Swing & Jazz Vocals
In this Swing & Jazz Vocals workshop we will explore American popular music of the 20’s, 30’s and 40’s. Music will be provided and we’ll sing together and also individually or as a small group as participants get more comfortable with the material.
We will experiment with ways to interpret a swing song, aka “a standard”, to make them our own by utilizing rhythm, vocal choices and the “swing feel” and will also discuss proper technique and good habits throughout.
We’ll start each class with a short vocal warmup and we’ll also discuss pointers on how to communicate smoothly and efficiently with a band/accompaniment. Participants will also have the opportunity to showcase their work by singing at the Swing Dance evening event!
(A few examples of famous vocalists of the era: Billie Holliday, Ruth Etting, Mildred Bailey as well as early work of Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra)
About Scott Stobbe
California native and New Orleans based guitarist and composer Scott Stobbe has toured extensively nationally and internationally with diverse musical projects playing original compositions, jazz and folk musics from around the globe. Scott has degree in music composition from Portland State University and a Master’s in Music Composition from Stephen F. Austin University. Scott believes that music is a powerful force that can uplift, heal, educate and bring people together.
About Ella Thomasine
Ella Thomasine is a violinist and vocalist from Duluth, MN but now based in her adopted home of New Orleans, LA. Originally self-taught and focused on soaking up as much music as possible, with a primary interest in swing, Western Swing and traditional jazz from 1900-1950’s.
Ella has toured extensively nationally and internationally with her band The Silver Lining Serenaders (co-led with Scott Stobbe). It will be her first year teaching at Lark and she is excited to inspire and empower learners of all types by imparting practical and hands-on knowledge, as well as interesting factoids to impress friends at parties!