Summer 2024 Singing Opportunities
Compiled by the BCCO Collaborations Committee
SF Early Music Society Workshops at the Berkeley Festival Exhibition (BFX)
Instrumentalists and singers have a rare opportunity to workshop with the accomplished early musicians who will be here for the Festival held June 9-16! On June 10 at 3 pm, join members of Alkemia for a special Renaissance workshop! Whether you sing or play an instrument, there is something for you. And if you don’t, you can still dance! In this two-and-a-half hour session, you’ll learn some basic Renaissance dance steps, orchestrate an estampie and sing through a motet.
On June 14 at 10 am, join the singers of polyphonic music pros Cappella Pratensis to learn more and sing some Renaissance vocal music! Receive an introduction to the group’s research-based practices, such as singing from historical (mensural) notation, exploring historical solmization and the Guidonian Hand, as well as rediscovering Renaissance traditions of improvised counterpoint. Don’t miss this opportunity to sing alongside members of the group, benefiting directly from their experience and expertise. No preparatory materials needed—just come and sing!
Both events will be held at Loper Chapel, First Church Berkeley (2345 Channing Way, corner of Durant and Dana). Each workshop is suggested price $30 but pay-what-you-can; follow links to register.
Amateur Music Network presents a Juneteenth Choral Celebration
Join AMN and conductor Dr. Candace Y. Johnson for the 4th annual Juneteenth sing, with special guests Hope Briggs & Lamar Green. BCCO singers will remember the dynamic Dr. Johnson from her all-day rehearsal with us for the spirituals in the Tippett – it was great fun to work with her! Saturday June 15 at 2 pm, in person at New Destiny Church (625 8th St, Oakland, CA 94612) or online via Zoom. Tickets are $20 in person, $10 online; more information at https://amateurmusic.org/info/workshop/juneteenth-2024/.
Summer Sing-ins at First Church Berkeley
Keep up your singing chops and explore a choral masterwork with one of the summer “sing-ins” hosted by Resonance at First Church Berkeley UCC. In these low-pressure reading sessions, conductor Derek Tam will guide you through a choral masterwork, supported by collaborative pianist Ty Ding. You’ll sing and learn about each work, as well as gather with fellow singers. Prepare as little or as much as you want! On July 13, we’ll read through Gabriel Fauré’s peaceful Requiem; on August 3, we’ll read through Margaret Bonds’ powerful Credo. Each session will be $25, with printed scores provided. Visit https://www.firstchurchberkeley.org/resonance/ to register.
Summer Sing-ins with the Oakland Symphony Chorus
Each Sing-In focuses on a major work or style of music and is open to anyone in the community. Please note that Sing-Ins are on Wednesday nights from 7-9:30 pm, at First Presbyterian Church of Oakland. Music will be provided at the Sing-In; we welcome those who wish to improve their music-reading skills and advanced sight readers alike, but a basic understanding of reading music is necessary to participate. Cost is $20 per night or $50 for all 3 nights. Individual tickets can be purchased from the links below. Tickets must be purchased in advance.
July 31, 2024 . Ash Walker, Oakland Symphony Chorus Director, Ralph Vaughan Williams – Dona Nobis Pacem, Gabriel Faure – Requiem
August 7, 2024: Dr. Buddy James, Professor of Music at CSU, East Bay, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – Requiem, Morten Lauridsen – Lux Aeterna
August 14, 2024: Kedrick Armstrong, Oakland Symphony Music Director, Carl Orff – Carmina Burana
https://www.oaklandsymphony.org/chorus/summer-sing-ins/
SF Early Music Society Summer Workshops
Each summer SFEMS hosts a series of week-long, early music workshops. This year the two most interesting to singers are a Baroque workshop, June 24-30, and a Medieval/Renaissance workshop, July 14-20. Both will be held this year at First Church Berkeley (First Congregational).
These workshops are quite intensive, with small classes and instruction during the day, and informal performances (to listen to and participate in) in the evenings. The instructors are always first rate. Both choral and solo opportunities. They’re open to singer at all levels who are eager to learn and expand their knowledge of early-music singing.
These are wonderful workshops for those willing to spend the time and the energy to participate! More information:
https://www. sfems.org/classes/
For more information:
Linda Berti (bertica1@comcast.net)
Jerry Freiwirth (jfreiwirth@sbcglobal.net),
Co-chairs, BCCO Collaborations Committee