VocalEase and KIDSPIN: Voice music for every body

“The thing that continues to amaze me about improvisational/ noise music is the deep communication that happens between the musicians/ singers. There is something magical about the way everyone feels connected to a quiet place inside themselves and to everyone else. There's no chance for ego to take over because the sounds, patterns, rhythms are always shifting, so sound becomes an entity with its own intention, guided by no one in particular. It is very mature music, yet so freeing, inviting a reconnection to our innocence.”

Joanna, in conversation with Vancouver Creative Music Institute (VCMI) director
Francois Houle, February 2008 http://www.vcmi.ca/

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Release and Connect with VocalEase

VocalEase workshops and classes combine creative vocal techniques in world music, jazz, and beat box with modern dance movement. Participants are encouraged to explore the healing and restorative aspects of interactive singing and movement, to laugh, make unusual sounds and generally have an uplifting experience.

“Joanna’s capacity for joy is contagious and her understanding of the way music develops, heals and renews people makes her a wonderful teacher of adults and children. She is a powerful force wherever she brings her work.”
Rhiannon, teacher, improvisational vocalist (www.rhiannonmusic.com)

Why is a VocalEase workshop the right thing for me?

Because we…

• Demystify harmony singing, beat- box rhythms, body music and spoken word
• Discover new ways of self-expression and release tension
• Unblock old patterns and fears; connect and release!
• Communicate freely with people of ages who want to deepen their relationship with voice and movement, and have fun.

Joanna offers 1-2 hour sessions; 1-3 day workshops for:

• Corporate/ professional development events promoting effective team performance
• Women’s’/ men’s groups, individuals, families
• Schools/retreats/spiritual organizations/ outdoor education centres
• Long term and palliative care residents.

Classes and Short Sessions
Joanna offers these community classes and more:

VocalEase Six Session Level One
Learn the basics of creative voice-music in six lessons: scat singing, rhythm raps, body music, group compositions, sound language and movement exploration, in three bi-weekly sessions. $60.00 or $12.00 drop in.
(see schedule under tour dates)

VocalEase Six Session Level Two
More harmonies, group listening, expressive movement and vocal games. Create songs from the beat up, adding harmonies, texture, dynamics and words- prepare for performance! Rhiannon’s students are welcome.

Level One pre-requisite or a recent 5 hour VocalEase workshop.
$60.00 or $12.00 drop in

VocalEase: Primordial Oooos
Early morning toning and authentic movement classes. Slowly awaken the body with gentle sounds and soft movements. Vibrational singing and sacred chanting releases blocked charkas, and opens hearts to healing and love. With Santo on didgeridoo. Everyone is welcome; no singing experience is necessary $ 5-10.00 sliding scale

“I loved toning into another person’s hug”
Jade, dancer, 27 Courtenay BC

Workshops

Joanna will travel to your event or organization
 to facilitate these workshops and more:

Elememental “Ahh” 8-12 participants; 5 hours
This all-day workshop is for people who are ready to unblock their voice, limber up their body and reconnect with their playful self. In these five hours we start to create our own repertoire of vocal sounds using toning, chord building, holding a pattern, and harmony singing. Participants come away feeling enlivened, more confident and more deeply connected to their voice and body. $55.00 per person

Take Flight- more dance 8-12 participants; 5 hours
Individual expression is celebrated as we interpret all kinds of sounds through movement. Voice and movement integrate into creative, unique dance motifs that are shared and performed in front of the group. Explore your relationship with space & your body. $55.00 per person

Deep Integration 8-12 participants; 7 hours
In this full day of sound and movement, we explore our relationship with nature, both internally and externally. This is for participants who are very familiar and comfortable with VocalEase techniques, strong singers and those very comfortable with self-expression. Participants meet in a natural environment: ocean, woods or mountains. $65.00 per person

“It changed my life. It was an amazing experience.”
Byron, Actor, 28 Vancouver, BC

Skill- specific classes and private sessions are available
 upon request. Workshops can be shortened to 3 hours
 or designed for three days.

KIDSPIN
Music exploration for creative kids!

Experimental/noise music is explored in kids groups, with families and with mentally challenged children and adults, inviting all levels and abilities to freely explore sound and the way it makes us feel.

Kidspin Creative Music Class for parents and tots: 3-5 years old
Four 45- minute sessions twice weekly
Learn rhythm through the feet, hands and mouth. Make music with elastic bands, chopsticks, pots and bottles. Sing, dance and play with authentic movement and sounds. Playful fun for kids and parents! $40.00

Kidspin Creative Music Class
4 sessions 7- 10 year olds. For children who like to make interesting vocal noises and have an ability to hold notes and keep a steady rhythm. Character games, made up languages, interesting musical instruments! Playful, creative fun! $40.00

KIDSPIN/VocalEase Special Needs programmes
Joanna has facilitated creative, experimental music classes and workshops in schools and with private groups. She will come to your private care facility, school or recreation programme to put smiles on faces! $60.00 per hour

Joanna has been imitating sounds all her life and loves noises. She plays a mean “nose cornet”, “Mood Sympathizer” and “Star Trek Theremin”. Joanna is a graduate of the Vancouver Creative Music institute Advanced Improvisation Course, 2007, and a student of world-renowned vocal improviser, Rhiannon. www.rhiannonmusic.com. Joanna has been sharing her knowledge and joy of improvisational music for three years in Canada and Antigua, WI with school children, college groups and in community workshops.