The Arts Institute of Western Maine will present Improvox, Maine’s premier vocal improvisation ensemble, on Sunday, April 11 at 5 pm. The performance will be held at Nordica Auditorium at UMF.
While a concert by Improvox has been referred to as “vocal skinny dipping” it’s still fine family fare!
Delighting adults and children alike (especially older children) with uniquely freeing music-making, an Improvox performance may be wild or reverent, quirky or soulful, but never the same twice.
Spinning music on the spot, singers, Kathy Slack, Martin Swinger, Matt Loosigian and Fred White and Deb Hensley will offer up a musical cure for the spectator blues.
PHOTO: Martin Swinger
Throughout the evening, folks in the audience may be invited (never required) to offer melodic ideas, word prompts, and even their own voices to help create music onstage or off. By the end of the evening, expect to be more of a tribe than an audience.
Those present can expect the unexpected for sure, but they will also be treated to a wide range of prepared a cappella music –from Bobby McFerrin’s soulful version of The 23rd Psalm, to a spunky presentation of Old Blue, to the more traditional Bring Me Little Water Sylvie, complete with body percussion. And a saucy new arrangement of a Quebecois “deedle” tune, The Cajun Stripper, is sure to cause a lot of toes to tap.
Improvox explores vocal sound and harmony like a dancer explores space and rhythm, like a painter explores color and form, like songbird explores the sunrise – the joyful anticipation of something wonderful on the horizon.
Improvox musicians come from around the state and various walks of life: Dr. Fred white is a clinical psychologist who advocates singing as a healing activity. Deb Hensely is the Assistant Director for the center for Ecological Living and Learning and a consultant on the value of music and art in early education. Kathy Slack is a vocalist, humorist, and teacher of communication, public speaking, and voice. Martin Swinger is a music educator teaching songwriting to elementary and middle school students. Matt Loosigian is a children’s music teacher, choir director and songwriter.
Concertgoers can expect to be surprised and delighted with the vocal creativity of this group “You guys totally rock. Anyone interested in vocal music, improvisation or otherwise, MUST hear this group.” “The two times I have heard your group, I leave energized and full of song. Thank you for the inspiration you are.”
Nordica Auditorium is in Merrill Hall, Main and Academy Streets in Farmington advance Admission is Adults $6/Seniors $5, Free for children under 16, and UMF students. No advance tickets. The Arts Institute of western Maine is affiliated with the University of Maine at Farmington. For further information, call 778-3722.
www.martinswinger.com
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