Women in Jazz Concert Series
Singers' Performance Workshop 2002
Saturday, September 14 & 28, 2002
10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Dougherty Arts Center
1110 Barton Springs Road
Austin, Texas
A must for all singers–male and female!
Two Workshop Sessions
Saturday, September 14 & 28, 2002
Outstanding Instructors, including the legendary James Polk, Kellye Gray,
Pamela Hart, and Suzi Stern!
September 14, 2002 Sessions
The Voice as the Original Instrument - 10:00
Lead by Kellye Gray, this workshop is built around the concept that the
jazz vocalist is another instrument within the ensemble, not just the
voice on top or the one with the words. Time is spent discovering where
and how to place your voice in the group, when to come up and over the
group sound, when to solo or not, how to be a better musician and a better
listener. The workshop explores technique, timbre development, vocalease,
lyrical improvisational interpretation and proper key choices for comfortable
voice placement within the tune. Involves participant singing.
Communicating with Musicians: Know the Code 12:30 - 2:00
James Polk leads this session and discusses how to speak musicians’
language and slang, hand motions and body language to communicate before,
during, or at the end of a song. This is especially important to the jazz
singer, who often sings with musicians unrehearsed! Involves participant
singing.
Getting Your Act Together - 2:00-3:00
A must for any singer who wants to become a professional, Pamela Hart
leads this session and covers what it takes to break into the singing
business, including creating a press kit for marketing your vocal talent,
selecting musicians, and getting work as a singer.
September 28, 2002 Sessions
Performance Techniques - 10:00
Pamela Hart leads this session covering stage presence, finding your vocal
range, learning the structure of a song, finding your key to a song, microphone
techniques, phrasing, and structuring a singing set. Involves participant
coaching and singing.
Improvisation for the Singer - 12:00-2:00
Improvising a solo is like telling a captivating story in the language
of music. Lead by Suzi Stern, you will learn what to listen for and how
to translate musical ideas into interesting, successful solos and how
to deliver a song with fresh phrasing and varied dynamics to make the
composition a new and honest experience each time you sing it. Involves
participant singing.
Workshop Participant Jam Session - 2:00
Show off what you brought with you and what you learned in a live performance
by you and other workshop participants. Invite your family and friends
to this session only. A total supportive audience is the perfect way to
start!
Workshop Instructors
 Kellye
Gray has what critics like to call “musicianly chops”—sensitive
ears and the technical wherewithal to use her voice as an instrument of
distinction. As a result, her vocal approach is virtually free of the
mannerisms or theatrical tricks one routinely hears with less talented
singers. Hers is a style borne from innate sensuality and a passion for
interpretation. Visit www.kellyegray.com.
 Pamela
Hart has been singing professionally in Austin, TX for 16 years.
In addition to singing in clubs, concerts and private events, she is the
producer of the Women in Jazz Concert Series. She has a Masters of
Business Administration from Southwest Texas State University.
 James
Polk is a world-renowned jazz pianist and arranger. He is Assistant
Professor and Assistant Director of Jazz Studies at Southwest Texas State
University. For 10 years he served as arranger for Ray Charles. In 2001,
he released an instrumental album, When Evening Comes, with ten jazz songs,
nine of which were written, arranged and produced by Polk. Dr. Polk has
been induction into the Austin Music Hall of Fame, and lends his talents
to the local jazz bands and singers who keep the flame of jazz burning
in Austin. Visit www.drjamespolk.com.
 From
New York to the west coast, jazz vocalist Suzi Stern
has delighted audiences across the United States. Now based in the Live
Music Capital of the World (Austin, Texas), Suzi performs at jazz festivals
and clubs around the world. A respected jazz educator, Suzi also makes
time to present her innovative vocal workshops for both large and small
groups. Her latest CD, Seven Stars, has received acclaim from such eminent
composers and performers as Joe Henderson, Sheila Jordan, David Friesen,
Red Mitchell, Jerry Hahn, David Shire, and Bobby McFerrin. Visit www.music2u.com/suzistern/.
How to Register
Register by phone at (512) 258-6947 or by email, or print the registration
form below and send with your check payable to Women & Their Work:
Women in Jazz Singers’ Performance Workshop
P.O. Box 200576
Austin, Texas 78720
Fax to (512) 258-7072
e-mail: womeninjazz@hartbeat.net
Class size is limited. Register Early!
The Women in Jazz Concert Series and Singers’ Performance Workshop
is partially funded by the Texas Commission on the Arts and the City of
Austin under the auspices of the Arts Commission.
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