Class Descriptions: SongWest 2019

Jennifer Scott

Class One:

Intro to Jazz, Blues, Swing...
As stated in the title this will be an introductory level class.

There are songs and techniques that are so much fun to learn and savour! Enjoy sweet and sultry swing tunes, Bossa novas, and cool blues while we learn what makes them ‘work’.

(Limit 15 Singers)

 

Class Two:

Top of the Pops!
Some pop tunes are so satisfyingly singable, they have become classics!
Burt Bacharach, James Taylor, Stevie & more – let’s delve into these beauties, learning melodies, harmonies and grooves.
Just show up & sing!
(No size limit)

 

“Extra: Bonus class”

Singers’ Master Class – Saturday night only

A safe and fun space to take a risk, connect with your audience, build confidence, and bring honesty and emotional depth to the songs you sing, and to your ongoing process as a singer. Come prepared with a song of your choice memorized. Please bring sheet music or a chord chart.

(Limit 8 singers)

 

 

Karla Mundy

Class One:

Appalachian Singing

This class will be an introductory exploration of the sound, style and harmonies of the rich singing tradition of the Appalchia. In this class we will explore the high lonesome sound, tight stacked harmonies, slides, scoops and even a yodel!

(No size limit)

 

Class Two:

Eastern European Sampler

In this class we will sample some of the beautiful and unique styles of harmony singing from Croatia, Georgia, Bulgaria and Estonia. We will stretch our harmonic ears and delight in the magic of a good drone!

(No size limit)

 

 

Brian Tate:

It just wouldn’t be a singing camp without Brian’s masterclass!

Class One:

Singer’s Masterclass

A safe and fun space to take a risk, connect with your audience, build confidence, and bring honesty and emotional depth to the songs you sing, and to your ongoing process as a singer. Come prepared with a song of your choice memorized. Please bring sheet music or a chord chart.

(Limit 8 singers)

 

Class Two:

Have Mercy! Soloing in the Gospel Style

Singing a solo with a gospel choir behind you is an experience like no other! In this class, we will learn and practice call and response, how to sing over a choir, using the blues scale in gospel music, improvisation and phasing, and other elements. Everyone gets to take turns being the soloist and part of the choir. No previous experience required - just a willingness to get soulful and funky! Guaranteed to be a good time for all.

(Limit 10 singers)

 

 

SongWest Bamfield 2018 - Schedule

Friday

Nanaimo Bus Pick-up: location(s) TBA

8:00 am Registration check-in prior to boarding the bus, collect your SongWest packages, and then board the bus.

9:00 am Bus leaves Nanaimo (Participants please pack your own bagged lunch for the trip).

12:30 pm Arrive outskirts of Bamfield – Pachena Beach, Huu-ay-aht (HFN) Territory

12:30-1:30 pm Walk Pachena beach, see the trail head of the West Coast Trail, Pachena campground; eat lunch (weather and time permitting)

2:00-3:00 pm East Dock; boat across the inlet to McKay Bay Lodge, find assigned rooms then convene in the main lodge.

4:00-4:30 pm Welcome from co-ordinator

4:30-5:00 pm Mass Choir

5:00-6:00pm Meet and greet, wine and cheese

· sign up for events on Saturday afternoon (see list below)

1800-1900 Dinner

1930-2100 Class #1 TBA (Brian, Jennifer, Karla)

Classes will be assigned in: 1. Main lodge 2. Forest view Cabin 3. Creekside Cabin

2100-Bedtime, chill, hot tub

Saturday

8:00-9:00 am Breakfast in Main Lodge

9:00 – 9:30 am Physical and vocal technique/warm-up with Jennifer – Main Lodge

9:30-10:15 am Mass choir – Main Lodge with Karla, and Brian

10:30 am -12:00 pm Class #1 TBA (Brian, Jennifer, Karla) continuation from Friday

12:00- 1:00 pm Lunch

1:00pm – 4:00pm free time to enjoy Bamfield:

Free Activities:

· hang out at the lodge or on the docks, enjoy the view, read, have a hot tub

· walk the back trail from the lodge to the famous boardwalk to see the houses of Bamfield; general store; Canadian Coast Guard Base

· walk to Brady’s Beach (please let coordinator know if you require a ride to the beach and we may be able to provide a ride) – self-directed and/or an interpretive walk with a local marine biologist

· kayaks at McKay Bay Lodge: explore Bamfield Inlet, Grappler Inlet and Port Desire, Trevor Channel (for experienced kayakers only)

· If there is interest we might arrange for a tour of the Bamfield Marine Science Centre and/or the Nova Aquaculture Business

· Centennial Park, Info booth/museum, Memorial Tree Pavilion

· Walk the path from Bamfield to the Village of Anacla or to the House of Huu-ay-aht

Extras (private pay, not included in weekend package. Please contact coordinator to assist with organizing prior to the weekend to ensure availability)

· Boat tours: whale-watching

· Kiixin Tour – guided interpretive tour

4:30pm – 6:00pm Class #2 TBA (Brian, Jennifer, Karla)

6:00pm – 7:00pm Dinner

7:30pm – 9:30pm Jennifer’s Master Class (open to participants to watch if they are not in the master class or they can have a free evening)

Sunday

8:00-9:00 am Breakfast Main Lodge

9:00-9:30 am Physical and vocal technique/warm-up with Jennifer – Main Lodge

9:30-10:15 am Mass choir with Brian and Karla – Main Lodge

10:30 am-12:00 pm Class #1 TBA (Brian, Jennifer, Karla)

12:00 – 1:00 pm Lunch

1:30-3:00 pm Class #2 TBA (Brian, Jennifer, Karla)

3:00-5:00 pm TBA- Rehearsals

5:00-6:00 pm Dinner

5:30-6:30pm Boat over to the Bamfield Marine Science Centre (BMSC)

7:00-10:00pm Student (and Faculty) performance, including Mass Choir

Monday

800-0900 Breakfast

0900-1000 Pack and leave rooms, take luggage to the dock

1030-1200 Class #2

1200-1300 Lunch

1300-1400 Class presentations (a taste of what everyone did in their selected classes)

1400-1430 Boat across from McKay Bay Lodge

SongWest Bamfield - Frequently Asked Questions

If your questions are not answered by the information on the website, or in this list of FAQs, please submit your questions directly to Nancy Hendry email: SongWestBamfield@gmail.com

Karla Mundy is not an organizer for this event, and as she is fielding questions for her own events we would ask that you please not overload her inbox with SongWest questions. Thank you on her behalf ~ Nancy

What do the fees cover?

· Bus transportation to/from Nanaimo with pick-ups at Departure Bay ferry terminal. Alternate pick up/drop off may be arranged.

· Stop at Pachena Bay with time to walk the beach, see the West Coast Trail head, view the Pachena Bay Campground and/or…

· (Time permitting) Visit the House of Huu-ay-aht Longhouse, see the Welcoming Figures, and the HFN Government Building

· Ferry service across the inlet to McKay Bay Lodge, and the Rix Centre

· Wine and cheese reception for Friday evening Meet and Greet Happy Hour

· Accommodations for 3 nights at McKay Bay Lodge

· Meals: Full breakfast, bagged and/or buffet lunches, full served dinners

· Tuition for a weekend full of singing! Mass choir, 2 classes X 3, optional evening masterclass, student/faculty concert at the Rix Centre at Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre

· An afternoon free to explore Bamfield

How many people are going to SongWest?

There will be 30 spots for non-Bamfield residents, and 15 spots reserved for Bamfield residents.

What if I don’t get registered in the first 30 people?

· You may choose to be on a wait list in the event there are cancellations

I have trouble paying the total fee now, for an event in September

· We want you to be able to come. If you require financial assistance, please contact SongWest and we will work on a payment plan – probably 3 post-dated cheques

· To be fair to others, SongWest cannot reserve a place for you in the classes that are limited to 8 participants until full payment is received

What is the Cancellation Policy?

· All cancellation communication must be in written form. Cancellations received by Aug 25th will receive a full refund minus $35 admin fee; those received after Aug 25th but by Sept 8th will receive a 50% refund minus $35 admin fee; and cancellations after Sept 15th will receive no refund.

What is the road like to Bamfield?

The road from Port Alberni to Bamfield is ~ 76km gravel logging road with public access. Average driving time is ~1.5-2 hours depending on road conditions. The condition of the road depends upon the time of year, the weather, and how often it has been graded. 90% of the time it is very driveable in a car. In the worst conditions, it is muddy and full of pot holes. In the “dry” season, it can be very dusty. This road is “usually” well maintained.

Can I drive my own vehicle and save money by not taking the bus?

Yes, you may drive your own vehicle, but there will not be a discounted price for the weekend. The cost for the bus, which is a 47 passenger coach, is expensive for SongWest to hire. However, SongWest is providing this service to you at half price. On an individual basis, this is cheaper than it costs in gas to make the trip. It also provides you with the peace of mind of not navigating the road on your own.

Can I take the Francis Barkley to Bamfield instead of coming by road?

The Francis Barkley sails to Bamfield on Tues, Thurs, and Sat. Should you wish to extend your stay in Bamfield you could arrive Thursday and leave Tuesday but that would be something individuals would need to arrange on their own. Rates for McKay Bay Lodge would also not be guaranteed at the SongWest weekend special event rate.

Would SongWest consider hiring the Francis Barkley?

It is something that has been considered but is not being offered at this time. Going by ship to Bamfield would add costs to those participants who would need to

overnight in Port Alberni to make a morning sailing. Hiring the ship would also negate the inclusion of the bus, so everyone would be required to make their own travel arrangements to Port Alberni.

What are the accommodations? McKay Bay Lodge www.mckaybaylodge.com

Please access the website for information and photos

· Rooms are based upon double (or triple) occupancy – indicate by name the person(s) you wish to room with

· Rooms have twin, bunk beds, double, or queen size beds. Most rooms have a double or queen + a twin bed.

· Sorry, no I cannot give you all a queen size bed in a room with a view, please don’t ask me – not even for a bottle of single malt scotch

· All linens are provided. Rooms do have 3 piece ensuites.

· There are 3 rooms that have a small kitchenette on the ground floor of the main lodge. These rooms sleep 3 people and we will need to use these for SongWest

· At this time, we will not be able to offer any single accommodation options due to the popularity of this event

Can I choose to stay at a campground in Bamfield and save money on accommodation? Can I stay at an alternate lodge in Bamfield?

· Unfortunately not when SongWest is hosted at McKay Bay Lodge

· The event is being hosted at McKay Bay Lodge on the west side of Bamfield Inlet. The logistics for getting to and from the campgrounds given our schedule is too problematic.

· In order to book the entire lodge, which is the only lodge with separate buildings for our classes, we are obliged to book with them. They have provided accommodation with meals at an event cost which is far below market value and you would not be able to find anything cheaper on your own

· We are keeping all options in mind if SongWest becomes an annual event – especially if we can host SongWest at the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre

· There are two campgrounds: Pachena Beach Campground 6km from Bamfield, and Centennial Park Campground which is in Bamfield – you might still choose to extend your visit and camp before or after the SongWest weekend

I want to bring my significant other, (child, dog) who does not want to participate in SongWest

· This is an adult only event. No pets please.

· At this time, we anticipate needing the space for SongWest participants.

· IF we sell out all available space at the lodge, and IF there are unfilled local participant spots still available, we might be able to find alternate accommodation at another lodge on the west side in which case you might be able to bring your partner. Please contact Nancy directly so that we can determine on a case by case basis if this is possible

· McKay Bay Lodge can offer meals to people staying at another location only IF they have space

Do my fees cover water taxi to/from McKay Bay Lodge?

· Yes, McKay Bay Lodge have their own boats to ferry guests across Bamfield Inlet

· We will also be having our student/faculty concert at the Rix Centre, Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre (BMSC) and your fees will also cover getting you to and from BMSC

I have some mobility issues and/or medical condition(s). Should I come?

· Feel free to contact SongWest admin (Nancy Hendry) if you want to discuss your specific needs; you may know best what you are capable of

· Bamfield is a remote coastal village with limited emergency medical services. Please let us know about any pre-existing conditions that may require special attention during your stay. Feel free to contact us with any specific questions. Please include any mobility issues: McKay Bay Lodge is located on the west side of Bamfield Inlet - boat access only.

· There is no wheelchair access for this event, at least not this year

· It is necessary to climb in and out of boats to cross the inlet.

· McKay Bay Lodge does entail climbing some stairs to get from the dock to the lodge

· There are no paved roads on the west side. Expect some uneven terrain and some hills

· If you cannot make the walk to visit Brady’s Beach, the SongWest administrator will do what we can to accommodate, in finding a ride to the beach

· If you cannot walk the hill from the dock to the Rix Centre, the SongWest administrator will do what we can to accommodate, in finding a ride on the east side to take you to the concert venue

Bus Pick-up and Parking

· If there are people coming from the mainland, the bus will do a pick-up at Departure Bay ferry terminal

· Duncan or Victoria: There will not be a bus pick up south of Nanaimo. Departure Bay ferry terminal parking is $12/24 hours; bus will pick up and deliver to the ferry terminal.

· Robbins Parking at SeaLand Market 1820 Stewart Avenue, Nanaimo, V9S 4E6; telephone 250-753-6789 is only $9/24 hours and only a few minutes’ walk to ferry

I am a Bamfield resident, can I just drop in for one class?

· No individual classes are offered for drop in.

· Like SongRoots, we anticipate that SongWest will create its own community of singers. The fun of sharing – from vocal warm-ups and mass choir in the morning to evening Masterclasses and whatever spontaneous fun happens later

Will Bamfield residents be able to get a meal plan at McKay Bay?

· Nancy is working with McKay Bay Lodge on this question. Stay tuned.