WWW.VOCALPERC.COM

A Cappella Worship at the Oregon Christian Convention

2012-01-14T10:20:00.001-08:00

The Oregon Christian Convention meets every year in Turner, Oregon. With a heritage set within the Christian Church, the Convention Center building is well over a hundred years old (built in 1891) and the meetings have been going on for even longer than that across the state. In fact, this will the the 160th Oregon Christian Convention. They have a history doing mission work, reconnecting with past divisions within the Restoration Movement, and in connecting with people throughout the Northwest, which is where I come in.

I grew up in the Church of Christ, which has very similar theology to the Christian Church thanks to their Restoration Movement roots. One of the main differences between the two is that the Christan Church generally uses instruments in their worship music. The Church of Christ generally does not. You see, I was born into a cappella music at church.

This year, the Oregon Christian Convention is June 26th to July 1st. I have thrown my hat into the ring to lead a cappella worship the evening of June 27th to a group mostly made of people who are used to instrumental worship. Barring his work schedule, my brother may also be joining me in showing some non-acas how a cappella worship is done.

AcaPolitics: A Novel About College A Cappella by Stephen Harrison

2011-12-29T22:05:00.000-08:00

Premise: Ben Jensen is a freshman at Brighton University who wants to branch out into some new experiences in college. Why not try out for a college a cappella group? In the dorms he meets Caroline Cooper through an impromptu guitar jam session. When he finds out she can sing and that she is trying out for an a cappella group, his mind is made up: he simply must try out. However, Dani Behlman is the fiercely competitive president of the co-ed Harmoniums who might already have plans for both of them. Taylor Stuart is the TA from International Studies class who also happens to be the neurotic president of the Chorderoys, the other co-ed group on campus.

Not only are there these singing groups pitted against each other, but these a cappella people also encounter betrayal, find love, and discover who they really are. Caroline is the girl of Ben's dreams, but she is still dating her hipster boyfriend from high school. Dani has plans to recruit Ben for her rise to stardom and is willing to do anything to get it, but ends up finding more in the process. Taylor discovers his true self, along with Nicole, Renee, Akash, and the rest of the college gang.

When it is learned that Student Government is going to have to cut singing groups due to budget cuts, the presidents go into overdrive to recruit the best singers, pick the best songs, and perform to their fullest. Dani pulls out no stops to make the Harmoniums safe from cuts, while pushing the Chorderoys closer to the chopping block. Of the six groups on campus who will come out on top, and will it matter after a year of forming friendships through music?

Themes: As said in my description of the book's premise, this is a book about discovery. College is definitely a place of finding your true self, and these characters are no different. Especially with the freshmen like Ben, Akash, Nicole, Renee, and even Ben's non-aca roommate Wilson, each character has to overcome their parents' expectations to discover who they are and who they want to be while having new experiences, finding love, and shedding their past disappointments.

Forming strong bonds and finding your people in something like an a cappella group may seem silly, but I can attest that it is possible. When you come across something special you know it, and Ben spots it from the moment those first groups perform at the recruitment concert. Something may be geeky, but if it speaks to you it might just grab you by the heart and have you for life.

Dani gives us an example of the throes of ambition and the lengths someone is willing to go in order to achieve their goals. But when she encounters something better does that change her goals or does it give her perspective on the people around her that she might be hurting?

Pros: The main characters are interesting and their interactions were fun to read. I really started to hate Dani and her scheming until she became a real person with flaws and feelings. By the end of AcaPolitics I wanted to know more about her and Ben and Caroline and the possible love triangle there. The camaraderie between all the singers and their groups is palpable and, as I can attest to it, realistic.

Cons: Describing characters by their voice parts and their defining quality, such as "the petite soprano" and "the theatrical alto", were sustained through the story and these character trope descriptions bordered on annoying. Many of the characters were defined well enough that these became unnecessary later in the story. Also, adding "aca" to anything does not necessarily make them special to the a cappella community. I still have no idea what "acaflirting" is.

Recommendations: As an avid a cappella junkie and reader I thought AcaPolitics was a fun and fresh novel, and the only story I can think of set in the college a cappella realm. While the book has its flaws, it is fun and flirty (but not acaflirty), and full of relational conflicts. A cappella fans will love AcaPolitics as they reminisce about their glory days, while this novel will make high school grads give a second thought about dismissing a cappella group auditions in college. Non-acas may not connect with the subject matter, but the characters make the story work. If the rumors I hear about a sequel are true, I am looking forward to knowing what will happen next on the Brighton University a cappella scene. But that's easy for me to say because I am an acanerd.

Stephen Harrison's AcaPolitics website
AcaPolitics on Goodreads

As posted on Tim's Book Reviews

New Album From Cadence: Cool Yule

2011-11-29T19:25:00.000-08:00

Last year Cadence gave us Speak Easy and this year they grace us with their first Christmas album: Cool Yule. My opinion is that a Christmas album should feel like a Christmas album, and Cadence doesn't disappoint. I am thankful that the quality is in line with their usual music, but it still has the forethought of staying simple with some of the arrangements and keeping that Christmas feel, such as on Silent Night, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, and Christmas Song. With that said, there are some songs that I haven't heard before, such as the title track, River, The Carpenter's Carol, and the French song Petit Papa Noel, which makes this album stand out, along with Cadence's innovative arranging even on familiar songs and their distinct jazz sound.

The track list on this album is almost perfect. The album has bookends of Silent Night, with a prelude at the beginning and the full song at the end. We then get an upbeat playful Sleigh Ride that then leads us into the very jazzy and very Cadence Cool Yule. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas is warm and cozy, which then leads us into Baby, It's Cold Outside with a lovely duet (Who is the woman singing? She's great!) We then move into a rock feel with the lead on River sounding like a rock ballad, then I Saw Three Ships as a rock anthem. The moving Carpenter's Carol is worth the album price alone. When we hit Carol of the Bells we get back into the jazzy Cadence sound. Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree sounded out of place on a Cadence album until it hit the bridge and the guys go into a signature old timey breakdown that brought it back around for me. Petit Papa Noel made me break out my French, but it is quite lovely, especially leading into the Christmas Song. Finishing with Silent Night is a good touch, wrapping things with a traditional song with Cadence's amazing a cappella instruments.

Thank you, Cadence, for making a Christmas album. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

The Sing-Off Season 3 Premieres Sept. 19

2011-08-16T09:53:00.000-07:00

Groups for the third season of The Sing-Off have been announced! The show premieres September 19th on NBC. Sara Bareilles will join returning judges Ben Folds and Shawn Stockman and the show has been extended to a full season and has increased from ten groups to sixteen

I was a little annoyed to see returning acts, especially since it sounds like at least one of the groups will have people from both season one and two combined in one group. Let's have new groups, please! Some of the groups are familiar to me, while most I have never heard of, which isn't necessarily a bad thing.

The sixteen groups are:
► Afro-Blue: A nine-man ensemble from Howard University
► The Cat’s Pajamas: An energetic all-male group based in Branson, Mo.
► The Collective Nashville: troupe formed by season-two contestant Jeremy Lister (Street Corner Symphony)
► Dartmouth Aires: 14 quirky guys from the New Hampshire Ivy League school
► Delilah: An L.A.-based all-female group including members from the first 2 Sing-Off seasons
► The Deltones: Longstanding ensemble from The University of Delaware
► Fannin Family: An octet of relatives from the Midwest
► Kinfolk 9: A professional group out of L.A. with members who all share lead vocals
► Messiah’s Men: Liberian refugees on a mission to serve God through music
► North Shore: A Boston-based streetcorner ensemble tackling music from the '40s to today
► Pentatonix: Five-member group from Arlington, TX with eclectic musical tastes
► Sonos: Well-known professional a cappella group who have collaborated in the past with Bareilles
► Soul'd Out: Co-ed high school club from Wilsonville, OR
► Urban Method: Newly-formed act from Denver including a rapper
► Vocal Point All-male ensemble from Brigham Young University
► The YellowJackets: Contemporary crew from the University of Rochester known for wearing yellow blazers

More information can be found on the announcement website.

Video Tutorial #5: Microphones

2011-06-25T13:44:00.000-07:00

In this video I talk about choosing microphones by showing off some of my own.

Mary's Song by Ike Graul

2011-05-29T09:22:00.000-07:00

What happens when 16 talented a cappella people get together? This happens. A friend of mine, Ike Graul, gathered 15 of his music-loving friends and recorded this beautiful adaptation from Bible scripture. Enjoy it, and then buy it to support starving musicians. I know there's no vocal percussion in it, but it's a cappella and it's good.

Video Tutorial #4: Learn New Sounds

2011-04-16T15:02:00.000-07:00

Elaborating on a recent post, here I talk more about learning new sounds and adapting to changes. Notice the shiny smile.

The Sing-Off Season 3 Auditions

2011-03-31T21:48:00.000-07:00

NBC and Sony Pictures Television and Tenth Planet and Outlaw Films announced that it will be holding auditions beginning May 5 for Season 3 of The Sing-Off.

The audition cities are:

Boston, MA • May 5, 2011

New York, NY • May 7, 2011

Nashville, TN • May 14, 2011

Chicago, IL • May 21, 2011

Los Angeles, CA • June 4, 2011

The prize for the winning a cappella group is $100,000 and a Sony recording contract. Visit the casting website for details on registration.

Donations to World Vision

2011-03-18T18:36:00.000-07:00

Events such as the disasters in Japan should be an eye-opening experience for everyone that none of us are safe from suffering on this earth, but also giving us hope in that we have opportunities to help others during those times. In the wake of a disaster, World Vision is often one of the first organizations to begin relief work by distributing pre-positioned emergency supplies and sending highly-trained staff to assess and respond to the most urgent needs. They remain on the ground for the long haul, rebuilding communities and restoring hope.

In addition, they continually strive to keep their overhead rate low. In 2010, 85 percent of their total operating expenses were used for programs that benefit children, families, and communities in need. No matter how little we have, we have opportunities like this to help with what we do have.

In trying to find a way I can help with the disaster relief in Japan and to help fight poverty worldwide I have decided to donate $5 of every t-shirt sold here to World Vision. It's not much, but every little bit helps. Tell your a cappella loving friends to get what I think are cool T-shirts, and in the process give money to a wonderful organization helping people around the world.

Do Something New

2011-01-31T19:51:00.000-08:00

So far, my video tutorials have been about making sounds that sound like the drums in a drum kit. The temptation for vocal percussionists may be to mimic the sounds of percussion we find in popular music, which means that when we translate instrumental songs into a cappella we may tend to limit ourselves to a smaller range of sounds. As with any creative endeavor, when we are making music we should push the boundaries, make new sounds, and be willing to try to do something that no one else has done before.

In a time where there is so much pre-packaged, repetitive stuff coming from the entertainment industries, don't be afraid to stand out. Be willing to put yourself out there to stand out from the rest of the crowd. That is what will endure and be remembered as something unique on its own. Several years ago, when attempting to replicate a sound that I heard someone else making, I actually ended up creating a new sound that I had not heard anyone do before, and eventually practiced it enough to make it consistently, adding it into my own collection of sounds.

There is nothing wrong with taking a great song, sound, or rhythm and recreating it. It can a tribute to the original artist, and putting a new spin on a great song can be refreshing. Making something new, however, can be even more refreshing, and doing so can put you ahead of the rest. Be bold! Do something new.

New Album From Take 6: The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

2010-12-18T09:34:00.001-08:00

Take 6, one of the premiere a cappella groups in the world, released their third Christmas album in October, entitled The Most Wonderful Time of the Year. Not all of their albums over the years have been a cappella, but this one sounds more like their first Christmas album, He Is Christmas, in that the arrangements play more to their a cappella jazz strengths, while being fun at times such as with You're A Mean One Mr. Grinch from the classic Dr. Seuss and reverent when necessary as with It Came Upon A Midnight Clear. They even put a jazzy spin on a classical tune with Tchaikovsky's Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy from The Nutcracker.

You won't find as many religious Christmas songs on this album I think simply because they have covered many of those on their previous two Christmas albums, both of which are outstanding. If I had to have a beef with this album this might be the only one, however it's hard to hold a grudge against such amazing arranging and singing.

If you love jazz, a cappella, Christmas, or all of the above, do yourself a favor and pick up this album. Or you can always get it as a Christmas present for someone you know who might like Take 6. I'll just hint that I don't have it yet and I love Take 6.

The Sing-Off Season 2 Is Here

2010-12-07T20:30:00.000-08:00

In case you missed it, The Sing-Off began last night. You can find clips and episodes on the Sing-Off website with reviews and comments from Ben Folds. There is some great talent this season, so look forward to some great performances.

On the show is a group from my home state, a group with a couple people that I know, one with an a cappella legend, and others I have never heard before that are a pleasant surprise. I only wish the show was on longer than three weeks and had more groups!

This show proving that a cappella is cool and takes some real talent. American Idol eat your heart out.

The Sing-Off Season 2 Premieres Dec. 6

2010-10-21T17:59:00.000-07:00

The second season of The Sing-Off premieres December 6th on NBC. The announcement was made today along with a list of the groups competing. All three judges from last season will be returning, along with Nick Lachey returning as host.

I expect great a cappella performances from high school groups all the way up to groups already at the professional level, including performances from last year's winners Nota. If this season is anything like last year, we should probably even expect to see guest appearances from other celebrity vocalists.

The ten groups are:
► Committed - Huntsville, Alabama
► Eleventh Hour - Kettering, Ohio
► Pitch Slapped - Boston, Massachusetts
► Groove For Thought - Seattle, Washington
► Jerry Lawson & Talk Of The Town - Oakland, California
► Men Of Note - Cherry Hill, New Jersey
► The Backbeats - Los Angeles, California
► On The Rocks - Eugene, Oregon
► Street Corner Symphony - Nashville, Tennessee
► The Whiffenpoofs - New Haven, Connecticut

Detailed notes about the show schedule and the ten groups can be found at the NBC Universal Media Center.

Video Tutorial #3 Crash Cymbal

2010-10-15T20:52:00.000-07:00

I have had several people ask me how I do my crash cymbal. Here is a quick tip on how to imitate a crash cymbal. I hope it is helpful!

New Album from Rockapella: Bang

2010-09-21T18:32:00.000-07:00

Apparently this is the time to release new albums, but this is something that a cappella fans have been waiting for for quite some time. Rockapella is a pioneer in a cappella music, and their new album, Bang, is available for download now and the physical CD will be available October 12th.

A couple of their members have changed since their last album, but they have the same classic Rockapella sound with Scott Leonard on soaring tenors and Jeff Thacher on his solid and unique vocal percussion style.

For the real a cappella aficianados, they are selling the album in a deluxe package which includes the physical CD along with digital downloads and two live bonus tracks on a microphone shaped 2GB USB drive. If you really need more incentive to get the album, they are offering a free download of one of the tracks: A-Punk, with previews of all the other tracks.

New Album from Cadence: Speak Easy

2010-09-17T20:15:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite a cappella groups is Cadence, so much so that we used one of their songs (Sunshine) in our wedding. Needless to say, I was a little excited to learn that they are releasing Speak Easy, their third studio album on October 4, 2010.

Cadence is one of those groups that is as good live as they are on a CD, producing albums that reflect their musical talent accurately. There is something so natural sounding about their recordings that at times sounds like four guys using no effects standing on a street corner, but other times their use of effects and layered voices make you forget that you are listening to a cappella music.

If you live near Torono, you must get tickets to their release party on October 4th. If not, then you are like me and must get the CD with the hope they come within driving distance sometime soon.

New EP from Rescue: InDependence

2010-09-07T19:50:00.001-07:00

Rescue is an a cappella group that I used to work with as a sound engineer several years ago. They are releasing their new patriotic EP titled InDependence on September 11. A date with such meaning should not be taken for granted, but with such interesting arrangements and talented vocalists, this album will not disappoint.

You can visit their website for more information about the group and you can become their fan on Facebook and hear a few clips of the new album.

Video Tutorial #2 Bass Kick Drum

2010-08-01T16:21:00.000-07:00

This is a quick tutorial on how to make a bass kick drum sound, including a quick tip on how to increase your speed with this sound. Feel free to add comments if you find this tutorial helpful or if you have something else to add to help others with this sound.

Watch the Lamb

2010-07-20T19:13:00.000-07:00

This is a recording I did for Easter several years ago of Ray Boltz's Watch the Lamb with Steve Maxwell (formerly of Acappella), myself singing bass and baritone, and Kirk Hendricks on everything else. There is no vocal percussion in the song but it is a cappella.

Video Tutorial #1: Pf Snare

2010-06-13T15:02:00.000-07:00

This is my first video tutorial, so bear with me as I figure out how to do this better. Here, I am teaching the basics of the Pf Snare as I know how to do it. Please leave comments if you find this helpful or if you have some thoughts to add.

The Sing-Off Season 2

2010-05-22T10:24:00.000-07:00

NBC's The Sing-Off is doing casting starting today in New York and going through the next couple of weeks in other cities. If you missed the first season, this is a competition for a cappella groups that could land a group a recording contract and publicity. In fact, it is good publicity for any participants, and a cappella in general. It was the hottest new reality TV show last year. A must watch for a cappella fans.

Last year, special guests included Smokey Robinson, Boyz II Men, and the one and only Bobby McFerrin.

Here are the casting call dates:

NEW YORK: Saturday, May 22nd (Callbacks May 23rd)
NASHVILLE: Saturday, May 29th
CHICAGO: Monday, May 31st
LOS ANGELES: Saturday, June 5th (Callbacks June 6th)

UPDATE: Season 2 casting has been extended to July 1st! They are accepting video auditions. More details on the casting website: www.singoffcasting.com

Josh Wheeler of Legacy on Pitch Pipecast

2010-03-19T10:28:00.000-07:00

Recently a buddy of mine, Josh Wheeler of the group Legacy, was on the Pitch Pipecast, a podcast dedicated to Christian a cappella music. You can hear him talk about Legacy's new album and how they are now a full-time a cappella group. (it can be done!)

Catch a sneak preview on the Pitch Pipecast! This will be Legacy's third album, and preorders are now available on their website.

Let's Do This

2010-01-23T09:47:00.000-08:00

This is something I recorded on a whim. I hope you enjoy. All sounds are made by my mouth.

Practice

2009-11-24T18:37:00.000-08:00

Of all the tips that I could give as the first, this should be the most important. As in anything that requires any amount of skill, whether that is music, sports, writing, or fill in the blank: ______, the one piece of advice I will share is this: practice. When you are starting off, you will not be good to begin with.

When you are beginning to learn vocal percussion, you will need to start by learning two or three sounds. You will need to practice making those sounds, even if you are not making them in a rhythmic pattern. Once you are able to make those sounds consistently, then you will need to learn to put them into a rhythmic pattern. This, again, is something that you will need to practice. Over time this pattern, along with others that you practice, will become easier to do. It will require less thought and be more instinctual. You will learn exactly where to take breaths, where to insert new sounds and fills, and be able to keep constant tempos and be able to speed them up and slow them down at will.

Vocal percussion, beatboxing, whatever you want to call it takes practice. Don't let this discourage you. You have to start somewhere, but as you go you will get better. Keep practicing!