Vocalpalooza 2026

The CMC Voice Deptartment presents the 3rd annual Vocalpalooza, featuring a day of voice and singing-related activities that bring together all types of CMC vocalists in performance, education, and choral community—students and faculty alike!

CMC vocalists interested in performing in the recital should speak to their CMC voice or choir instructor or contact Voice Dept Chair Ellen Shea before Feb 28.

All are welcome to sign up to participate in the workshops, and join the audience for the recital performances.

Sunday, March 22 from 11am–4:30pm
CMC Mission District Branch
FREE (donations are gratefully accepted)

Explore practical singing and performance with hands-on workshops led by CMC voice faculty. Space in workshops is limited, advanced registration is highly recommended.

11am–12:15pm: Vocal Performance Workshop with & . This interactive workshop is open to singers of all performance levels, from those who want to “give it a try” a low-pressure setting to those ready to deepen their stage skills. Participants will explore core performance fundamentals—stage presence, managing nerves, recovering from mistakes, and audience connection—while refining musical choices, technique, and expression. Each singer will perform either a full song (with limited feedback) or a selected excerpt and receive individualized coaching. An accompanist will be available.

Advance sign-up is required for those that want to participate. Others are welcome to join the audience and listen. Pieces should be no longer than 3–5 minutes in length to allow for all participants meaningful time for feedback. Please reach out to us with any questions. (CMC Concert Hall)

11:30am–12:15pm: Choir Skills 101 with . This workshop is for anyone curious about joining a choir or already singing in one who wants to feel more confident, connected and fully engaged. We will explore the essentials of ensemble singing, from finding and maintaining your vocal line to practicing your part effectively, listening and blending with others, and learning the basic do’s and don'ts of rehearsals and performances. Singers will gain practical tools to sing with clarity and confidence, build camaraderie and a true sense of teamwork, and most importantly, have fun making music together. (CMC Recital Hall)

12:45–1:30pm: Choral Piece from Start to Finish with . This workshop brings singers of all levels together to prepare and perform a choral piece as a guided ensemble experience. Sheet music and rehearsal tracks will be shared in advance (by March 1), and workshop time will focus on rehearsal, musical refinement, and stage presence. The group will present the piece together onstage at the recital (2–4pm), offering singers a supported, collaborative performance experience from beginning to end. (CMC Concert Hall)

2-4pm : It’s Showtime! Celebrating the Joys of Performing. A collaborative concert that spotlights joy, storytelling, and expressive freedom through song. Featuring performances by CMC students of private studios, group classes, choirs, and CMC Voice Faculty in a wide variety of musical styles, from solos to ensembles, and a group choir performance. This will also include a performance of the "Choral Piece from Start to Finish" workshop participants.(CMC Concert Hall)

4:30pm: Reception. Bring a treat or drink to share and connect with your fellow vocal students & faculty after the concert!

We will have a potluck table throughout the day. Please feel free to bring prepacked snacks, sparkling water, individually wrapped foods or fruit to share.

Also check out other Entertainment events in San Francisco, Music events in San Francisco, Workshops in San Francisco.