The classroom experience at SoJam is perhaps the most influential portion of the festival. We go to great lengths to bring in talented and dedicated members of the a cappella community from around the country and the world so that YOU can grow and learn -- both as an individual musician and as a group. This year's workshops will focus primarily on four areas: Presentation and Live Performance, Group Dynamics and Logistics, A Cappella History, and Prodution. We are excited to offer some of our most successful seminars from past years, as well as some refreshing new additions!
For a downloadable PDF of the schedule for SoJam 2008, click HERE.
Warm-ups will begin at 8:30 AM on Saturday morning, and workshops and master classes will take place from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Sunday workshops and master classes will begin at 10:00 AM (warm-ups at 9:30 AM) and end at 2:00 PM.
Some of our primary goals include addressing the specific roadblocks that groups encounter (getting started, re-energizing, fundraising, recording woes, live performance improvements), providing specific syllabi and seasoned veterans to teach each class, and increasing dynamic, classroom-based interaction between professional, collegiate, and high school groups.
The classes for SoJam are designed to teach and challenge attendees and address common concerns and problem spots using innovative methods. Listed below are the workshops that will be offered this year:
Me, Bass. You, Mortal
Essential bass/contralto skills, making bass-y noises, using your equipment, bass cheats, and more. Altos welcome!
Write Me A Song
Tim (moosebutter), Dylan (formerly of Cadence), and Miuzu (Fork) share their unique perspectives on the creative heart of music.
Identity Crisis
The Finns are here to help you shape your group's musical content, stage presence, performance themes, and artistic brand.
We're Going Live... (Part 1)
Fork's fifth man demonstrates, using a basic live system, how the notorious four-person vocal rock band creates their signature sound.
Essential Listening
Ben teaches critical music listening skills that will help you improve your group's musicianship, from arranging to vocal execution to performance style.
Extreme Makeover: A Cappella Edition
Dave (CASA) explains how to use effective leadership to light a fire under your group, transforming them from awkward to amazing almost overnight!
Loop De Loop
Don’t play well with others? Looking to fill out that 12-part opus? Then you need the awe-inspiring musical superpower of live-looping, taught by Tim Jones.
I Like The Way You Move
Mia (Fork) teaches you the sweet moves and stunning presentation techniques you need to bring your visual performance to toe with the musical.
New Order Divae
It lurks inside you - a show-stealing, jaw-dropping, heart-melting alter ego, ready to pounce on unsuspecting fans. Don't believe us? Come on out... we dare you.
We're Going Live... (Part 2)
Practical steps to take your shows to the next level: what gear to use, how to use it, and how to talk to your sound guy to get the best possible sound for your group.
Wheelin' & Dealin'
How to advertise, how to negotiate, where to get gigs. All you need to know to successfully market your product.
Adaptive Arranging
Forget that painful formative arranging phase. Mikey and Diaz will help you dive right into stylish, captivating, and group-minded arrangements of the future!
Drop That Beat (Beginning VP)
Ben Stevens (RARB) illustrates the fundamentals of good vocal percussion. Prepare to get your feet wet... literally.
Protip: Arrange Like Us
Nate (Firedrill!) and Dylan (formerly of Cadence) share professional arranging strategies and give instruction on how to reach the next level of creativity and effectiveness.
Spittin' Fire (Advanced VP)
World-renowned mouthdrummer Wes Carroll will teach you to spit fire like you never imagined.
The Evolution of A Cappella
Don is organizing "contemporary" vocal music's 100th birthday bash next spring. Learn about our community's history... and help him plan the party!
Say What?!
Ditch your "um"s and "er"s. Learn from Dave (CASA) how a little thing called "language" can massage the audience and set the tone for your next song.
