PLEASE NOTE: This is the new date for this workshop after it was postponed in January due to a snowstorm.

Carl Recchia and Jody Albright will lead this singing workshop which is open to all levels of experience, free of charge. They will teach some songs ‘by ear’ honoring the oral tradition of African American singing and will also teach some written arrangements. You don’t have to know how to read music; they will help you learn these simple melodies. Jody recently attended a ‘Circlesinging’ workshop led by Bobby McFerrin and has been leading Circlesongs in her community. Our hope is to provide some joyful ways to sing together as a community!  Workshop: Saturday afternoon, February 16th from 3:30-5:00 PM ; then sing with Carl and Jody on Sunday morning February 17th with choir rehearsal at 8:50 AM and worship at 10:00.

A little note from Annemieke: When I ‘came off the boat,’ no green card yet etc. I was however free to seek music! One thing I did not have in my music education in Holland was gospel singing—to me, ‘the’ American thing to know more about. So, meeting at the Flynn in Burlington, these wonderful people, Carl Recchia, a soulful pianist I deeply admire and Jody Albright, a singer with a beautiful voice and warm heart. They took care of my being in a sense. I heard myself sing songs I would never sing overseas.  With their knowledge, care, sensitivity, creativity, love for human beings. Gracefully they accepted the invitation to come to Strafford and share their AMAZING talents and passion with us. Please, come and be part of an unforgettable experience. It is free!!!! (Donations to Mannheim Fund welcome!)   

Jody Albright is a jazz/blues vocalist and voice instructor who has been performing and teaching since the late 1980’s.  One of the reasons she is drawn to these two art forms is because  improvisation is at the heart of both. Jody recently had the opportunity to attend a Circlesinging workshop at Omega Institute in Rhinebeck, NY led by Bobby McFerrin.  She has also studied with Ysaye Barnwell (of Sweet Honey in the Rock) who leads workshops called “Building a Vocal Community”. Recently Jody has been leading Circlesinging in her town of Hinesburg and she is excited to share songs and improvisation with the community of Strafford.

Carl Recchia is in his 41st year teaching high school choral music, the past 30 at Champlain Valley Union HS in Hinesburg. He has also taught and directed musicians of all ages, and his singers regularly perform throughout the community, especially for seniors. He was the director of music for the Charlotte Congregational Church for 6 years, and he lives in Charlotte with his bride, Mary, and son, Benjamin.