OIGC Gospel Music Workshop
Register for your workshop today. Sessions fill up quickly!
Package A - $110
• Includes three workshop sessions, mass choir workshop, dinner, and concert
Package B - $ 32
• Mass choir workshop ONLY, dinner, and concert
Schedule of the Day
General Session - 8:30 AM to 8:45
• Welcome and Warm Ups
Sesssion 1 - 9:00 AM to 10:15 AM
• Beginning Voice with Terrance Kelly
• Gospel Choir Directing with Lonnie Delisle
• “Let Your Light Shine” - Exercises in Stage Presence and Storytelling with Zoe Ellis
• Song Writing with Paul Daniels
• “The Business of Choir” (Part I) with Maren Amdal
Session 2 - 10:30 AM to 11:45 AM
• Placement & Support for Post-COVID singers with Terrance Kelly
• “The Right Pitch” Ear Training with Lonnie Delisle
• Gospel Soloing with Mickala Cheadle Josey
• Intro to Reading Music with La Nell Martin
• “The Business of Choir” (Part II) with Maren Amdal
LUNCH - 11:45 AM to 12:30 PM (not provided)
Session 3 - 12:30 PM to 1:45 PM
• Gospel Soloing with JaCoree Prothro
• “Teach Me How To Tambo” - Beginning Tambourine with Jae Phoenix
• “Let Your Light Shine” - Exercises in Stage Presence and Storytelling with Zoe Ellis
• Beginning Sight Singing with La Nell Martin
Mass Choir Workshop - 2:00 PM to 3:45 PM
During the Mass Choir Workshop, Terrance teaches a song (or two), which are performed at the Spring Musical that evening, generally as the finale of the Spring Musical.
Sound Check - 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Dinner - 5:00 PM to 6:15 PM
• Potluck hosted by OIGC members
Doors - 6:30 PM
Concert - 7:00 PM
Workshop Instructors
Click on a photo to view their bio.
Class Descriptions
(in alpha order)
Beginning Sight-Singing
Instructor: La Nell Martin
Learn the basics of sight-singing such as reading musical notation, and using solfege syllables. Gain strategies for practicing and improving your sight-singing skills. You’ll leave the workshop with a better understanding of how to sight-sing and be able to start reading and singing simple melodies on your own.
Beginning Voice
Instructor: Terrance Kelly
Cover topics such as proper breathing, posture, tone production, and vocal exercises to develop your range and strength. We'll also discuss techniques for improving your pitch, intonation, and diction. Whether you're a beginner or looking to brush up on your skills, this workshop will provide a solid foundation for your vocal development.
“The Business of Choir”
Instructor: Maren L. Amdal
In this two-part session, you'll learn the administrative aspects of running a nonprofit arts organization. We'll cover topics such as creating and managing budgets, grant writing and fundraising, volunteer management, and marketing and publicity. We'll also discuss strategies for building and sustaining community engagement and partnerships. Whether you're starting a new choir or looking to improve the operations of an existing one, you'll have a better understanding of the administrative processes, and the tools to manage your choir, or any arts organization!
Gospel Choir Directing
Instructor: Lonnie Delisle
Learn the art of directing a gospel choir– how to communicate with your singers, and how to use body language to convey musical expression. We'll also discuss techniques for choosing and arranging music, and ways to inspire and engage your choir members. Gain the skills and confidence to conduct a powerful and uplifting gospel choir performance!
Gospel Soloing
Instructor: Mickala Cheadle-Josey
Instructor: JaCoree Prothro
Learn from award-winning gospel soloists their approach to soloing in the gospel style. In addition to the technical aspects such as scales & chord progressions, gain an understanding of the heart of the Black gospel soloist. Learn techniques for how to develop your own story and style using dynamics, phrasing, and personal expression to convey emotion in your performances, creating engaging and soulful solos that will uplift and inspire your audience.
Intro to Reading Music
Instructor: La Nell Martin
Learn the basics of how to read sheet music, and learn how to identify musical notations, rhythm, pitch, and different symbols and markings commonly found in sheet music. If you’re a complete beginner or if you have some experience with music, this workshop will provide you with the tools and knowledge to confidently follow along rehearsals with sheet music.
Intro to Tambourine
Instructor: Jae Phoenix
”Teach Me How To Tambo!” In this session, you'll learn the basics of playing the tambourine and how to use it as an instrument of rhythm and praise. We’ll cover holding and striking techniques, basic rhythmic patterns, and different ways to incorporate the tambourine into your musical performances. We'll also discuss techniques for playing with other musicians and how to use the tambourine in different styles of music.
“Let Your Light Shine” - Exercises in Stage Presence and Storytelling
Instructor: Zoe Ellis
Stage presence is all about being able to hold both the song and the story in a way that allows your audience to take an authentic emotional journey with you. We will work as a group to learn a simple song with both group and solo sections and "pass the mic" while we each try the solo section with the support of our instant class choir. Trust me, what happens in class, stays in class. Come take a chance. I don't need perfection, just your good intentions! I also welcome folks to bring a verse or chorus they have been working on to discuss in class. If you do bring a song, please bring an mp3 of the track so we can play it behind you.
Placement & Support for Post-COVID singers
Instructor: Terrance Kelly
Terrance will cover vocal placement and breath support as you restore your vocal health and strength with techniques to prevent vocal strain and injury while rebuilding your voice after COVID-19. Whether you're a singer or speaker, this workshop will provide you with the tools and knowledge to safely and effectively rebuild your voice after COVID-19. Gain a better understanding of your vocal recovery process and how to care for your voice going forward.
“The Right Pitch” – Ear Training
Instructor: Lonnie Delisle
Learn tips for identifying different intervals, recognizing chords and chord progressions, and developing your relative pitch. We'll also discuss techniques for improving your aural skills through singing and listening exercises. By the end of the workshop, you'll have a better understanding of how to use your ears as a powerful tool in your musical development.
Songwriting
Instructor: Paul Daniels
Explore the creative process of songwriting and how to find inspiration for your music. You'll learn how to tap into your own experiences and emotions to create meaningful lyrics and melodies, and we'll also cover the mechanics of songwriting. By the end of the workshop, you'll have the tools and inspiration to start writing your own songs! Come prepared with an idea or two!
This project is made possible in part with funding from: Alameda County Arts Commission, CA Arts Council, City of Oakland Cultural Fund, the Hewlett Foundation, & the National Endowment for the Arts.