Lynne Dickson and the Music Makers adult choir are hosting a second Experience the Journey gospel music workshop and concert with Vancouver choral leaders Marcus Mosely and Gail Suderman Sept. 24 to 25.
"A few of us went over to Richmond to a gospel workshop in 2004 and had such a fabulous experience that we invited Gail and Marcus to come to the Sunshine Coast," said Lynne. "The response at St. John's last May was overwhelmingly positive, and we learned we need a larger venue with more seating and room on stage, so we have arranged to use Chatelech Theatre this time."
During the workshop, participants are immersed in a varied repertoire of gospel music taught in the aural/oral tradition. It is ideal for all levels of musical knowledge and abilities and will appeal to all faiths and beliefs, members of choirs and congregations, amateurs and professionals alike anyone who wants to sing gospel.
"I was amazed I could learn so quickly without the aid of written music. The way Marcus and Gail teach us makes it very easy," said participant Maureen Sawkins.
The gospel singing style originated from the African-American experience of slavery and oppression in the American South during the last three centuries. Throughout the workshop, Mosely draws on his knowledge and experience to explain and illustrate the spiritual or historical meanings of the songs.
On Saturday, participants learn 10 or 11 songs, some of them with harmonies, others by call and response. Suderman provides piano accompaniment and choral instruction. Both leaders encourage everyone to be creative and spontaneous and to sing from the heart and soul. After a final rehearsal on Sunday, the results culminate in the Experience the Journey concert, featuring the superbly rich tones of Mosely and Suderman and the joyous and impassioned voices of the gospel workshop chorus.
The workshop and concert are both at Chatelech Theatre in Chatelech Secondary School. The Sept. 24 workshop is 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. with coffee and snacks provided. The Sept. 25 rehearsal is 1 to 2:30 p.m., with the concert from 3 to 4:30. Workshop registration fees are $75 early bird until Sept. 2 and then $90 until Sept. 16. Concert tickets will be available for $12 at Coast Books and Talewind Books.
For registration see www.music-makers.ca, or call Lynne Dickson at 604-885-3494.
