

Instructors

Scott Cobban

Scott Cobban is a vocal percussionist based out of Boston. He's a member of Five O’Clock Shadow, a former member of Overboard, and he's performed with Ball In The House, Cartoon Johnny, and The Groovebarbers.

Saturday April 13, 2019 9:00am - 9:45am EDT
Bromfield-Pearson 002

People Management / Group Dynamics

9:00am EDT

You Can Bass!

Good bass singing is about a lot more than just singing the lowest note possible. It’s about how you do it. In this class, we’ll discuss the challenges bass singers face, how to overcome them, and techniques you can use to set yourself apart at the bottom of the chord. Come ready to shove a mic in your face and talk shop! This class is intended for bass singers of ALL types – basso profundos, baritones, and lady basses alike.

Instructors

Kyle Hogan

From Torrington, Connecticut, Kyle Hogan currently lives in Washington DC where he works in antitrust law. As an undergraduate at the University of Rochester, outside of his studies Kyle dedicated most his time to music as he trained in classical voice and sang bass with the YellowJackets... Read More →

Saturday April 13, 2019 9:00am - 9:45am EDT
Anderson 210 Anderson Hall, 200 College Ave, Medford, MA 02155, USA

Rhythm Section

9:00am EDT

Songwriting Unlocked

Do you have an interest in writing original songs but feel intimidated and overwhelmed by the prospect? In this class, we'll talk about overcoming hurdles to songwriting, discuss some key ideas and tips, and write a song together as a group. The world needs your voice and your creative presence. Come unlock your inner songwriter!

Instructors

Gina Deaton

Gina has a background in all things vocal music, and got involved in a cappella through a semi-professional group after college. After attending SoJam (ahem) many years ago, she fell in love with the community and started volunteering whenever possible. Gina produced an album of original... Read More →

Saturday April 13, 2019 9:00am - 9:45am EDT
Bromfield-Pearson 003

Songwriting

10:00am EDT

head/voice

Instructors

head/voice

Saturday April 13, 2019 10:00am - 10:45am EDT
Bromfield-Pearson 006

10:00am EDT

Creative Vocal Lab

Improvisation games and activities that will help attendees become better listeners and better arrangers.

Instructors

Evan Feist

Vice President, CASA

Evan Feist has composed, arranged, taught, and performed a cappella music for more than 15 years. As the founder of the Creative Vocal Lab, Evan has been teaching singers of all ages to improvise in both small and large groups He’s earned two master’s degrees from Teachers College... Read More →

Marc Silverberg

Director of Vocal Music, Five Towns College

Dr. Marc Silverberg is one of the leading voices in contemporary a cappella today, having created the curriculum for a contemporary a cappella collegiate major. He has presented workshops on vocal improvisation at multiple festivals, including the APME 2016 convention. In 2018, Dr... Read More →

Saturday April 13, 2019 10:00am - 10:45am EDT
Bromfield-Pearson 002

Arranging

10:00am EDT

Group Management 101

Instructors

Emily Flanders

Emily Flanders is part of the original BOSS production team, and created the competition format still used by the festival today. She's been with Varsity Vocals since 2008, and is currently the ICCA Great Lakes Producer and Director of Adjudication, recruiting, booking, and managing... Read More →

Saturday April 13, 2019 10:00am - 10:45am EDT
Bromfield-Pearson 003

People Management / Group Dynamics

10:00am EDT

Composing, Producing, and Songwriting With Your Voice

The challenge original music poses for most musicians in the a cappella world is that when creating a cover of a song, there is always an original to reference for inspiration. What do you do you when the page is completely blank and you want to breathe some new music to life? This class will focus on practical steps that can bridge the gap between creating a cover and producing an original piece of music. We'll discuss writing for different applications, and actually put some of these into practice during the class as we write a short song and use our voices to arrange and shape it into a produced recording.

Instructors

Tim Bongiovanni

Tim Bongiovanni is a Billboard charting, CARA Award Winning, A Cappella Professional of 19 years with productions and recordings placed on Voices Only, Sing, and BOCA. He owns and operates his recording studio - Northgate Studio - out of his home in Bedford MA. In 2005 and 2006 he... Read More →

Saturday April 13, 2019 10:00am - 10:45am EDT
Anderson 208

Songwriting, Producing

10:00am EDT

Acting for A Cappella

Don’t quite know how to structure your next competitive set? Are all your concerts starting to feel the same? Want to add some ambitious choreography but afraid it will look cringey? This workshop is for you.

I want to empower you to think about the opportunity that lies when we harness our full toolkit in this art form, when we use not just our voices but our full bodies and emotional cognizance. This workshop aims to give you the tools you need to make strong performance choices, and to view choreography through a lens where narrative storytelling sits at the center of a cappella music. We are NOT doing the aca-bop anymore (bless up)! My background and training is primarily in theatre, and I’ve found that the technique I’ve developed as an actor has also proved applicable to creating immersive and empathetic experiences for a cappella audiences. While this is primarily a workshop for choreographers, performers this is just as much for you too! Once you begin thinking about why you’re singing and moving, your ownership of your movement will increase tenfold (promise!). Ultimately, the goal is for all of us to be able to create and perform intentional choreography not only efficiently but believably, and to integrate movement as an essential part of how we think about a cappella music.

In this workshop we’ll take a deep-dive into the creation process behind building authentic, narratively-driven movement. We’ll begin with breaking down the "why"; what stories do we want to tell and how does our rep function as vehicles for these stories? We’ll utilize various acting techniques, from text analysis to character development to structural mapping to energy work, to inform the development of a clear narrative and justified movement choices within our music. And we’ll put all of these skills on their feet, creating a sample set of our own and developing narrative choreography!

Instructors

Mason Van Gieson

Mason Van Gieson is a New York City-based actor, musician and a cappella nerd! A 2018 graduate of the University of Michigan, Mason served there as Performance Director of prestigious co-ed group Amazin' Blue, choreographing the cinematic 2017 ICCA Wild Card-winning set "Chasing Love... Read More →

Saturday April 13, 2019 10:00am - 10:45am EDT
Anderson 210 Anderson Hall, 200 College Ave, Medford, MA 02155, USA

Vocal Performance

10:00am EDT

Stay Curious

For more than 35 years The Real Group has worked and performed as an a cappella quintet.
Ideas about how to improve and develop musically as well as artistically have been invented, developed and replaced over the years in search for those ultimate tools, that will help us express what we want (and need) to express.
It’s still a process, but through the years, we have isolated some really important factors, that we try to elevate in our work. The spectre includes everything from practical exercises to philosophical approaches and talks about music.
In this session we will try to address some of these factors and how we have come to notice them in the first place.

Instructors

The Real Group

With the voice as their sole instrument, The Real Group have created a unique musical expression in the domain between jazz, pop and Nordic European choir music. The group was founded in 1984 and has been touring the world for more than 30 years.Their combination of perfection and... Read More →

Saturday April 13, 2019 10:00am - 11:00am EDT
Anderson 206

Education

11:00am EDT

Reverse Engineering World Music

How to arrange and perform non-western music in a Western a cappella group. In this course, we will take the basic parameters of music -- such as rhythm, mode, pitch, timbre and structure-- and practice deconstructing our western lenses. We will first discuss why doing non-pop/rock and world genres is exciting and important, while also emphasizing the necessity of reaching out to experts of the specific musical styles the groups would be performing. Then, step by step, we will have the class go through the exercise of reimagining a non-western song for a cappella. Beginning with arranging, we will discuss how to do proper research, choose different vocables, give each part something to sing without westernizing the harmony, and work through instrumental sections. After, we will move on to the performance aspects, like how to approach vocal percussion, practice different embellishments and harmony with the group, work on language pronunciation, adjust vocal timbre, and specify vowel placement. Throughout this class, we will use examples from our own experiences in Shir Appeal, as well as from professional groups such as the Swingle Singers. At the end, we will leave room for an open discussion about subjects such appropriation, mixing of western and non-western styles, singers’ difficulty with adjusting to new genres, and more. We hope that the attendees will leave knowing that the most important aspects of doing non-western music in western a cappella groups are awareness and respect. Open enrollment welcome.

Instructors

Louis Ades

Louis has been singing most of his life, but he had his first deep dive into a cappella with Shir Appeal, Tufts’ mixed gendered Jewish a cappella group. As Associate Director, he served as an in-house coach and mentored individual members in soloing, arranging, and vocal percussion... Read More →

Stephanie Evans

Stephanie Evans is a performer/musician who graduated from Tufts University as a Music Major just last year. During her undergraduate years, she performed in operas, choirs, musicals, and in Tufts mixed gender a cappella group, Shir Appeal. She also served as music-director for Shir... Read More →

Saturday April 13, 2019 11:00am - 11:45am EDT
Bromfield-Pearson 002

Arranging

11:00am EDT

LOOP There It Is

Instructors

Birdland Avenue

Saturday April 13, 2019 11:00am - 11:45am EDT
Bromfield-Pearson 007

Audio / Video Recording

11:00am EDT

A Cappella After College

Instructors

Andrew Kim

Andrew John Kim is an A Cappella Producer, Recording Engineer and Arranger from New York City. He received his Bachelor of Music in Music Composition from Northwestern University and his Master of Music in Film Scoring from New York University. At Northwestern, Andrew was a founding... Read More →

Saturday April 13, 2019 11:00am - 11:45am EDT
Anderson 206

Business

11:00am EDT

Building A High School A Cappella Program

Led by instructors who have successfully created award-winning high school a cappella groups, this roundtable discussion will explore both the obstacles and the facilitating forces in creating strong and sustainable ensembles. Topics include auditions, song and solo selection, team building, bookings, recording, and those brought up by the audience.

Instructors

Reena Freedman

Reena Freedman is a veteran of professional, collegiate and high school a cappella, as a performer, musical director, and business manager. For over a decade she has been performing in Boston with the award-winning Similar Jones, in which she gets a kick out of being the lone female... Read More →

Saturday April 13, 2019 11:00am - 11:45am EDT
Bromfield-Pearson 003

Directing

11:00am EDT

Speak Up

What do healthy approaches to consent and boundaries look like in your group? This workshop will explore the basics of consent and boundaries and give you tools to navigate when and how to intervene for both yourself and for the sake of others.

Moderators

Gina Deaton

Instructors

BARCC

BARCC - Founded in 1973, the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center (BARCC) is the only comprehensive rape crisis center in the Greater Boston area and the oldest and largest center of its kind in New England. Our mission is to end sexual violence through healing and social change.

Saturday April 13, 2019 11:00am - 11:45am EDT
Anderson 208

People Management / Group Dynamics

11:00am EDT

Fasten Your SeatBELT

Fasten your seatBELT is designed for those wishing to improve their vocal flexibility and ability to produce a healthy and sustainable belt. The workshop is intended to be interactive. The first portion of the session will feature a brief lecture on the fundamentals of belt, in terms of process, not product. The second part of the workshop will feature volunteers who wish to sing a cut from their book for clinician feedback in front of the audience. Through this process, we will apply techniques and strategies addressed in the first part of the workshop. While this session may be best intended for intermediate singers, beginners, teachers, and seasoned professionals would all benefit from involvement as observers. Newly innovative approaches will be illustrated and executed throughout the course of this session. Furthermore, we will discuss “belt” and its meaning in today's industry. Exercises will be discussed and demonstrated throughout the workshop by audience, clinician, and selected participants.

Instructors

Justin John Moniz

Chair of Vocal Studies, Millikin University

Dr. Justin John Moniz currently serves as Associate Director of Vocal Pedagogy and Music Assistant Professor of Vocal Performance at New York University’s (NYU) Steinhardt School, where he teaches courses in pedagogical theory and practice, applied voice, and supervises the graduate... Read More →

Saturday April 13, 2019 11:00am - 11:45am EDT
Anderson 210 Anderson Hall, 200 College Ave, Medford, MA 02155, USA

Vocal Performance

12:00pm EDT

Masterclass – Mixed Mode

Instructors

The Real Group

Saturday April 13, 2019 12:00pm - 12:45pm EDT
Anderson 306

12:00pm EDT

Masterclass – One Note Stand

Performers

Iris

Saturday April 13, 2019 12:00pm - 12:45pm EDT
Anderson 212

12:00pm EDT

Masterclass – BU Allegrettos

Instructors

Mason Van Gieson

Staff

Alex Green

Co-Owner / Producer / Engineer, Plaid Productions

Alex Green is a recording engineer, producer, and arranger from New York City He is a graduate of Tufts University with a dual degree in Music and Archaeology, where he sang with and directed the Tufts Amalgamates and with whom he recorded 2011's Contemporary A Cappella Recording... Read More →

Saturday April 13, 2019 12:00pm - 12:45pm EDT
Bromfield-Pearson 002

Masterclass

12:00pm EDT

Masterclass – Chordially Yours

Instructors

Tim Bongiovanni

Lisa Hawkins

Founder/Business Manager, Pipeline Vocal Project

Lisa Hawkins is from Anchorage, AK and has been an active singer, arranger, choreographer, director and performer in the a cappella scene for ten years. She has been a part of leadership in various groups, including professional groups Cape Harmony, Revel and currently, Pipeline Vocal... Read More →

Saturday April 13, 2019 12:00pm - 12:45pm EDT
Bromfield-Pearson 003

Masterclass

12:00pm EDT

Masterclass – Emmanuel College Acapocalypse

Instructors

Christine Sack

Dave Sperandio

SoJam Founder, Vocal Mastering

Dave Sperandio has worked for more than 20 years in the vocal music world as a performer, producer, promoter, and advisor. His work has helped to define and support the world of contemporary a cappella music. Dave is the creator / co-creator of the SoJam A Cappella Festival, the ‘Sing... Read More →

Saturday April 13, 2019 12:00pm - 12:45pm EDT
Anderson 208

Masterclass

12:00pm EDT

Masterclass – Olin PowerChords

Instructors

Eric Scholz

Eric is a full-time producer and mixing/mastering engineer for recorded a cappella music, with the origin story of a hard rock drummer and an unhealthy obsession with high-top Vans. He has worked on various recordings that have been featured on BOCA, BOHSA, SING, and Voices Only compilations... Read More →

Gina Deaton

Saturday April 13, 2019 12:00pm - 12:45pm EDT
Anderson 210 Anderson Hall, 200 College Ave, Medford, MA 02155, USA

Masterclass

12:00pm EDT

Masterclass – UniSons

Instructors

Bill Hare

Bill Hare A Cappella

Bill Hare has been a full-time recording engineer/producer for 27 years, and has specialized in contemporary a cappella production since 1989. Over the last two decades, Bill has recorded and/or mixed acclaimed albums for some of the best contemporary a cappella groups around the... Read More →

Justin John Moniz

Chair of Vocal Studies, Millikin University

Saturday April 13, 2019 12:00pm - 12:45pm EDT
Anderson 211

Masterclass

12:00pm EDT

Masterclass – University of Michigan Amazin' Blue

Instructors

Harrison Acosta

Staff

Anthony Pulido

Anthony Pulido is based in Boston as an arranger and director for Uproar, while also working with a number of groups in the area. You can also find him as the third member of the head/voice team, so check him out on the podcast! Feel free to reach out to him if you want to talk a... Read More →

Saturday April 13, 2019 12:00pm - 12:45pm EDT
Bromfield-Pearson 007

Masterclass

12:00pm EDT

Office Hours – People Power and Group Dynamics

Want to come chat about literally anything that's going on in your group (or your life)? These seasoned experts at handling the human side of music are here to help you. Drop by anytime during this block!

Instructors

Emily Flanders

Brooks Jordan

SoJam Executive Producer, Competition Coordinator

Christopher Diaz

Christopher M. Diaz is a vocalist, arranger, songwriter, producer, coach and teacher from Newport News, VA. in 2012, he co-founded the international touring group, The Exchange, which performed hundreds of shows for audiences in over 50 countries on six continents, notably opening... Read More →

Saturday April 13, 2019 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT
Anderson 206

1:00pm EDT

CASA Board Office Hours – Meet & Greet

An informal meet & greet with members of the CASA board of directors and advisory board.

Instructors

Gina Deaton

Evan Feist

Vice President, CASA

Staff

Meron Mogos

Director of Events, CASA

Shane Ardell

Director of Technology, CASA

Shane Ardell splits her time between Atlanta, GA and Summit County, CO. She is on the CASA Core Events Team and the Board of Directors as Director of Technology. An engineer at heart, Shane spends most of her time tinkering around with new toys and figuring out how things work, and... Read More →

Saturday April 13, 2019 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
Anderson 312 Anderson Hall, College Avenue, Medford, MA, USA

1:00pm EDT

Masterclass – Green Tones

Instructors

Birdland Avenue

Saturday April 13, 2019 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
Anderson 306

1:00pm EDT

Masterclass – No Southern Accent

Instructors

Impromptu

Saturday April 13, 2019 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
Anderson 212

1:00pm EDT

Masterclass – VOLT

Instructors

Christopher Diaz

Saturday April 13, 2019 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
Bromfield-Pearson 003

1:00pm EDT

Office Hours – On Stage & In Studio

Good music should sound good everywhere, right? Come by anytime in this block to talk with these seasoned professionals about how to take your live performances and make them the best they can possibly be in the studio (and maybe even take some tricks from the studio back to the stage).

Instructors

Bill Hare

Bill Hare A Cappella

Eric Scholz

Dave Sperandio

SoJam Founder, Vocal Mastering

Tim Bongiovanni

Staff

Alex Green

Co-Owner / Producer / Engineer, Plaid Productions

Saturday April 13, 2019 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
Anderson 206

1:00pm EDT

Masterclass – CCSU AcaBellas

Instructors

Yassee Mohebbi

Branding / Graphics & Social Media, CASA / BOSS

A North Carolina transplant living in Somerville, MA. User Experience designer by day; Pow! Arranger by night. Half of the year, I put on my Social Media & Graphics hat for the BOSS team!

Brooks Jordan

SoJam Executive Producer, Competition Coordinator

Saturday April 13, 2019 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
Anderson 208

Masterclass

1:00pm EDT

Masterclass – Dragon Scales

Instructors

Christine Sack

Harrison Acosta

Saturday April 13, 2019 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
Anderson 211

Masterclass

1:00pm EDT

Masterclass – Drop The Bass

Instructors

James Jones

Founder, D-Fi

James has been an a cappella performer for over a decade. Most recently, he was seen touring internationally with Deke Sharon’s a cappella supergroup VOCALOSITY. James has also toured with CARA nominated vocal band Ball in the House where he co-wrote Amazon’s prime jingle and... Read More →

Kyle Hogan

Saturday April 13, 2019 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
Bromfield-Pearson 006

Masterclass

1:00pm EDT

Masterclass – Squawkappella

Instructors

Josh Chopak

Mason Van Gieson

Saturday April 13, 2019 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
Bromfield-Pearson 002

Masterclass

1:00pm EDT

Masterclass – Musically Inclined

Instructors

Graham Allen

Graham started singing in vocal ensembles in 2010, and joined his first a cappella group in February 2012 under the direction of Dave Grossman. During his time studying Music Education at UMass Lowell, Graham became an experienced vocal percussionist, arranger, music director, and... Read More →

Stephanie Evans

Saturday April 13, 2019 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
Anderson 210 Anderson Hall, 200 College Ave, Medford, MA 02155, USA

Masterclass

2:00pm EDT

Acabombs – Allegrettos

Saturday April 13, 2019 2:00pm - 2:10pm EDT
Science & Engineering Complex Plaza (between Anderson Hall & Bromfield Pearson)

2:00pm EDT

Acabombs – PowerChords

Saturday April 13, 2019 2:00pm - 2:10pm EDT
In Front of Anderson Hall

2:00pm EDT

Acabombs – Squawkappella

Saturday April 13, 2019 2:00pm - 2:10pm EDT
Between Aidekman Hall and Granoff Music Center 26 Talbot Avenue, Medford, MA, USA

2:10pm EDT

Acabomb – BU Chordially Yours

Saturday April 13, 2019 2:10pm - 2:20pm EDT
Between Aidekman Hall and Granoff Music Center 26 Talbot Avenue, Medford, MA, USA

2:10pm EDT

Acabombs – Dragon Scales

Saturday April 13, 2019 2:10pm - 2:20pm EDT
In Front of Anderson Hall

2:10pm EDT

Acabombs – Gin & Tonics

Saturday April 13, 2019 2:10pm - 2:20pm EDT
Science & Engineering Complex Plaza (between Anderson Hall & Bromfield Pearson)

2:20pm EDT

Acabombs – Acapocalypse

Saturday April 13, 2019 2:20pm - 2:30pm EDT
Between Aidekman Hall and Granoff Music Center 26 Talbot Avenue, Medford, MA, USA

2:30pm EDT

AHA!

Over the past decade, I have had the privilege to travel, arrange, produce, record, sing, perform, write, consult, collaborate and live a life of music outreach. Whether it was as an ICCA competitor, a Sing-Off vocal coach, a State Department Cultural Ambassador, a freelance arranger, SoJam competition producer or middle and high school music teacher, I have found that the product is in the process. When we balance our desire to create "something" with our desire to create, we can unlock the inherent power of our instinctual need to express our experiences and deliver performances, arrangements, choreography, speeches, and other forms of art that are impactful, memorable and meaningful. In using a practical, humanist approach to connection and collaboration, we can uncover the joy in creating - and find ways to utilize that joy (and the commensurate spectrum of emotions that accompany) to heighten our choices, enhance our connection to our work, and hopefully reach out to the most people.

Join me in this open, interactive session as we explore the ways in which an adjustment to our perspective - and to our process - can change the game and refresh our approach to all things a cappella and beyond.

Instructors

Christopher Diaz

Saturday April 13, 2019 2:30pm - 3:15pm EDT
Pearson 104

3:30pm EDT

Arranging as a Group, Similar Jones Style

There are a variety of methods for creating group arrangements that don’t require locking your principal arranger into a room for hours on end! Don’t have the patience to write out every detail on paper? Need to get a song quickly into your set? No problem. This workshop explores different methods to draw on your group's diverse skillsets to collaboratively create new repertoire. Similar Jones will draw upon its experience creating both original songs and intricate arrangements so that participants will emerge with the tools to bring the practice to their own rehearsals.

Instructors

Eric Chung

Similar Jones

Similar Jones is a high-energy vocal band, primarily rock and soul and influenced by elements of blues, funk, and jazz. Our repertoire consists of cover songs from the 50s, 60s, 70s, and today, and includes an growing number of original tunes. The Jones sound is marked by tight harmonies... Read More →

Saturday April 13, 2019 3:30pm - 4:15pm EDT
Bromfield-Pearson 002

Arranging

3:30pm EDT

Between the Lines: Inspiring Textures and Elevated Production Methods

Have you ever felt like much of recorded a cappella sounds similar, homogenous, or even "cookie-cutter"? We'll do a deep dive through isolated multitracks from commercial releases and a cappella tracks to uncover the wild textures that make them unique, inspiring, and interesting on each repeat listen. We'll also talk about wacky methods YOU can apply make your recordings and mixes into memorable works of art.

Instructors

Eric Scholz

Saturday April 13, 2019 3:30pm - 4:15pm EDT
Bromfield-Pearson 006

Audio / Video Recording

3:30pm EDT

The A Cappella Major

A description of the full college major and how this major can be implemented in any college. Attendees will learn all about the major, participate in interesting activities, and gain valuable insight into how this major can become a reality. Plus, free lesson plans!

Instructors

Marc Silverberg

Director of Vocal Music, Five Towns College

Saturday April 13, 2019 3:30pm - 4:15pm EDT
Anderson 206

Education

3:30pm EDT

Combatting Turnover

Turnover and skill-retention remain hot-button issues in a cappella, mainly as leaders who incited major change age out and take their arranging, logistics, and tracking skills with them. As a higher education professional who has studied leadership development and an a cappella jack-of-all-trades, the techniques I've learned and strategies I've developed have helped groups I've been a part of retain the best of my skillset long after I am gone. We will discuss skill-building, mentorship, and legacy-building. This is an open enrollment class where participants will be able to ask questions, share experiences, and leave with physical resources and ideas to help ease future leadership transitions.

Instructors

Graham Allen

Saturday April 13, 2019 3:30pm - 4:15pm EDT
Bromfield-Pearson 003

People Management / Group Dynamics

3:30pm EDT

Face Music: Doing More With Beatbox

In this class, students will learn to do more with vocal percussion in ways that still support the arrangement, discover what successful solo, tag team, and crew beatboxers around the world do to make innovative music, and learn how to incorporate elements of solo beatbox into a cappella music to push the boundaries of what kinds of music we can make with our faces. Being a creative beatboxer/vocal percussionist does not mean stealing the spotlight, it means exploring the spectrum of emotion we can express with percussive sounds.

Instructors

Craig Simonetti

Craig Simonetti, music director and beatboxer for Blacklight, distinguishes himself with award-winning settings of contemporary music for numerous vocal ensembles. He specializes in educating young A Cappella performers, delivering workshops as a beatboxer and as a member of Blacklight... Read More →

Michael Wingate

Michael Wingate is an internationally-ranked beatboxer and music education student at Delaware State University with a concentration in voice. He performs under the stage name "Match" and currently ranks among the top 16 beatboxers in America. Michael is also the 2018 East Coast 2v2... Read More →

Saturday April 13, 2019 3:30pm - 4:15pm EDT
Anderson 210 Anderson Hall, 200 College Ave, Medford, MA 02155, USA

Rhythm Section

3:30pm EDT

Creating a Masterpiece on Stage

Performances at scholastic festivals and competitions are some of the most memorable and moving pieces of art. In this class, students will learn how to craft a masterful set for any given competition, and will break down the different elements that compose a performance such as arrangement, choreography, costumes, thematic decisions, and more. We will look at how to take a round prompt and think outside the box to create truly incredible art that connects with an audience.

Instructors

Christine Sack

Saturday April 13, 2019 3:30pm - 4:15pm EDT
Anderson 208

Vocal Performance

3:30pm EDT

[CANCELLED] History of A Cappella Arranging

Contemporary a cappella arrangers now-a-days should, and need to, understand the history, ideas, and (at least) have a sense of where a majority of today's arranging techniques came from, and WHO (Deke Sharon, Gabriel Mann, Samrat Chakrabarti, Ed Boyer to begin and name a few...) started or developed the trend to where we are today. We'll go over the major hitters in the arranging field from the past 20 years. We'll look at important arranging examples, and when and where the major shifts occurred over the years up to now. *Perhaps a panel of experienced/more who lived through the different eras arrangers could help teach and give insight...it all depends who is coming to the festival.

Instructors

Kevin Guest

Arranger, Producer, Recording Engineer, Educator, Kevin Guest Music

Kevin studied music and audio production at Ithaca College and learned the art of stage performance, music production, and music theory through his advanced education. Kevin had the distinct pleasure of being a four-year member in the award-winning (and ICCA Finalists in both 2008... Read More →

Saturday April 13, 2019 3:30pm - 4:30pm EDT
TBA

Arranging

4:30pm EDT

Creating the Band

How to make your group sound like a full band, creating your unique sound.

Instructors

N’namdi Bryant

A native of Chicago, Illinois; N'Namdi Olufemi Bryant was born into a musical household. At an early age N'Namdi was introduced to the wonderful world of A Cappella music and grew to love all things harmonic. Inspired by such artists as: The Breath Of Life Quartet, Singers Unlimited... Read More →

David Musonda

Saturday April 13, 2019 4:30pm - 5:15pm EDT
Anderson 206

Arranging

4:30pm EDT

Behind the Glass: How To Sabotage (Or Save) Your Mix

What makes a mix have the potential to sound good or bad on fancy speakers, headphones, or iPhones? What about on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube? What can be done *before* mastering to avoid common sonic pitfalls and blind spots and ensure that your music translates the way you want it to, to as many people as possible? Mastering engineer Dave Sperandio opens up the actual mastering sessions for the BOCA, BOHSA, SING, and Voices Only compilations and others and breaks down examples of what works, what doesn't, and why.

Instructors

Dave Sperandio

SoJam Founder, Vocal Mastering

Saturday April 13, 2019 4:30pm - 5:15pm EDT
Bromfield-Pearson 006

Audio / Video Recording

4:30pm EDT

Emotional Intelligence in A Cappella

In this class, group leaders will learn how to understand emotional intelligence in the context of a cappella group management. Students will take away practices on how to manage tension in a group and within an E-Board to efficiently set expectations/boundaries and delineate realistic group goals as a student director, as well as group exercises that will foster positivity, unity and cohesion that will set a group up for success.

Instructors

Lisa Hawkins

Founder/Business Manager, Pipeline Vocal Project

Daniel Wolfert

Saturday April 13, 2019 4:30pm - 5:15pm EDT
Bromfield-Pearson 007

Directing

4:30pm EDT

Applying Advanced Beatboxing

This class will help you learn how to use your unique sounds in an a cappella setting, as well as teach you some critical sounds that can help create a better dynamic in arrangements. You will learn new patterns and how to build up endurance, accuracy, and a better feel for how to experiment with your beats. Although this class is geared towards the intermediate beatboxer, I urge beatboxers of all skill levels to attend. Everyone who attends will be able to advance their beats and have the opportunity to show off their talent! Come learn how to apply your advanced beatboxing skills and let your beatboxing be taken to the next level.

Instructors

Joseph Wheatley

Joseph Wheatley is the Music Director and beatboxer of Emmanuel College's "FenHarmonics." As of recent, he has been accepted into Berklee College of Music's "Pitch Slapped" to be their new vocal percussionist. He has taught masterclasses and workshops to various groups in the Boston... Read More →

Saturday April 13, 2019 4:30pm - 5:15pm EDT
Anderson 210 Anderson Hall, 200 College Ave, Medford, MA 02155, USA

Rhythm Section

4:30pm EDT

Fundamentals of Stage Performance

Learn the principles and practices of keeping an audience engaged and otherwise projecting confidence and charisma from the stage.

Instructors

James Jones

Founder, D-Fi

Saturday April 13, 2019 4:30pm - 5:15pm EDT
Anderson 208

Vocal Performance

7:30pm EDT

Pro Showcase

Performers

The Real Group

Impromptu

Iris

Saturday April 13, 2019 7:30pm - 10:30pm EDT
Regent Theatre

11:00am EDT

8th Annual CARAs

TICKETED SEPARATELY - Purchase Now

Join us for the 8th Annual Live CARAs, as we celebrate the best in recorded a cappella!Our private brunch will start at Saloon at 11:00 am. Then we’ll move from there to the Red Carpet and into The Rockwell (on the same premises) for the ceremony at 12:30pm.

Enjoy special performances and celebrate with nominees as awards are announced live. Check out the full list of nominees, and congrats to all!

Cost of ticket covers admission to the live awards ceremony and brunch.

Sunday April 14, 2019 11:00am - 2:30pm EDT
The Rockwell & Saloon