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Vocal traditions of Eastern Europe and the Caucasus with Corinne Sykes
Six week series - Sunday Evenings
March 11 - April 15, 7-9 PM

OAKLAND, CA (North Oakland location disclosed upon registration)

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This series will serve as an exploration of the diverse singing traditions of Eastern Europe and the Caucasus. Over the course of the series, participants will learn repertoire from various regions, as a means to explore the differences and similarities in vocal technique, rhythm, language, ornamentation, and arrangement in these musical cultures. Emphasis will be placed on healthy vocal production, as well as individual musical expression and accurate representation of the style. Repertoire will be drawn primarily from polyphonic traditions, and may include folk songs from: Bulgaria/Macedonia, Georgia, Ukraine, Russia, and Serbia. Participants of all levels are welcome.

Corinne Sykes has been a member of Kitka since 2010. She has studied the music of Eastern Europe and the Caucasus with folk song masters both domestically and abroad, touring to countries including Bulgaria, Croatia, Georgia, and Armenia. Corinne also studied music and voice at Yale University, during which time she performed with the Yale Women's Slavic Chorus (director 2008-2009). Corinne has been leading vocal workshops in schools and communities since 2006.

Kitka and St. Vartan Cultural Committee present:

Armenian Traditional Dances and Songs
Workshop with Hasmik Harutyunyan
Saturday, March 17, 3-6 PM

St. Vartan Armenian Apostolic Church
650 Spruce Street
Oakland, CA 94610

Hasmik draws inspiration from her ancestors in the province of Moush in Historic Armenia -- especially her Grandmother, Mafo, who sang to her when she was a child. Another great influence was her mentor, Hayrik Mouradian, the late folk singer and historian from Shatakh, near Lake Van. In Hayrik's honor, and to carry on his important work, Hasmik established the Hayrik Mouradian Children's Folk Song and Dance Ensemble.
In Armenia, Hasmik is well-known for her work with the Shoghaken Folk Ensemble and for her deeply touching renditions of Armenian lullabies. Her performances are often broadcast on Armenian National Radio and presented at traditional music festivals around the world. Her CD, "Armenian Lullabies" (released by Traditional Crossroads) was praised in a 2004 New York Times review as "The best Armenian recording worldwide."

Hasmik's workshop offers a full-body and voice immersion into traditional Armenian culture. Come prepared to dance your socks off and sing your heart out.

This workshop is open to all, no previous experience is necessary.

Kitka's Community Chorus with Janet Kutulas
Tuesday nights, beginning February 21 - May 29, 7:30-9:30 PM

Musically Minded Academy
5776 Broadway, Oakland
Oakland, CA 94610

This session is full.
For information on future sessions,
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THE MUSIC

Traditional vocal music from Eastern Europe and the Caucasus: exciting choral arrangements from Bulgaria; powerful Croatian harmonies; earthy Russian women's songs; haunting Ukrainian melodies; incredible Georgian lullabies; teeth-gnashing dissonances; asymmetric rhythms; intricate ornamentation; and all the rest!

REQUIREMENTS TO JOIN

For this third season there are no auditions to become a member. However, we'd like to insure that the level of musicianship is such to make it fun and challenging for all of you who have good ensemble singing skills and experience. So we're asking that the following basic criteria are met in order to become a member:
(if you have questions about whether you'd be a good match for the group, please contact Janet Kutulas at janet@kitka.org)

• good intonation is essential! Basic pitch-matching skills, the ability to hold a drone note in tune under a melody part, and the ability to sing inner harmony parts in tune are all requirements.
• an ability to produce a forward-sounding Balkan-style vocal quality. No previous Balkan singing experience is necessary but would be helpful (Kitka regularly holds Beginning Balkan Singing workshops and Kitka singers teach privately. Call the Kitka office at 510-444-0323 for more info)
• the ability to read music is not a requirement but is certainly encouraged as a skill to learn. If not a music reader, the ability to learn quickly by ear is essential to level the pace between readers and non-readers!
• we ask that you make a commitment to the 15 week session you join, and that you are willing to learn the music and sing with an open heart.
• a desire to sing some of the most beautiful music in the world!

REHEARSALS

PERFORMANCES

MEMBERSHIP DUES

This 15-week season will cost $225, or what amounts to $15/rehearsal. Membership dues help to defray the cost of rehearsal space rental, music and rehearsal prep time and administrative costs. Please call the Kitka office at 510-444-0323 if special payment arrangements are required.

Dates for next session to be announced
Directed by Juliana Graffagna and Janet Kutulas, former Music Directors of Kitka Women's Vocal Ensemble

• Vocal and musical training
  
• Musical leadership and personal growth
  
• A place for new friendships
  
• Performance opportunities
  
• Cross-cultural exchange and understanding
  
• The most beautiful songs on the planet
  
  Middle & High School age singers

In cooperation with Kitka Women's Vocal Ensemble

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