HCW 2012 Classes

Regular Classes

Track Session Class Description Instructor
Arranging Arranging I/II

8 hours

This course provides a more intense workshop situation than Barbershop Theory/Arranging. Learn chord progressions, correct voicings, and more. Learn certain arranging tricks of the trade while working on your own arrangements as well. Individual keyboards are provided.
Arranging Barbershop Theory/Arranging Concepts

4 hours

Fundamentals of music notation, notating barbershop arrangements, chords used in barbershop, root movement in barbershop songs, harmonization of melodies. There will be hands-on exercises with your own keyboard and earphones.
Directing Directing I

8 hours

Section Leaders, Tag-Leaders, Assistant Directors, and even Front Line Directors can use this class to learn (or re-learn) the art of communication with your hands instead of your mouth. Learn directing patterns, tips and be coached on your directing style, taking note of how you can maximize every move you make to get the results you desire.
Directing Directing II

8 hours

This class is for those who have learned the basic techniques and concepts of directing, but are either not quite ready for the next level, or are not Front Line Directors
Directing Making It Happen (front-line directors ONLY!)

8 hours

COMMUNICATION FOR DIRECTORS. “Making It Happen” is a class for Chapter Directors and Assistant Directors (or anyone else who is in front of your chorus for a significant amount of time). It is not a class for beginning chorus directors. The objective of the class is to teach directors how to listen, assess and communicate efficiently while still making the rehearsal exciting and fun. The class will cover, but will not be limited to, what the director must listen for in the sound (tone, musicality, synchronization, etc.), how to communicate with their hands (conducting gestures), how to communicate with their mouths (if they have to say anything at all: what to say, how to say it, and say it with a condensed, yet focused delivery), and how to make the rehearsal portion of the chapter meeting purposeful, exciting, fun and show a sense of accomplishment. Dare I say it, make the rehearsal portion COMPELLING. Dr. Greg Lyne
Directing So You Want To Be A Director?

4 hours

THE FIRST STEP TO BECOMING A FRONT-LINE DIRECTOR. Section Leaders, Tag-Leaders, Assistant Directors, and even Front Line Directors can use this class to learn (or re-learn) the art of communication with your hands instead of your mouth. Learn directing tips and be coached on your directing style, taking note of how you can maximize every move you make to get the results you desire.
Leadership Backstage Magic

4 hours

CURRENT TECHNOLOGY FOR BARBERSHOP SHOWS AND CONTESTS This class covers all of the points from the proscenium to the back wall. Topics include new technological developments, designing, building, lighting, staging, sound, scripting, pacing, and more.

Prerequisites: Leadership Skills Class

Leadership Care and Feeding of Your Small Chorus

4 hours

TAKE CARE OF YOUR SMALL CHORUS. Learn how to keep everyone happy, have fun, make great music and recruit new members. JOHN MINSKER, director of the PASADENA Chapter can show you the techniques

Prerequisites: Leadership Skills Class

Leadership Leadership Skills Class (pre-requisite for all other leadership classes)

4 hours

This class is required of all students who enroll in any of the Chapter Leadership classes. Whether you are a chapter officer, director, chapter officer, section leader, or any other officer who is “in front of” your chapter, this class is a must for you! Learn the techniques of Leadership that will help you get what you want out of your chapter.
Leadership YMIH Chairmen

4 hours

This chapter office has become one of the most important members of your chapter’s leadership team. Here is a course that will guide you through the job. Discussions and direct teaching will help you form a YMIH design for your chapter.

Prerequisites: Leadership Skills Class

Leadership Membership/Retention

hours

This Membership, Marketing and Public Relations track explores all aspects of promoting the chapter. You will discover and share with your peers how to examine the needs of each targeted audience, and be provided with tools for tailoring specific activities and programs. AND more importantly, discuss how your chapter can retain your members. The class includes descriptions on district and society programs.

Prerequisites: Leadership Skills Class

Potpourri Barbershop A,B,Cs

4 hours

This course is designed for new members who may not know how our Society works and functions. Many new members only know that they only belong to their particular chapter. They do not realize that there is an entire society with many members just like them. Learn the differences between Divisional, District and International Conventions/Contests. Students will also learn basic barbershop vocabulary.
Potpourri Becoming an MC for Quartet, Chorus or Contest

4 hours

PUT THE AUDIENCE AT EASE AS YOU SEAMLESSLY TRANSITION TO THE NEXT SONG. Learn how to infuse your performance with entertaining and interesting segues that can, and will, enhance your musical product. Also learn how to be an emcee for district and division contests. You will discuss the new techniques that will reap rewards and have the audience enjoying those long contest sessions.
Potpourri Sight Reading

4 hours

Confused about reading music notation? Feel lost when you pick up a new song for your chorus or quartet? Sight singing is as simple as knowing which direction you are moving from note to note and then making an educated guess as to how far. Well, it may not be quite that easy, but this class will introduce you to educated guessing. You'll RE-learn how to find notes on a staff, what to name them, how to find out the pitch pipe note for a song, how to find your starting note, and practice using a number system with real barbershop music. Learn music faster!
Potpourri Simple/Professional Web Design for Your Chorus or Quartet

4 hours

AN ESSENTIAL WAY TO MARKET YOUR CHAPTER OR QUARTET. Does your chapter or quartet need a website? This is the class that will show you that creating a professional website for your Chapter or Quartet can be simple and fun. Learn how to build and maintain a website that delivers exciting and up-to date content to your audience.
Potpourri So You Want To Be (or at least understand) A Judge?

4 hours

HERE IS THE SCOOP. Learn how scores are derived. Be a “judge for the day” using official scoring forms. You should download the Contest and Judging manual at www.barbershop.org.
Potpourri Society/District Videos

4 hours

Watch Society and District video recordings.
Potpourri The Comedic Approach

4 hours

Study comedy at the feet of a master quartet comedian. Learn how to identify your own approach to comedy and then apply it to your quartet and chorus. In performances or competition, comedy is a very effective tool for any well-rounded performer and it is important to determine how it works best for each member of a quartet. You'll study the nature and different aspects of comedy and humor and in class will begin to develop your own routines. Members of the class will participate in an impromptu comedic performance. Whether improving your ability to tell a story, or learning how to develop an idea and how to incorporate it into an actual performance, this class will help you achieve your goals.
Potpourri Woodshedding/Tag Singing

4 hours

SING, SING, SING! Have a great time creating your own harmonies other singers. Learn the ins and outs of how to harmonize with a melody. Make sure you bring some melodies with you to class that the other guys may not know! Spend a couple of hours learning new tags or enjoying many of the oldies.
Vocal How To Be A Great Bass/Bari

8 hours

PROVIDE A FOUNDATION FOR YOUR QUARTET. Learn the principles of correct singing technique, which apply for all types of musical styles. Unravel the mystery of the singing voice when presented to you in an understandable way. Find out how to avoid vocal problems. Brett Littlefield, bass of the International Champions “Nightlife,” will provide you skills to make you the envy of other bass clef singers. You will experience an enhanced understanding of the style, function, smooth delivery, and role of the bass singer, as well as the baritone singer, and how they function together. Tape recorders are welcome.
Vocal Ring Chords Like Never Before

8 hours

What is tuning and why is it important? How you can implement this hallmark skill into your every day practice. Also learn the vocal techniques that make the ringing sound happen in your own voice.
Vocal Vocal Techniques (Becoming A Great Lead/Tenor)

8 hours

SOAR LIKE A CHAMPIONSHIP LEAD OR TENOR. Learn the principles of correct singing technique, which apply for all types of musical styles. Unravel the mystery of the singing voice when presented to you in an understandable way. Find out how to avoid vocal problems. Jason Remley, Lead of our 2009 FWD Champions “The Edge,” will provide you skills to make you the envy of other treble clef singers. You will experience an enhanced understanding of the style, function, smooth delivery, and role of the bass singer, as well as the baritone singer, and how they function together. Tape recorders are welcome.
Vocal Vocal Techniques 101

4 hours

Learn the basic mechanics of vocal pedagogy and how they relate to your voice. Vocal vocabulary will be analyzed and related to your instrument. This course will allow you to go back to your chapter and understand what everyone else is talking about!