Workshop: Dr. Norfleet’s workshop is entitled ‘Do-Be’ or Not ‘Do-Bop’: A Vocal Jazz Journey. She takes students on a historical trek through the development of vocal jazz. The workshop starts with the exciting rhythms of New Orleans (noted as the "birthplace" of jazz), then winds through African American folk music such as "work songs" and the blues, and culminates with a kid-friendly "jam session," - a musical meeting of minds where individual creative expression is celebrated. Along the way, students learn about vocal jazz icons, common jazz rhythms, vocal techniques such as "pitch bending" "blue notes" and improvisation. They have the opportunity to write and perform their own original blues song!

Dawn Norfleet’s academic and musical journey began when she was a student in Los Angeles public schools, where her singing, fluteplaying and song-writing talents were nurtured by flourishing arts programs. A Wellesley College grad, "Dr. Dawn" later studied Classical musical composition and earned a Ph.D. in ethnomusicology from Columbia University. She began her professional career as a jazz vocalist, flutist and composer on the excitingly competitive music scene of New York City, where she worked among the top young musicians in the world. As winner of a national competition for new Classical choral works, her composition was performed by a Minnesota-based vocal ensemble. Dawn eventually returned to the West Coast and immersed herself in the Los Angeles music scene.

Price:
$75 per 45-minute workshop, $100 per 60-minute workshop, plus possible planning fee. Minimum four workshops per day must be scheduled.

Age Group: 4-12
Capacity: 1 Classroom (maximum of 35 students, plus regular teacher)
Availability: Year Round

To design an arts education program with this artist, please call (213) 250-ARTS or email education@musiccenter.org.

Prices are for services between July 1, 2008 and June 30, 2009.