PRINT: 2006 Berklee Summer Gospel Music Workshop

Come to Boston this summer and study gospel styles for voice, piano, keyboard, and organ at the Summer Gospel Workshop. This intensive four-day program will help choir members and instrumentalists develop repertoire, performance, and conducting skills in the genre of gospel. This summer’s workshop will also include contemporary Christian ensembles.

Although the tradition of gospel pedagogy for musicians/choir members dates back about 200 years, it is only recently that advances have been made in the teaching of gospel music. The Summer Gospel Workshop is designed to give all musicians a foundation in gospel music.

This workshop offers you the opportunity to work with some of the finest gospel and contemporary Christian musicians in the world today. The teachers will be committed to helping you develop your own sound through the expansion of harmonic and rhythmic skills.

Who are the instructors?

The workshop will be conducted by Berklee's internationally renowned faculty and industry professionals including:

Dennis Montgomery III : Director of Berklee's award-winning gospel choir and renowned gospel organist who has performed with Shirley Caesar, James Cleveland, Bobby Jones, John P. Kee, and many others. He recorded Come and Have Church with Me, and produced It's Me, Vol. 1, featuring Sheldon Wilson.

Jetro da Silva : Professor in Berklee's Ensemble Department and musical director for Patti LaBelle. He has written for Andrae Crouch and performed with Patti Austin, Karen Clark, Sheila E., Whitney Houston, and others.

Nancy Morris : Alumna, Berklee College of Music, Singer/songwriter/jingle writer and pianist, Performances with Lee Greenwood, Brenda Lee, and Radney Foster, Appearances on TNN (Nashville, TN) Grand Ole Opry, Vocalist for Songwriter demos- Warner/Chappell Publishing, Songs published through Warner/Chappell Publishing

What will I be studying?

· Gospel Piano, Keyboard, Organ, and Vocal Techniques

· Instrumental Gospel Skills

· Repertoire Classes in Contemporary Gospel, Traditional Gospel, and Spirituals

· Traditional and Contemporary Styles for Voice, Piano, Organ, and Keyboard

· Conducting and Accompanying

· Contemporary Christian Ensembles (optional)

On Thursday, July 27, the Gospel Workshop faculty will perform in concert. A prominent gospel musician will perform in concert on Friday, July 28. The last day, Sunday, your family and friends are invited to attend the program finale, during which you will perform in a closing concert.

Will I have access to the college's facilities?

While you are at Berklee College of Music for the Gospel Workshop, your Berklee ID card (issued at registration) will provide you with access to our extensive facilities, including the Stan Getz Media Center and Library, the Learning Center, and practice rooms.

Where will I eat and sleep?

When we have processed your application, you will be sent information and an application for residence hall housing. Most program participants elect to stay in the Berklee residence halls. However, acceptance to the program does not guarantee a residence hall space. Space is limited. To optimize your chances for on-campus housing, you must return the housing application immediately upon receiving it. To be eligible to live in the residence hall, you must be 15 years of age by July 27, 2006. If you are applying to the program after mid-June 2006, call the Housing Office at 617 747-2292 to find out if residence hall space is still available. If you are unable to secure housing in Berklee's residence halls and you are at least 16 years of age, please contact the Office of Special Programs at 617 747-2245 for information on alternative housing.

WEBSITE: http://www.berklee.edu/summer/gospel.html