Vocal Improvisation and Harmony Around the World

Vocal Improvisation and Harmony Around the World

Sames-Butler Jazz Vocal Ensemble

This residency program is led by pianist/arranger Barry Sames and vocalist Sherry Wilson Butler, who have worked together for 18 years, presenting interactive workshops and performances for school choirs and vocal students. 

Together Sherry and Barry work with student vocal ensembles, giving them experience singing and playing in jazz, Latin, blues and gospel genres.  Students practice vocal exercises that teach them techniques such as scat singing and vocal improvisation, using ad-libbed words, syllables, or sounds.  Sherry provides a solid performance model for the students in R&B, blues, soul and jazz.  Barry, with his foundation in jazz performance, teaches students to play basic Latin and Brazilian rhythm instruments, such as the Conga, Timbale, Guiro and Bongo.  Vocal Improvisation and Harmony around the World includes an introductory assembly program, a series of workshops, and a closing assembly program.  For the assemblies, the lead artists are joined by Leon Boykins on bass and John Coley on percussions, so that students can experience the vocal repertoire in a full ensemble setting.  In the final assembly, students solo with the full ensemble, as well as singing back-up for each other.  Students emerge with newfound confidence as vocal improvisers.  Sherry and Barry welcome the opportunity to tailor the repertoire to the vocal director’s goals and students’ backgrounds.  For example, they are equally at home working with students who work off of printed music and with students who learn entirely by ear.

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