Is PDX Vox a class or a chorus?
It's a little of both. PDX Vox is intended
to be a learning experience where you can improve your singing in
a group setting. The director teaches brief lessons on vocal technique
and music theory. She also provides background on the songs and
teaches a bit about the history of a cappella music through recordings
and "mini-lectures." However, the bulk of rehearsal time
is spent learning and refining 5-6 songs that will be performed
by the session's last class. Lots of people have been singing in
PDX Vox since it first began, so it has
the continuity and community closeness of a chorus.
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How is PDX Vox different from other
choruses and singing groups?
PDX Vox is unique in a few ways. First,
while we sing a variety of songs, the focus of the group is on recent
music (20th and 21st century pop). A cappella as a vocal
genre is focused on taking recent pop music (jazz, gospel, doo wop,
rock, folk, R & B) and transforming it into an all-voices musical
experience, or a "voice band." The a cappella movement
is gaining ground throughout the country, predominantly on college
campuses, but there are only a few a cappella groups in the
Pacific Northwest. PDX Vox is one of
the few opportunities for adults to participate in the exciting
world of a cappella!
PDX Vox is also unique
in that it provides a warm, personalized learning environment for
singing. With a maximum group size of 20 singers, participants receive
focused teaching that responds to individual needs and input. Participants
are given an opportunity to bond with other singers as part of a
close musical community. Much more affordable than individual voice
lessons, the small group allows you to get specific attention and
to improve within the context of a group.
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How do I sign up for PDX Vox?
Please visit the registration page for information about signing
up for PDX Vox, or contact the director by email
at info@pdxvox.com.
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How old (or young) do I have to be to sing in PDX
Vox?
Singers as young as 10 are welcome to join
PDX Vox, and no one is too old to join!
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Are there auditions for PDX Vox?
No, but it is a good idea that you have some kind of vocal or musical
background to bring to the experience. Some people have sung in
lots of groups but don't read music. Others play an instrument and
read music but want to learn more about using their voice as an
instrument. Still others feel comfortable singing on their own but
want to learn how to hold a part in harmony with others. PDX
Vox works well for a variety of people, and this variety
makes it a rich and fun experience for everyone.
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What if I'm a beginner?
You do need to have some singing or musical experience to participate
in PDX Vox, but that experience does
not need to be extensive. If singing feels like a natural
activity for you, then PDX Vox would
probably suit you just fine. If you are not sure whether PDX
Vox would be right for you, you are always welcome to sit
in on a rehearsal.
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What if I don't read music?
You don't need to be able to read music to participate in
PDX Vox. Many singers learn music by ear, and the director
teaches the group so that "ear-learners" can pick up their
singing parts. Still, the director uses sheet music to lead rehearsals
and encourages singers to follow the charts as best as they can,
offering guidance and pointers whenever necessary.
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I'm not really a "choir person," but I love to sing.
Would PDX Vox work for me?
PDX Vox has worked well for a variety
of singers, not only people with a choral background. The vocal
arrangements often mimic backing vocals that would work well in
a band context, and the multi-part singing trains you to hear more
of what is going on in music, to blend with other voices and musical
parts, and to sing as part of a larger context. Several songs have
lead or solo parts, so singers can work on their solo singing as
well. In terms of performance, participants learn how to introduce
songs, deliver the musical "message" of a song, and engage
with the audience in an entertaining way. In PDX
Vox, students learn skills they can use in other musical
and performance settings.
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How are the songs chosen?
When you register, you are given a list of potential songs for the
group, and you can check off those songs you'd like to sing. You
are also welcome to suggest songs for current and future sessions.
From this information, the director chooses a set of songs to balance
out the musical interests of the participants. View
a list of potential songs for the groups.
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Does the group perform?
The groups have an informal concert for family and friends at the
last class of each session. It includes a sing-along component,
intended to illustrate the elements of contemporary a cappella
music. In addition, the groups also perform an "outreach concert"
near the end of each session, which serves as a dress rehearsal for the end-of-session show. In the past, PDX
Vox has performed at the McAuley Terrace Assisted Living
Residence, Providence House, Rose Schnitzer Manor, and the Courtyard Plaza Residence.
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How much does it cost?
A 15-week session costs $230, which includes all materials.
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What is the refund policy?
If you decide to drop out after the 1st class, you'll receive a
full tuition refund. After this, there are no refunds. Also, there
are no refunds for missed classes.
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Where and when do groups meet?
The evening groups meet at Central Lutheran Church, located at 1820 NE 21st
Ave. in Portland, one block north of Broadway. The earlier group meets 6:30 -8:30, and the later group meets 7:30 - 9:30, with one overlapping hour for both groups to sing together. On Fridays, the group meets 10:00 - 12:00 at Artichoke Community Music, located at 3130 SE Hawthorne Blvd. in Portland.
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