Workshop on Vocal Production and Interpretation for Live Stage Performance

An intensive Workshop on Vocal Production and Interpretation for Live Stage Performance for musical theater actors will be held at the Cultural Center of the Philippines on April 26-May 1, 2016. The Workshop will be conducted by musical director, vocal coach, composer, pianist and educator from New York Carmela Sinco. The Workshop will be limited to only 15 participants.

The Workshop module will be conducted in the manner of a masterclass and will focus on each of the particular abilities of the 15 individual participants who will receive intensive training on vocal production and interpretation for live stage performance. The participants may choose to focus on songs sung in musicals, operas, and/or art songs. The Workshop will end with a Culminating Program on May 1, 2016.

ELIGIBILITY

The Workshop is open to:

• Advanced intermediate to advanced/professional level singing with experience in musical theater cabaret/standards, opera and/or art song repertoire (no pop songs).
• Theater actors and dancers with similar singing level and experience with a desire to improve on their vocal interpretation and production skills are welcome.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must submit the following requirements via email to [email protected]:

• Fully accomplished Application Form (Download from https://goo.gl/THAufC)
• Video recording of the applicant performing two (2) songs of different moods/ emotions/ character.

Acceptance to the Workshop will be based on the merit of the submitted application.

Deadline for submission of applications is on April 12, 2016. 

OBJECTIVES

• Acquire alternative that address issues in vocal production during live stage performances
• To go beyond the constraints of vocal technique through supplementary and alternative exercises in breathing, physical movement, vocal stretching, mental and vocal creativity, improvisation, character, experimentation, etc.
• Access additional methods of musical and character expression.

MODULE 

• Vocal exercises and vocal warm-ups
• Interactive exercises, depending on the selected repertoire by the participants
• Singing at performance/audition level (melody and lyrics memorized; no unlearned songs)
• Physical exercises and warm ups
• Analysis of performance followed by targeted vocal and repertoire work
• Other exercises to be determined at time of session

SONG REQUIREMENTS

1. Prepare at least five songs for the workshop (at least one different song for each day).  Selecting songs of different moods, emotions, tempi, characters, etc. will be to the individual’s advantage as it will allow being able to address different issues on different days.
2. Prepare to sing at performance level (something that has been worked on and memorized) as though at a show or at an audition.  PreferablE songs are those that have been performed in public before but in which the participant found vocal or interpretational issues he or she would like to work on.
3. Supply printed sheet music for the pianist accompanying the participants and the instructor.  Preferably sheet music also known as the piano/vocal score (has the piano part and the vocal part with lyrics printed).  Having sheet music for the pianist will help optimize each participant’s work during the workshop.
4. Provide a list of their selected songs stating the song title, the name of the show or opera (or song cycle if applicable to the artsong) they are from and the composer and lyricist/librettist’s names at least three days in advance of workshop Day 1.

GUIDELINES 

1. All sessions will start on time. Punctuality is a must.
2. Cell phones should be turned off or put to mute mode during all sessions.
3. Certificates will be issued only to those with perfect attendance.
4. Comfortable clothes and shoes is required during the sessions.
5. Bring enough water to drink during the sessions.
6. For energy, eat before the session begins.

Ms. Sinco has a Master of Arts in Music Theory and Composition (New York University), a Bachelor of Arts in Piano Performance (University of Hawaii) and years of private studies with composers and pianists (solo and collaborative) in New York City, Hawaii and Europe. Ms. Sinco has worked in various musical theater and operatic productions, cabaret and vocal concerts in Europe, Asia and in the USA. As a composer, her credits include having composed and produced the music for documentary film and television series aired on PBS, CUNY TV, various local stations and film festivals in the USA and abroad. She has also composed works on commission by musicians of the Tucson Symphony Orchestra and the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. Her one-act opera, Raya and Sag-In, with music, story and libretto by Ms. Sinco, had its world premiere production in NYC in 2009. As an educator, Ms. Sinco has worked with students of all levels and ages privately, semi-privately and in classes throughout the tri-state area, addressing her students’ goals and aspirations be they professional or simply for enjoyment and fun.

As a pianist, her performances have taken her around the US and across borders into Europe, Asia and Africa playing in music festivals and other concerts and events. As a music director, band leader, orchestrator, music arranger and keyboardist, she has worked with modern music production companies and off-Broadway productions in New York City. Experiencing New York City and all its music activity, she has also been keyboardist and vocalist for various independent original rock and funk bands performing in the New York City and New Jersey club scenes.

She has run her vocal workshop for live stage performance twice in Manila, first during the New York-Manila Musical Theater Workshop organized by the Cultural Center of the Philippines in 2014 and again for Tanghalang Pilipino in 2015, targeting advanced and professional level performers. Most recently she ran a version of the same workshop for vocalists in Kampala, Uganda in December 2015 where she has also been developing music educational systems addressing different levels and cultural influences for the last two years. Recently she has also served as a consultant for a NYC education company, helping them develop a music academy curriculum in Vietnam.

Ms. Sinco is composing the music for her second opera on commission, with a world premiere performance scheduled for February 2017 in Manila, Philippines.