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 Ella Thomasine
Ella Thomasine is a violinist and vocalist native to northern Minnesota, who has been calling New Orleans, LA home since 2014. With an active focus on swing music of the 1920’s, 30’s and 40’s, Ella has toured extensively nationally and internationally, most recently with her band The Silver Lining Serenaders. They were most recently featured at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival in April 2026, as well as the Swing4Asturias Festival in Gijon, Spain in November 2025.
"I’m looking forward to fostering a welcoming environment where campers can feel comfortable to grow, try new things, make music and have a great time overall! It will be my third year teaching at Lark, it’s been a fun and rewarding journey and I’m looking forward to Lark Camp 2026!"
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.