An exciting opportunity awaits the Pacific Northwest! Sounds of Blackness Seminars are coming to Seattle:
September 21-23, 2007 (Fri-Sun).

Register now to be sure you don't miss out on this tremendous opportunity
space is limited

Sounds of Blackness Seminars offer a unique opportunity for people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds to broaden their musical horizons through the family of African-American music. This unique opportunity will offer direction by the Grammy Award-Winning Musical Director of the Sounds of Blackness: Gary Hines.
Listen to a word from Gary about the upcoming workshop Listen

Each session offers hands on instruction for groups of all sizes and includes the following:

1. Instruction in and analysis of the Family of African- American Music culminating in performance of that music by workshop participants. Gospel, R&B, Jazz, Blues, Spirituals, Rock, Hip-Hop, Soul are explored, compared and contrasted.

2. Explanation of the African-based polyrhythms, syncopation, blue tonality, harmonies, and call and response patterns of African American music.

3. Extensive ear, pitch and retention training which is reinforced by the absence of sheet music.

4. Individual and group vocal technique(s), including proper warm-up, breathing, posture, placement, resonation, projection, phrasing, dynamics, pitch, blend, tone and interpretation. Proper nutrition and exercise are also emphasized for optimal performance.

5. Studying and gaining further insight into the relationship and interaction between vocalists and instrumentalists

6.  Preparation for recording, live performance and theatrical singing and accompaniment.

In addition to being a highly rewarding music experience that improves technical skills and knowledge, Sounds of Blackness seminars build and increase self-esteem and confidence and further serve to build bridges of understanding and appreciation of cultural diversity among all people.

More about Gary Hines

Gary, a native of Yonkers New York, resides in Minneapolis and has been the conductor, producer, keyboardist, arranger and principal songwriter for the The Sounds of Blackness for all of the group's 35 years. He has been a producer and songwriter for Flyte Tyme Productions' Jimmy "Jam" Harris & Terry Lewis (1989 - 1997). Gary has conducted workshops - countless seminars and lecture demonstrations on African- American Music, history and culture at colleges, universities, community centers including the Smithsonian Institute around the world.

He is the VP of the NARAS Board of Governors (Chicago) and is a member of AFTRA, AFM, SAG, ASCAP, SAGMA and the National Black College Choir Workshop. Gary's artistry incorporates a wide range of music - Pop, Rhythm & Blues, Jazz, Latin, Rock & Roll, Blues, Reggae, Ragtime, Symphonic, Gospel & Spirituals. He has recorded, performed, toured, written for and appeared with Quincy Jones, Prince, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Luther Vandross, Aretha Franklin, Elton John, Santana, Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber, Patti Labelle, Sting, Bob Dylan, Usher, Ashanti and The Sounds of Blackness. Gary has performed internationally and in every major city in the U. S. He has written and recorded for film soundtracks including Batman, Demolition Man, The Apostle, and for The NBA, GM, 3M, IBM, Northwest Airlines, Philip Morris and The Walt Disney Company.

Don't miss this opportunity - REGISTER NOW! 

A Three-day seminar: Fri: 6:30-9pm, Sat: 10am-6pm, Sun: 2-5pm + concert 6pm
Advance Registration: $50 ($60 day-of)
Pay via personal check or by major credit/debit card via PayPal see link above
(note that a $1.80 transaction fee will be added for PayPal transactions)
For more information: Phone: 206-328-2704
E-mail: events@madronachurch.org

Bonus content:
View the first video from the Kings and Queens: Message from the Movement CD
She is Love 4min 25sec

View introductory video on the Soul Symphony release (2002)
Soul Symphony 5min 42sec