Personal Development stream syllabus
This stream is classroom based, covering topics from all judging categories: music, performance and singing. Introductory classes on chords and arranging also feature, so there's something for everyone!
This stream is perfect for
- those who want to learn and understand more about Barbershop for their own education
- music leaders in choruses such as section leaders and performance teams
- those who realise that a weekend standing on risers is not for them, but still want to attend Harmony College.
- those who want a full-on crash course in music theory
- those who want to learn skills in arranging barbershop
How it works
If you enrol in this stream and select the Category Classes option, you will choose from of the class options available from the syllabus allotted to each session, to make up your own personal timetable. Your challenge will be to choose just 6 that work with the combinations on offer! (If you can't fit them all in, some may be available as pic-n-mix sessions).
If you select to do either the Music Theory or Barbershop Arranging options, these are full streams that you will stay with for all the stream sessions over the weekend. (Pic-n-mix options will still be available as a palate cleanser!).
All those on the stream will get to spend one session with our Guest Educator, Blair Brown, who will be focusing on The Power of Prosody: Using Word Sounds to tell the Story. How can we use individual words and vocal colour to create emotional impact?
Class choices
A brief description of classes available to choose from are given below, grouped so that you can work out which ONE you want to attend for EACH SESSION. There are three choices per session, one each from the Musicality, Performance and Singing educators on the stream, with some of the topics on offer being more general/holistic. A few days after enrolment closes on 12th March we will contact y ou to fill in a form to let us know which classes you wish to attend.
First session choices
- MUS: Filling the Memory Banks - Using neuroscience to learn music more quickly and more securely so that we're confident in rehearsals and performance. Back by popular demand after LABBS HC 2023, this is a practical look at improving your learning speed and accuracy.
- PER: Believable Communication - The importance of Anticipation and Reflection in Performance. Emoting naturally, why it's important and who does it well?
- SNG: Lyrics, Breath and Phrasing - Using the story of a song to inform your vocal expression, phrasing choices and where to breathe!
Second session choices
- MUS: Score like a MUS judge - An introduction to judging through the MUSicality lens, including an introduction to the Musicality Category score sheet and an opportunity to live-score some video recordings to see how you compare to the experts.
- PER: The Psychology of Authentic Performance - Adding the extra! The importance of singing not just "from the heart" but "to the heart".
- SNG: Page to Performance - How to use and refine vocal expression to create believable emotion in your performance of a song.
Third session choices
- MUS: Swipes, echoes and tags - Embellishments are one of the Big Five on the Musicality scoresheet, but do you know how to identify and make the most of them in your music? We'll look at the different types of embellishments, some examples of them being sung really well, and how to make the most of them.
- PER: Turning the Page - Being an engaging performer, and enriching the entire audience journey throughout the song, between "Once Upon a Time" and the "THE END"
- SNG: Tongues, Tone and Tuning - Exploring vocal production, tone colour and intonation to enhance your performance
Fourth session choices
- MUS: What shall we sing next? This class will cover the different types of arrangement your ensemble might sing, and how to build a balanced program, with the opportunity to also discuss what makes a good choice for contestable barbershop, and what to watch out for when commissioning or choosing arrangements.
- PER: You Be the Judge - The "secrets" of the feedback forms unveiled! Read the "small print" and have a go at scoring some videos in Performance Panels of Three, and discuss.
- SNG: Comments and Coaching - Converting critical comments into caring, constructive coaching!
Fiifth session choices
- MUS: They Sang What?! Controversial barbershop performances of the past - A walk through the archives as we look back on performances that caused a stir in the Musicality Category (or Music Category... or Arrangement Category! Some of these are a bit old.) Why did they cause a stir at the time, and would/could we sing them in contest now?
- PER: Upping Your Performance Game - Keep calm, connected and confident. What gets in the way of giving our best on stage and some practical solutions!
- SNG: Using Your Inner Voice to Arrange - Focusing on using aural skills and vocal improvisation to start arranging songs.
Sixth session choices
- MUS: The Evolution of Song - Thematic Development appears on the Musicality scoresheet, but do you know your Rhythmic from your Melodic and your Harmonic from your Lyrical themes? We identify the most important musical message of a song, and think about how to maximise its impact on the audience.
- PER: The Medium is the Message - Conveying Life without Lyrics. You're a better actor than you think...we all communicate all the time! Have some fun building confidence with safe, simple, small group role plays.
- SNG: What Were the Judges Thinking? - Looking at some past performances and what they scored, analysing and discussing why those scores were given.
Breakout "Pic-n-Mix" sessions
One session per day is planned in as a breather from your selected stream. You will be able to choose to attend a class on a variety of random topics, as offered by the faculty and indeed anyone attending who volunteers to lead one!If you think you may be interested in leading a session and want to talk over your idea before committing to it on the enrolment form (which isn't a set-in-stone commitment anyway), or perhaps you have already enrolled, please email the Harmony College Deans on harmonycollege@labbs.org.uk.
Volunteers and suggested topics are most welcome!
Do you have any questions?
Visit the FAQ page or email the Harmony College Deans on harmonycollege@labbs.org.uk
