Deke Sharon, “The Father Of Contemporary A Cappella”, brings over 30 years’ arranging, coaching, producing & experience from San Francisco to Suffolk for a fun and informative weekend. Deke pioneered the dense vocal-instrument sound of contemporary a cappella while at college, and created many seminal programmes, societies and ensembles. He’s written 6 books and arranged over 2,000 songs – including, famously, for Universal’s Pitch Perfect film franchise – and has popularised a cappella around the world, including with Gareth Malone and Kelis on the BBC’s Pitch Battle series.
SATURDAY at ST JOSEPH’S COLLEGE, IPSWICH IP2 9DR
(free parking)
11:00am-12:30pm Workshop 1: HISTORY OF A CAPPELLA
A fascinating and informative seminar taking a look at (and listen to) a cappella from the earliest 1900s recordings of vocal harmony, to Pentatonix and the global styles and traditions that have shaped the contemporary scene. Tracing its roots from chant and madrigals through a dizzying array of traditions including barbershop, doo wop, gospel, South African mbube, vocal jazz and more. And diving into the sound and style of what makes jazz and pop choirs different from small ensemble, with examples from groups around the world.
12:30-1:30pm LUNCH BREAK
1:30-3:30pm (latest) Workshop 2: PRACTICAL A CAPPELLA
Harness traditions of global a cappella that rely on nothing but your ear and voice. Learn the fundamentals of improvising pop songs, how to sing a “circle song,” and use singing games to build confidence in how to improvise vocal music without any rules or boundaries. We’ll create ‘VoiceScapes’: periodic, finite improvisations taking on visual themes; use the diatonic “do-re-mi” scale to create background parts to popular songs without sheet music; and even weave in some vocal percussion and other techniques to enable you to use your voice as an instrument.
SUNDAY at WOODBRIDGE COMMUNITY HALL AND RIVERSIDE CINEMA
(paid parking at Station car park, IP12 4AU)
2:30-4:50pm ‘PITCH PERFECT – Bellas’ Finale’ SINGALONG followed by drinks (AT WOODBRIDGE COMMUNITY HALL IP12 4AU)
The a cappella scenes in the Pitch Perfect movies are even more fun when you’re inside the harmonies. With Deke’s guidance, we’ll tackle one of his epic arrangements from the movie, The Bellas’ Finale (Price Tag, Don’t You Forget About Me, Tonight), while hearing hilarious stories from behind the scenes, and (if you’d like) singing one of the solos. No pressure, no stress, all levels welcome. Join us for this 90-minute singalong, followed by a chance to mingle and socialise with Deke and your fellow singers while we’re running a small, licensed bar inside the Community Hall until 4:50pm.
5:05-7:30pm (approx) ‘PITCH PERFECT’ Q&A + FILM (AT WOODBRIDGE RIVERSIDE CINEMA IP12 1BH)
Yula Andrews will conduct a short interview with Deke before a private screening (so we can sing along!) of the original, seminal Pitch Perfect film (2012, certificate 12A, 1h53m duration). Follow college student Beca as she navigates the challenges of a new school and discovers the power of finding her voice – both on and off the stage. Alongside her a cappella group The Barden Bellas, she learns that harmony isn’t just about singing; it’s about supporting one another, taking risks, and embracing the unique spark each person brings to the group. Starring Anna Camp, Anna Kendrick, Brittany Snow, Ester Dean & Rebel Wilson.
TICKETS – Come to a session, stay all day, or immerse yourself in the world of a cappella for the whole weekend! Buy any combination of sessions, including a full weekend pass. Under 16s half price. All tickets incur a £1.50 non-refundable booking fee – this is per ticket, not per session.
1 session – £20 +£1.50 booking fee
Any 2 sessions – £37 +£1.50 booking fee
Any 3 sessions – £52 +£1.50 booking fee
FULL WEEKEND (all 4 sessions) – £65 +£1.50 booking fee
EARLY BIRD TICKETS – A limited number of Early Bird Adult – FULL WEEKEND tickets are available at just £60 (£58.50 +£1.50 booking fee). Once they’re gone, they’re gone!
SEATING & ACCESSIBILITY – Unreserved seating throughout, but please let us know of any special requirements, particularly with regard to mobility and wheelchair access. All venues are wheelchair accessible.
Bring your own water (plus lunch on Saturday, if you’re attending both sessions).
Also check out other Entertainment events in Ipswich, Music events in Ipswich, Workshops in Ipswich.
