Individual class registration is not required. Pick which classes you wish to attend, and show up. Workshop registration is encouraged as it helps us to appropriately plan for the numbers of people and the range of interests.
The classes listed are a work in progress. Information will be added here as it becomes available.
General Interest
Hymn Sing
Come join us for a special musical treat to start your Workshop experience! We will be singing along with the organ, as usual BUT – we will be adding something to each hymn. See what fun we can have with hymn harmonizations, interludes and original compositions to make Sacrament Meeting feel like your own little Tabernacle!
Exploring the Musical Brain (Nancy Bair)
Ever wonder what your brain is doing while you are listening to music or playing an instrument? How does music activate the brain? How can it affect behavior and provide healing to so many walks of life? Come find out as we have fun exploring the musical brain through the eyes of a music therapist.
Music and the Restoration (Anni Scott)
Does God speak to his children through music? This class explores the lives of some of the classical composers, and the contributions they gave to the world. Presented in a timeline format, we see the correlation and connect the dots of music preparing hearts to receive the gospel message, then and now.
Music and Stories from Our Pioneer Heritage (Jeanine Orme)
This class will present music and stories that would be appropriate for a Youth Pioneer Trek, Pioneer Devotional, Fireside or just for fun. Class members will be invited to sing along and participate.
Choral
Choral Reading (Kay Card)
Read through a selection of choral music appropriate for ward choirs. The pieces vary in difficulty and price, as well as come from a variety of resources to provide a wide exposure for choir directors.
The Reluctant Chorister: How to Avoid Embarrassing Yourself (Tom Pixton)
Join us for fun, hands-on training for hymn conducting technique. Excellent for all levels, from beginners to advanced. Brush up your basic beat patterns, set appropriate tempos; learn how to team up with your accompanist and inspire your ward to sing with you.
Survival Guide for Your First Choir Rehearsal (Tom Pixton)
Just got called to direct the ward choir? Here’s a survival guide to help you get more bang for your choir hour. Come to a sample “choir rehearsal” to experience effective and efficient use of time. Learn how to keep people motivated and engaged. Your choir will thank you for taking this class.
Conducting Master Class (Learning by Doing!) (Dr. David Thomas)
Observe 3 workshop attendees as they work on polishing hymns in choir performance, using the Portland Ensign Choir for demonstration. Dr. David Thomas will coach participants on important concepts of phrasing, color, dynamics, balance, blend, conducting technique, and more. Nearly titled “Show What You Mean and Mean What You Show”, this class will offer specific guidance on refining the conductor’s physical gestures to more effectively encourage the desired singing from the choir.
Primary/Nursery
I am a Nursery Child: What is it that I need as you teach me in singing time? (Sharla Dance)
Twelve developmental steps that make nursery different from any other age as you teach music. Demonstrations of nursery presentations that are child-proven to be successful. We will look at some activities that work to teach a child one and a half to three so that even that young a child can feel the Spirit, plus can turn music time into their favorite time of nursery.
Opening the Heart and Mind of a Primary age Child – Part One (Sharla Dance)
This is a 3 part class using the songs for the 2014 Primary year. What age child are you teaching? This first session has demonstrations of active, dynamic music presentations for Older children ages 8 to 11, then immediately examining what five developmental changes need to be made for Younger children ages 3 to 7 and how those changes can make or break your Primary music time. We will follow by a contrasting demonstration of an active, hands-on music presentation for the Younger child.
Opening the Heart and Mind of a Primary age Child – Part Two (Sharla Dance)
The 2nd of 3 sessions using the songs for the 2014 Primary year. Using hands-on demonstrations with time-proven and child-proven activities (have you ever seen a paper rhythm band?), we will discover how to reach every child’s learning style and the miracle of Transitions that can make or break a Primary music time.
Opening the Heart and Mind of a Primary age Child – Part Three (Sharla Dance)
The 3rd of 3 sessions using the songs for the 2014 Primary year. We will address real live questions from your area: What are some different activities that teach the 2014 songs in an engaging and fun way (especially I Stand All Amazed)? How do you teach challenging lyrics? What do we do when the older and younger children are combined for music time? How do you get the children moving and involved, yet maintain reverence? How do you testify to the children after they have been up and moving, and have them really listen? How do you get the older boys to be involved and singing? How do you teach the lyrics to the Sunbeam age child? How do you get the children to do the movement activities and sing at the same time? We will present even more ideas for activities as we discuss these questions. Come and join us!
Organ/Accompaniment
Basic Organ 101 (Linda Margetts)
This workshop will cover the basics of organ playing: how to sit on the bench, tips for practicing, basic fingering and pedaling techniques, how to use the console, and why organists are optimistic (great, swell and positive!)
Making Music with your Feet at the Organ (Linda Margetts)
This class will include a discussion on advancing your pedal technique by using the gaps, knees, heels and instep and skating. Participants will receive pedal exercises and tips for practicing making music with your feet. If you are having a hard time pedaling a passage, bring it along for the instructor to comment on.
Colors of Sound at the Organ (Margetts)
Don’t just close the swell pedal for a softer hymn. Learn how to choose stops for hymns (chorus registration) and tips to make your preludes and postludes shine (including solo and accompaniment registration). There will be time for questions, so bring a list of your organ’s stops and the music you want to register and the instructor will suggest possible registrations.
The Art of Accompaniment (Karen Porter)
Join Karen for a fun and informative session about accompanying on the piano for Church services.
Vocal / Singing
Introduction to Singing (Emily Duke Kalteich)
Find the beauty in your own singing voice, even if you have always wanted to sing, but didn’t think you could. Emily will show you some easy ways to bring out the best in your vocal range and style.
Intermediate/Advanced Singing (Emily Duke Kalteich)
If you are wanting to take your voice to the next level, Emily will show you how.