Outreach Event with VOCES8 at Diane Bennack Concert Hall, UIW, on October 14, 2024

Monday morning, October 14, the members of VOCES8 directed a memorable masterclass for three local school choirs.  The participating choirs were from Warren High School, Brennan High School, and University of the Incarnate Word.  Each group sang a choral work and was then coached by VOCES8 Co-founder and Artistic Director, Barnaby Smith.  Barnaby also sings countertenor in the group.  All the other members of VOCES8 were standing by, and they sight-read portions of each chorus’s piece to demonstrate various techniques of vocal ensemble singing for the benefit of the students.  Towards the end of each choir’s time with Barnaby, the members of VOCES8 stood side by side with the students and sang their piece with them once more. It was amazing to hear the difference in the “before and after” performances.

Warren HS Choir singing “Good Night, Dear Heart” by Dan Forrest (Colin Varville, director)

UIW Cardinal Singers singing “Duo Seraphim” by Andrew Steffen (Bill Gokelman, director)

UIW Cardinal Singers singing “Duo Seraphim” by Andrew Steffen (Bill Gokelman, director)

Voces8 working with Warren HS Choir

Throughout the 2-hour masterclass, Barnaby discussed various concepts of choral singing for the benefit of both the students and the audience members.  After the coaching sessions, Barnaby led an in-depth Q and A from the students to the members of VOCES8. Questions ranged from expert advice on vocal technique to insights on how to audition successfully to join a chamber vocal ensemble. The outcome of the masterclass was profound and life-changing for both the students, their directors and the audience, everyone clearly relishing the time with the infectiously spirited members of VOCES8.

A final group photo before saying goodbye

Submitted by Emily McChesney