There are two optional one-hour early-bird sessions on Friday afternoon and four regular two-hour sessions
beginning Friday evening through Saturday afternoon.
| Class Title |
Session |
Class Description |
Instructor |
| Barbershop Acoustics 1 2 hours |
A |
This course is all about the barbershop sound and how the overtone series plays an important part in our style of music. You'll learn how to achieve the unit sound by applying physics of sound principles and you will gain a new appreciation for accurate, in-tune singing. No prior music training is required, so join us for a most informative and enlightening experience!
|
Dan McQuigg |
| Barbershop Acoustics 2 2 hours |
C |
This course is all about the barbershop sound and how the overtone series plays an important part in our style of music. You'll learn how to achieve the unit sound by applying physics of sound principles and you will gain a new appreciation for accurate, in-tune singing. No prior music training is required, so join us for a most informative and enlightening experience!
|
Dan McQuigg |
| Barbershop Arranging 101 8 hours |
ABCD |
Have you ever heard a neat song and wanted to arrange it in the Barbershop Style? Better yet, have you ever wondered 1) What elements should a song contain to make a good BBS arrangement of this song, 2) How might one recognize those elements, 3) If the song "works" for BBS, how would you arrange that song in the BBS style? If these thoughts intrigue you, sign up for Arranging 101 at Harmony College West. Instructor Paul Engel will arrange a song (or two) WITH the class. How threatening can that be?
|
Dave Briner |
| Contest Emcee 4 hours |
CD |
How many times have you sat in the contest audience thinking "We sure need two lights right now"?
Here is your chance to take the mystery out of what goes on at the lectern and behind the curtain.
In this class you'll learn the skills and responsibilities to become a FWD contest emcee.
|
Tom Schleier |
| Ear Singing 2 hours |
D |
For Barbershoppers who want to be great harmonizers.
Ever wonder how some guys can hear a tone and automatically know...
- his starting note?
- how to tune chords?
- the best harmony notes to sing?
- the "implied" harmonies and chords?
- how to sing harmony without an "arrangement"?
- How to hold their own in a quartet? etc.
Ear-singers have the "know-how"... and, more fun
|
Steve Shannon |
| Marketing and PR Workshop 4 hours |
CD |
The Marketing and Public Relations track explores all aspects of promoting the chapter. You will discover and share with your peers how to examine the needs of each targeted audience, and be provided with tools for tailoring specific activities and programs.
|
Clark Abrahamson |
| Membership Workshop 4 hours |
AB |
This session focuses on the elements needed to create and maintain a successful chapter membership program. It is designed to be highly interactive, rather than "instructional". Discover and share with your peers what works, what doesn't work, and how to create and launch a successful plan for success.
|
Clark Abrahamson |
| Outstanding In Front 8 hours |
ABCD |
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to direct a chorus? Do you have a feel for music? Would you like to feel the power of creating music with your hands? Dont know how or where to begin? DO WE HAVE A CLASS FOR YOU!!!
This class, formerly called Director of the Future, is for aspiring directors, section leaders, and anyone else who wants to confidently direct the chorus in a song. You will learn patterns and when it is appropriate and helpful to use them. Warm-ups are included as well as some tips on becoming a leader.
|
Jim Turnmire |
| Private Chorus Coaching 4 hours |
BC |
For Plateau A choruses that want to be better performers.
A fast-paced, interactive, hands-on session. Chorus Members
become both performers and audience to see, hear and feel
how much fun it is to be a great performer. Members discover
that they really can sing, move and emote like the champions.
Music Teams learn how to motivate and manage their singers.
Bring your chorus and your repertoire... go home with a "new"
chorus and "fresh" repertoire.
|
Steve Shannon |
| Quartet/Chorus Spokesman 4 hours |
AB |
The spokesman or Emcee sets the mood for the next song or set. Learn the difference between singing and entertaining ,and then begin the entertainment the moment you begin speaking. Learn to set up a song so the audience will 'live' the next song. Get them ready to laugh, weep, or sigh; but mostly applaud.
|
Tom Schleier |
| Show Production 8 hours |
ABCD |
If you want an annual show that will bring them back year after year you have to start with song selection, a well written script and a simple but visually exciting staging plan. No matter how big or small your chorus is you can produce a winning show with the right plan.
This class will be loaded with ideas and tools that will help your shows be what you always dreamed of.
|
Allen Fossenkemper Allen Fossenkemper was the Show Producer and Performance Director for the Phoenix Chapter from 1995 to 2006. His productions help to sell more than $750,000 in tickets and brought the Phoenicians and Spirit of Phoenix Choruses recognition as one of the premier show chapters of the society. |
| Sight Reading-Beginning 4 hours |
AB |
Confused about reading music notation? Feel lost when you pick up a new song for your chorus or quartet? Sight-singing is as simple as knowing which direction you are moving from note to note and then making an educated guess as to how far. Well, it may not be quite that easy, but this class will introduce you to educated guessing. You'll RE-learn how to find notes on a staff, what to name them, how to find out the pitch pipe note for a song, how to find your starting note, and practice using a number system with real barbershop music. Learn music faster!
|
Phil Ordaz |
| Sight Reading-Intermediate 4 hours |
CD |
The second level of learning the mysteries of reading music at sight will continue (yes, you can take both classes) with more advanced information on clefs (bass and treble), key signature memory tricks, minor keys, and some transfer to the keyboard (for picking out a part for a pal), including the dreaded octave transposition. Learn to navigate through a musical score by following the directional signals, and practice these skills with actual barbershop music. Save hours of time in rehearsals . . . you may even become a section leader in your chorus!
|
Phil Ordaz |
| Super Secrets of Super Directors 2 hours |
A |
For Directors, Assistant Directors and Music Teams. A
no-holds-barred look at how you can get your chorus members to...
- arrive at rehearsals, warmed -up and ready to sing...
- learn words & music on their own...
- be "on stage" every time they sing...
- remember changes from rehearsal to rehearsal... etc.
Bring your specific chorus problems and get specific solutions.
|
Steve Shannon |
| Tag Teaching 1 2 hours |
B |
"Here's your chance to learn how to teach tags PROPERLY and get your Chapter members involved in fun and instant harmony. You will learn enough tags to teach one to your Chorus every other week for a year, and your Chorus Director will marvel at your new ability to harmonize. We'll do some old ones and some new ones, and you're guaranteed to have a good time."
|
Dan McQuigg |
| Tag Teaching 2 2 hours |
D |
"Here's your chance to learn how to teach tags PROPERLY and get your Chapter members involved in fun and instant harmony. You will learn enough tags to teach one to your Chorus every other week for a year, and your Chorus Director will marvel at your new ability to harmonize. We'll do some old ones and some new ones, and you're guaranteed to have a good time."
|
Dan McQuigg |
| The Comedic Approach - Barbershop and Humor 1 4 hours |
AB |
Study comedy at the feet of a master quartet comedian, Brian Philbin. Learn how to identify your own approach to comedy and then apply it to your quartet and chorus. Whether in performances or competition, comedy is a very effective tool for any well-rounded performer and it is important to determine how it works best for each member of a quartet.
You'll study the nature and different aspects of comedy and humor and in class will begin to develop your own routines. Members of the class will participate in an impromptu comedic performance.
Whether improving your ability to tell a story, or learning how to develop an idea and how to incorporate it into an actual performance, this class will help you achieve your goals.
Disclaimer: This message represents the official views of the voices inside the lecturer's head. Harmony College West and it's associations waive responsibility for any humorous side-effects to the students of this class. Possible side-effects include laughter, shortness of breath (from laughter) watery eyes (from laughter), runny nose (from the watery eyes), abdominal pressure (from laughter) and euphoria (from... well, you get the picture). Your eyes are now growing weary from staring at the computer screen. You feel sleepy. It is restful to watch the cursor blink. Your eyelids feel heavy. When you awaken, the opinions stated above will become your own. You will not be able to imagine a time when you ever felt otherwise. Also, if you've read this far, you're either nosey or have too much time on your hands.
|
Brian Philbin |
| The Comedic Approach - Barbershop and Humor 2 4 hours |
CD |
Study comedy at the feet of a master quartet comedian, Brian Philbin. Learn how to identify your own approach to comedy and then apply it to your quartet and chorus. Whether in performances or competition, comedy is a very effective tool for any well-rounded performer and it is important to determine how it works best for each member of a quartet.
You'll study the nature and different aspects of comedy and humor and in class will begin to develop your own routines. Members of the class will participate in an impromptu comedic performance.
Whether improving your ability to tell a story, or learning how to develop an idea and how to incorporate it into an actual performance, this class will help you achieve your goals.
Disclaimer: This message represents the official views of the voices inside the lecturer's head. Harmony College West and it's associations waive responsibility for any humorous side-effects to the students of this class. Possible side-effects include laughter, shortness of breath (from laughter) watery eyes (from laughter), runny nose (from the watery eyes), abdominal pressure (from laughter) and euphoria (from... well, you get the picture). Your eyes are now growing weary from staring at the computer screen. You feel sleepy. It is restful to watch the cursor blink. Your eyelids feel heavy. When you awaken, the opinions stated above will become your own. You will not be able to imagine a time when you ever felt otherwise. Also, if you've read this far, you're either nosey or have too much time on your hands.
|
Brian Philbin |
| Vocal Production 1 4 hours |
AB |
Did you ever wonder just how your voice works? Well this is your opportunity to find out. Learn the principles of correct singing technique, which apply for all types of musical styles. Unravel the mystery of the singing voice when presented to you in an understandable way. Find out how to avoid vocal problems. Tape recorders are welcome.
|
Craig Ewing |
| Vocal Production 2 4 hours |
CD |
Did you ever wonder just how your voice works? Well this is your opportunity to find out. Learn the principles of correct singing technique, which apply for all types of musical styles. Unravel the mystery of the singing voice when presented to you in an understandable way. Find out how to avoid vocal problems. Tape recorders are welcome.
|
Craig Ewing |