Precollege Programs: Vocal Intensive

Directed and edited by Alex Dognin (2024 Filmmaking Institute student); Camera Work by Jordan Perez (2024 Filmmaking Institute student) and J. P. Morgan (Filmmaking Institute Lead Instructor). Full credits can be found at the end of the video.

9:30 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.

Vocal Technique

We hit the ground running daily with a 45 minute to an hour group vocal warm-up and technique session that includes upper body stretching and breathing exercises.

10:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Performance and Music Practice/Technique

Each day we will delve into any combination of the following:

• Music theory: theory explanation and worksheets;
• Rhythmic and harmonic exercises/games, beginning sight reading;
• Approaching your song: learning what every mark on the page means;
• Discuss and learn about different singing styles and the vocal demands for each;
• Musical Bag of Knowledge: over 50 musical ideas and terms will be introduced and discussed daily and you will practice these throughout the session. Your bag, which will be filled with an immense amount of musical knowledge, will be yours to keep and use as you pursue your singing!

12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Lunch

Weather permitting, students have the opportunity to enjoy lunch outdoors with their Teaching Assistants, soaking in the beauty of the Purchase College campus. Purchase College campus offers inspiration and relaxation and a chance to connect with fellow students, and recharge energy before heading into afternoon classes and activities.

1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Solo/Group Singing

• Warm-ups and stretching;
• Solo song learning and coaching - incorporate techniques learned in morning session as you work on solo pieces both with the instructor and in master class style;
• Work on group songs;
• Various lectures/discussions apropos to imminent vocal needs of students.

• Please dress appropriately for class each day. Wear comfortable clothes that are appropriate for movement and theatre games. Short skirts/shorts and dresses are not recommended.
• The AC can be very cold at times and some portions of the day are spent outside for fresh air, sunlight and change of scenery (bring a sweatshirt or dress in layers to accommodate both temperatures.)
• Please have long hair pulled back with hair-bands, barrettes, or clips.
• Refillable water bottles are recommended.
• All students will be provided with the necessary supplies.

Have fun working on solos and groups songs, playing theater games, and participating in master classes and lively discussions about style and performance techniques

Discover how to “act” your songs and become an engaging, dynamic performer

Learn about phrasing, expression, interpretation, dynamics, vowel color, diction and tone quality

Understand how to approach a song from the basic learning stages—accuracy of notes and rhythms—through to a polished, thoughtful, and musical performance of the song

Explore vocal technique by doing a variety of exercises designed to tone and strengthen your voice and help you reach your full and true potential

Emerge with a true sense of your own vocal possibilities, musicianship, style, and artistry

At the end of the session, students will perform solo and group songs they have worked on for invited family and friends.

Students will leave with two polished solo songs that they can use for auditions or just for fun!