Vocal Visions

2 PART WORKSHOP Saturdays October 9 & 23 Noon to 3 PM

Part 1 - Bossa Nova & Samba Part 2 - Contemporary song styles

FEATURING: Brazilian Recording Artist - Ana GazzolaAna Gazzola is a seasoned professional singer, composer and multi-instrumentalist. She is best known for her partnership with recording artist, Sonia Santos, performing in their group Brasil Brazil and creating Yellow Green Productions/Recording. Ana has shared the stage with Diana Krall, Ray Charles, Nancy Wilson, Sergio Mendez, João Bôsco, Elba Ramalho, Moraes Moreira and others. In 2004 and 2006 she received the International Brazilian Press Award and 2017 she was the winner of the International Brazilian Press Award for best Brazilian CD release in the USA for "UrbAna

As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the classic Joni Mitchell masterpiece, Blue, this workshop will delve into the creativity and evolution of Joni Mitchell’s innovative compositions. Considered one of the most important composers of our time, Mitchell has blessed us with her emotionally honest and often prophetic lyrics along with an advanced harmonic sense that found her in the company of iconic musicians like Jaco Pastorius, Charles Mingus, and Pat Metheny.

Part 1 (10/16): Exploring the music of Joni Mitchell through the years and examining her evolution from folk, jazz, and other influences. Special attention will be given to her harmonic approach and poetic form as a lyricist. Part 1 will primarily be listening and discussion with in-depth conversation about her contributions as a respected and honored musical artist.

Part 2 (11/7): Exploring Joni Mitchell songs recorded by other artists through the years including dedication recordings such as River: The Joni Letters (Herbie Hancock), After Blue (Tierney Sutton), Songs of Shadow, Songs of Light (Laurie Antonioli) and A Tribute to Joni Mitchell (various artists).

Singers attending the workshop who would like to share their interpretations are welcome to submit a single recording of a Joni Mitchell song they feel expresses their unique interpretation for possible inclusion. Contact Ellen Johnson at: https://ellenjohnson.net/contact to submit your selection.

Part 2 covering contemporary Brazilian styles

MEETS: November 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30. This 5 week class focuses on musicianship and performance. The instructor will provide recommendations for improving vocal technique and help students develop a deeper understanding of the nuts and bolts of song form, charts, keys, musicianship, and vocal performance through targeted exercises and practice suggestions. Each week students will sing a song of their choice in any genre with a track or pre-recorded songs to play in class.

Open to all levels and styles of singing.

Part 2 - The Interpretations of Joni Mitchell

Research shows that music has a positive effect on emotional well-being, memory, health and creativity. Join this 2-part workshop as we explore music and sound that elicit feelings, memories, body sensations, ideas, and activism as a community. We will listen, share and participate in creating music that lifts our spirits and connects us to our inner landscape as we navigate through the holiday season.

"Especially now, in times when people are feeling sad, stressed and isolated because of the COVID-19 pandemic, people should definitely turn to music to better their mental well-being,” - GCBH Executive Director Sarah Lenz Lock, AARP's senior vice president for policy.

"We've found compelling evidence that musical interventions can play a health-care role in settings ranging from operating rooms to family clinics," says Levitin, author of the book "This is Your Brain on Music" (Plume/Penguin, 2007). The analysis also points to just how music influences health. The researchers found that listening to and playing music increase the body's production of the antibody immunoglobulin A and natural killer cells — the cells that attack invading viruses and boost the immune system's effectiveness. Music also reduces levels of the stress hormone cortisol. “This is one reason why music is associated with relaxation," Levitin says. – from Music As Medicine by Amy Novotney, American Psychological Association

Research shows that music has a positive effect on emotional well-being, memory, health and creativity. Join this 2-part workshop as we explore music and sound that elicit feelings, memories, body sensations, ideas, and activism as a community. We will listen, share and participate in creating music that lifts our spirits and connects us to our inner landscape as we navigate through the holiday season.

"Especially now, in times when people are feeling sad, stressed and isolated because of the COVID-19 pandemic, people should definitely turn to music to better their mental well-being,” - GCBH Executive Director Sarah Lenz Lock, AARP's senior vice president for policy.

"We've found compelling evidence that musical interventions can play a health-care role in settings ranging from operating rooms to family clinics," says Levitin, author of the book "This is Your Brain on Music" (Plume/Penguin, 2007). The analysis also points to just how music influences health. The researchers found that listening to and playing music increase the body's production of the antibody immunoglobulin A and natural killer cells — the cells that attack invading viruses and boost the immune system's effectiveness. Music also reduces levels of the stress hormone cortisol. “This is one reason why music is associated with relaxation," Levitin says. – from Music As Medicine by Amy Novotney, American Psychological Association