KAREN PORKKA

V. I. N. E. 

The Vocal Improvisation Network of Edmonton or sometimes called Vocal Improvisation Nourishing Everyone gathers together singers to create spontaneous musical play and composition that will open hearts and make souls sing! 


Based on improvised Circlesinging in the lineage of my teachers Bobby McFerrin, Rhiannon, David Worm, Joey Blake and Judi Vinar and more, we will evolve into leaderless forms of improvisation learning and reinforcing the building blocks of musical concepts (Rhythm, melody, harmony, etc) then applying this knowledge to improvised structures spontaneously creating music together with deep, compassionate and generous listening. We occasionally bring this form of music making into the community with performances or collaborations with other artists.

Performing is always optional and not a pre-requisite for singing with us.  


 V.I.N.E.  is thriving and growing and accepts all voices and abilities by offering different classes. We are returning in the new year with our weekly classes on Wednesday Evenings for all levels of experience that continue throughout the year as well as a weekend workshop on Saturday, May 23, 2020 for those interested in participating in a community sharing on Sunday May 24, with special guest, location and details TBA.   On Wednesdays we sing at Westwood Unitarian 11135 65 Ave. The descriptions and details for each class are as follows:

 

MAKING ROOTS

Open for all voices and levels of experience but definitely for those who may be shy with their voice or want a little more time for developing skills like singing patterns, harmonies, rhythms and understanding the “roots” of Vocal Improvisation allowing you to spontaneously create music with others.

Drop-in Dates  -   April 1, 2020 and the 1st class of each session will be drop-in

7- 8:15pm

Westwood Unitarian 11135 65 Avenue

Cost by Donation 

 

Session 1 (5 weeks)  -  Wednesdays  -  7-8:15pm

February 5, 12, 19 (no class Feb 26 and March 4 and 11) March 18, 25

Cost $75 per 5 week session

 

Session 2 (6 weeks)  -  Wednesdays  -  7-8:15pm

April 8, (no class on 15), 22, 29

May 6, 13, 20

Cost $90 per 6 week session

 

Sign-up for both sessions (11 weeks) for $150

 

 

V.I.N.E. – Integrated Class 

This class is open to all voices. There will be some skill building and exercises but the main focus will be finding ways to sing together within different improvisation structures. If you are new to singing and improv it may be be better to start with Making Roots but that is not always the case with everyone so please speak with me if you have any questions whether this class if for you.

Drop-in Dates  - April 1, 2020 and the 1st class of each session will be drop-in

8:30- 10:00 pm

Westwood Unitarian 11135 65 Avenue

Cost by Donation

 

Session 1 (5 weeks)  -  Wednesdays  - 8:30- 10:00 pm

February 5, 12, 19  (no class Feb 26, March 4, 11) March 18, 25

Cost $100 per 5 week session

 

Session 2 (6 weeks)  -  Wednesdays  -  8:30- 10:00 pm

April 8, (no class on 15), 22, 29, May 6, 13, 20

Cost $120 per 6 week session

 

Sign-up for both sessions (11 weeks) for $200

 

V.I.N.E. - Digging Deep 

This is for people who want to learn or refresh the fundamentals of Making Roots and are able to flow into the range of abilities of the Integrated Classes, creating a class from 7-10pm on Wednesdays 

 

Drop-in Dates  - April 1, 2020 and the 1st class of each session will be drop-in

7 - 10:00 pm

Westwood Unitarian 11135 65 Avenue

Cost by Donation

 

Session 1 (5 weeks)  -  Wednesdays  - 7 - 10:00 pm

February 5, 12, 19  (no class Feb 26, March 4, 11) March 18, 25

Cost $125 per 5 week session

 

Session 2 (6 weeks)  -  Wednesdays  -  7 - 10:00 pm

April 8, (no class on 15), 22, 29, May 6, 13, 20

Cost $150 per 6 week session

 

Sign-up for both sessions  (11 weeks) for $260

 

 

V.I.N.E. Branching Out

For more experienced voices who have solid foundations in vocal technique, singing harmonies, rhythms and singing parts independently. We will “branch out” into other areas, like complex harmony, odd time signatures, soloing, chord changes and performance structures while deepening the roots of generous and compassionate singing in community.

 Details to come soon!

 



Payment can be done by cash, cheque or email transfer (porkkakaren@gmail.com)

  As always, please do speak to me if finances are an issue. Scholarships are available. We sincerely would rather have you singing than not singing!

Thank you for your voices!
A heartfelt thanks for all who support V.I.N.E. with attendance, love and enthusiasm for all that
Vocal Improv has to offer!  


Please contact Karen with any questions you may have.


SING ON!

Sound bites