Belair Vocal Course, 2010

Dates

The course runs from Sunday 8th August to Friday 13th August, 2010. Participants arrive Sunday from 5pm. The course finishes on Friday at 3.30pm.

Course Outline

The course welcomes vocalists with a wide variety of backgrounds and experience who want to develop and improve their jazz singing. One of the most distinguished and experienced UK jazz vocal teachers will be leading the faculty: Anita Wardell.

The course is organised by Tristan Mailliot who takes care of the day to day running of the course as well as playing drums and leading rhythm workshops. This is the seventh jazz vocal summer school at the Domaine de Bel Air.

Accompanists and support faculty include pianists Rob Barron and Barry Green who have participated in previous vocal summer schools, 2004-2009, and have a wealth of experience working with singers. Returning participants will be familiar with local bass player Marie Boisseau.

There is a strong emphasis on practical skills and participants have the opportunity to prepare songs for performance in the evenings with professional accompanists.

Study topics

• Performance: projection, technique, confidence, conveying lyrics, repertoire.
• Jazz phrasing: swing quavers, triplets, accenting and feel.
• Time and feel: counting in, choosing appropriate tempos, changing the time signature and feel of a song.
• Improvisation: Scat vocabulary, developing and building solos.
• Theory/harmony: Aural skills, understanding chord symbols. Chord/scale relationships, ear training.
• Each participant will be allocated individual rehearsal time with a pianist to prepare songs for performance in the evening concerts.
• The program is completed by some open question and answer sessions where students can quiz the faculty about any area of jazz performance they are interested in.

Schedule (typical day)

• 8.30am: The day starts with breakfast.
• 9.30 to 10.45am: Everyone participating in warm up and jazz choir
• 10.45 to 1.00pm: Participants divide into two groups and work with Anita or the support tutors on the above topics.
• 1.00pm: Lunch
• 2.00 to 4.30pm: Anita and the tutors work with the reverse groups.
• 4.30 to 7.30pm: Free time for rest, recreation or practice.
• 7.30pm: Everyone regroups for an aperitif and dinner.
• 9.30 to 11.30pm: The evening continues with a concert.

Excursion

After several days of serious study it's nice to have a little break so we organise a half-day trip to the picturesque town of La Fleche. It's an opportunity to sample french cuisine, cafés and shopping.