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Friday, January 22
 

9:00am PST

Private Masterclass
Instructors
LF
EF
JM

Groups
avatar for SoundWave

Friday January 22, 2016 9:00am - 9:30am PST
L104

7:30pm PST

Scholastic Competition
Competitors:
Acasola – Cal State University Northridge
Naked Voices – UC Santa Barbara
ScatterTones – UCLA
Signature A Cappella – UCLA
SoundWave – San Diego State
Unstrumental – Calabasas High School

Hosted by India Carney and FOURTY4B.

Doors open at 7:15pm for general admission, 7:00 pm for early seating ticket holders.
Artists
avatar for FOURTY4B
avatar for India Carney

India Carney

Singer, Actress, Songwriter & Arranger

Groups
avatar for Acasola
avatar for ScatterTones
avatar for Signature
avatar for SoundWave
avatar for Unstrumental
avatar for Naked Voices


Friday January 22, 2016 7:30pm - 10:30pm PST
Barnum Hall 600 Olympic Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90405

10:30pm PST

Afterparty
Friday January 22, 2016 10:30pm - Saturday January 23, 2016 12:00am PST
Lula’s Cocina Mexicana 2720 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA 90405
  Networking
 
Saturday, January 23
 

9:00am PST

Jazz Arranging: A History and Analysis
Feedback Survey
Jazz and a cappella have been soul mates from as far back as the 1920's, and over the past century have revolutionized vocal music from the Mills Brothers to contemporary artists like Eric Whitacre, Take 6 and Pentatonix. This workshop will take a look at the arranging styles of the most influential vocal groups, demonstrating the techniques by re-harmonizing Mozart’s simple melody “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star”. Join Andrew as he takes you on a fun whistle-stop tour through the history of a cappella arranging.
Instructors
avatar for Andrew Kesler

Andrew Kesler

Andrew Kesler is an award-winning multi-instrumentalist based in Los Angeles, California. Originally hailing from the prairies of Canada, Andrew has toured Asia, Europe, Australia and North America earning his reputation as a seasoned performer and patron of many musical styles. Alongside... Read More →

Saturday January 23, 2016 9:00am - 10:00am PST
Languages 101 600 Olympic Boulevard Santa Monica, CA 90405
  Arranging

9:00am PST

Vocal Orchestration
Feedback Survey
Teaching students how to write for a vocal ensemble, specific to the genre and voice parts of an ensemble. Enrollment open to students interested in arranging. This course would include chord and voicing theory and voice leading awareness.
Instructors
avatar for Robert Halvorson

Robert Halvorson

Bobby Halvorson is a composer, performer, conductor, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Northern California. He studied music composition at the College of Creative Studies at UCSB. After graduating with a BFA, Halvorson went on to earn his MFA in music composition and thereafter... Read More →

Saturday January 23, 2016 9:00am - 10:00am PST
Languages 102 600 Olympic Boulevard Santa Monica, CA 90405
  Arranging

9:00am PST

Advanced Vocal Percussion Theory
Feedback Survey
Advanced Vocal Percussion Theory will be a workshop exploring the role of a vocal percussionist in modern contemporary A Cappella music. To really be a good VP, A lot more is needed than just a repertoire of cool sounds and effects. There is tremendous value in expanding the role of a groups' VP beyond just holding down tempo and rhythm. Here you will learn how to extend your current abilities into a framework of skills that will get you to begin thinking, acting, and performing not just as a mouth drummer, but as a musician.
Instructors
avatar for David Fowler

David Fowler

David Fowler is a 23-year-old musician and entrepreneur who makes his living entirely through A Cappella; be it from recording and production work, arranging, workshopping, consulting, or performing, he actively pursues as many opportunities as he can to further involve himself in... Read More →

Saturday January 23, 2016 9:00am - 10:00am PST
Languages 103 600 Olympic Boulevard Santa Monica, CA 90405
  Vocal Percussion

9:00am PST

Beginning VP (Vocal Percussion for the Fresh and Curious)
Feedback Survey
Vocal Percussion is fun and with a solid set of basic principals and motivations, it can stay fun and serve you through your college career and beyond. This class will give any curious soul the the simple mechanical “Brooms-n-Stats” (you’ll come out knowing what VP is and how to help your group) but you’ll also get first hand experience in how playfulness and experimentation are and will always be at the center of today’s motivating and inspiring vocal percussion.
Instructors
avatar for Nic Parsons

Nic Parsons

Freelance Vocal Percussionist
Nic came up in the burgeoning Floridian A Cappella scene as Performance Director and Vocal Percussionist of UF’s No Southern Accent where he was primarily recognized for pushing new sounds and techniques in the competitive space. Since graduation he has served as Master of Ceremonies... Read More →

Saturday January 23, 2016 9:00am - 10:00am PST
Languages 100 600 Olympic Boulevard Santa Monica, CA 90405
  Vocal Percussion

10:05am PST

AcaBombs
Groups
TL
UV

Saturday January 23, 2016 10:05am - 10:20am PST
In Front of Languages Building

10:20am PST

Open Masterclass
Feedback Survey
Instructors
avatar for Level

Level

With a distinct pop/jazz style and a roster of world-class vocalists, Level has quickly earned a reputation as one of the most unique a cappella groups in Los Angeles. The group is comprised entirely of performers and arrangers from all seasons of The Sing-Off. They were featured... Read More →

Saturday January 23, 2016 10:20am - 11:20am PST
Languages 114 600 Olympic Boulevard Santa Monica, CA 90405

10:20am PST

AcaTheory 101
Feedback Survey
Music theory is the study of how music is written and played. #AcaTheory101 examines these fundamentals through an aca-musician’s lens, connecting the dots between what we see on the page and what we hear in arrangements. Join Jessie Mark for an interactive hour of theory, ear training and singing. This is a must attend workshop for beginner-intermediate arrangers, music directors of “non-music readers” or anyone who wants to learn to read music!
Instructors
avatar for Jessie Mark

Jessie Mark

Education Coordinator, LAAF Production Team
Jessie Louise Mark graduated from Duke University in 2011 where she majored in History and minored in Music. She is currently pursuing an MBA at the University of Michigan's Ross School of Business. During her four years as a member and director of Duke’s award-winning all-female... Read More →

Saturday January 23, 2016 10:20am - 11:20am PST
Languages 102 600 Olympic Boulevard Santa Monica, CA 90405
  Arranging

10:20am PST

Advanced Arranging Techniques
Feedback Survey
Got a few arrangements under your belt? Ready to really get your hands dirty? One of the top names in contemporary a cappella arranging takes you under the hood and shows you how to make your charts purr like the pros'.
Instructors
avatar for Tom Anderson

Tom Anderson

Owner, Random Notes
Tom Anderson is an award-winning professional arranger specializing in contemporary a cappella music. His arrangements have over a quarter of a billion (with a "b") views on YouTube and have appeared on releases by artists including Peter Hollens, the Swingle Singers, Committed, Brian... Read More →

Saturday January 23, 2016 10:20am - 11:20am PST
Languages 101 600 Olympic Boulevard Santa Monica, CA 90405
  Arranging

10:20am PST

Creating Original Vocal Music/ARORA Q&A
Feedback Survey
Members of ARORA discuss their individual creative processes when making music, the differences between said processes when working in a cappella vs music with instruments, and take questions.
Instructors
avatar for ARORA

ARORA

LA band ARORA (previously SONOS) is a vocals+electronics group who has created a genre of their own, with unique avant garde harmonies paired with deep soul. This past July 2013, ARORA released their resonant and addictive new all-original album, BIOLUMINESCENCE. Two years in the... Read More →

Saturday January 23, 2016 10:20am - 11:20am PST
Languages 103 600 Olympic Boulevard Santa Monica, CA 90405
  Songwriting

10:20am PST

The Rhythm Section Unified
Feedback Survey
It is, let's face it, really annoying to have to coordinate with that other person to put down a groove for your a cappella group. But what if you could share a brain with that person? And a face? This session covers advanced topics in vocal percussion, and focuses on singing and beatboxing at the same time. Also how to breathe when nobody is looking.
Instructors
avatar for Jon Pilat

Jon Pilat

Bass & Beatbox, Hookslide
Jon Pilat sings, beatboxes, and arranges for Hookslide, a San Francisco Bay Area vocal band. Two of those three things tend to happen at the same time. He has been around A Cappella since 1995, with the Stanford Harmonics, CASA, and Hookslide. When not singing, Jon works at Stanford... Read More →

Saturday January 23, 2016 10:20am - 11:20am PST
Languages 100 600 Olympic Boulevard Santa Monica, CA 90405
  Vocal Percussion

11:20am PST

AcaBombs
Groups
TI
T
TB

Saturday January 23, 2016 11:20am - 11:40am PST
In Front of Languages Building

11:40am PST

Private Masterclass
Feedback Survey
Instructors
avatar for Andrew Kesler

Andrew Kesler

Andrew Kesler is an award-winning multi-instrumentalist based in Los Angeles, California. Originally hailing from the prairies of Canada, Andrew has toured Asia, Europe, Australia and North America earning his reputation as a seasoned performer and patron of many musical styles. Alongside... Read More →
avatar for Jon Pilat

Jon Pilat

Bass & Beatbox, Hookslide
Jon Pilat sings, beatboxes, and arranges for Hookslide, a San Francisco Bay Area vocal band. Two of those three things tend to happen at the same time. He has been around A Cappella since 1995, with the Stanford Harmonics, CASA, and Hookslide. When not singing, Jon works at Stanford... Read More →

Groups
BF

Saturday January 23, 2016 11:40am - 12:40pm PST
Languages 114 600 Olympic Boulevard Santa Monica, CA 90405

11:40am PST

Private Masterclass
Feedback Survey
Instructors
avatar for David-Christopher Harris

David-Christopher Harris

With over eight years of VP and singing experience, David-Christopher Harris has performed in a cappella groups all over the nation. He is a two-time winner of Chicago SingStrong and has performed/featured for the Sing-Off National Tour, LAAF, the National A Cappella Festival, CAF... Read More →
JM

Groups
TL

Saturday January 23, 2016 11:40am - 12:40pm PST
Languages 111 600 Olympic Boulevard Santa Monica, CA 90405

11:40am PST

Private Masterclass
Feedback Survey
Instructors
avatar for Tom Anderson

Tom Anderson

Owner, Random Notes
Tom Anderson is an award-winning professional arranger specializing in contemporary a cappella music. His arrangements have over a quarter of a billion (with a "b") views on YouTube and have appeared on releases by artists including Peter Hollens, the Swingle Singers, Committed, Brian... Read More →

Groups
TB

Saturday January 23, 2016 11:40am - 12:40pm PST
Languages 100 600 Olympic Boulevard Santa Monica, CA 90405

11:40am PST

Private Masterclass
Feedback Survey
Instructors
LF
avatar for Nic Parsons

Nic Parsons

Freelance Vocal Percussionist
Nic came up in the burgeoning Floridian A Cappella scene as Performance Director and Vocal Percussionist of UF’s No Southern Accent where he was primarily recognized for pushing new sounds and techniques in the competitive space. Since graduation he has served as Master of Ceremonies... Read More →

Groups
UV

Saturday January 23, 2016 11:40am - 12:40pm PST
Languages 108 600 Olympic Boulevard Santa Monica, CA 90405

11:40am PST

Private Masterclass
Feedback Survey
Instructors
avatar for Shane Ardell

Shane Ardell

Director of Technology, CASA
Shane Ardell splits her time between Atlanta, GA and Summit County, CO. She is on the CASA Core Events Team and the Board of Directors as Director of Technology. An engineer at heart, Shane spends most of her time tinkering around with new toys and figuring out how things work, and... Read More →
avatar for Robert Halvorson

Robert Halvorson

Bobby Halvorson is a composer, performer, conductor, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Northern California. He studied music composition at the College of Creative Studies at UCSB. After graduating with a BFA, Halvorson went on to earn his MFA in music composition and thereafter... Read More →

Groups
TI

Saturday January 23, 2016 11:40am - 12:40pm PST
Languages 109 600 Olympic Boulevard Santa Monica, CA 90405

11:40am PST

Private Masterclass
Feedback Survey
Instructors
avatar for Kate Burns

Kate Burns

Music Director, The Archer School for Girls
Originally from South Windsor, CT, Kate Burns has been a member of the Performing Arts faculty at The Archer School for Girls since 2014. She teaches vocal music and leads four choirs at Archer, including the school's elite a cappella group the Unaccompanied Minors. She holds a Bachelor... Read More →
avatar for Jessica Gottdank

Jessica Gottdank

Pro Show Coordinator, LAAF
Jessica Gottdank graduated from Oberlin College with a major in music focusing on music theory and jazz improvisation. A few years later she also graduated from Olin College of Engineering where she was arranger, director, and president of the PowerChords, a co-ed a cappella group... Read More →

Groups
A

Saturday January 23, 2016 11:40am - 12:40pm PST
Languages 103 600 Olympic Boulevard Santa Monica, CA 90405

11:40am PST

Private Masterclass
Feedback Survey
Instructors
avatar for Shams Ahmed

Shams Ahmed

Group Director
Shams Ahmed (he/him) is an arranger, music director, and educator from Cherry Hill, NJ. He is a graduate of Northeastern University in Boston, MA, where he directed a cappella heavyhitters, The Nor'easters while double majoring in Finance and Mandarin. During his tenure, the group... Read More →
avatar for Jessie Mark

Jessie Mark

Education Coordinator, LAAF Production Team
Jessie Louise Mark graduated from Duke University in 2011 where she majored in History and minored in Music. She is currently pursuing an MBA at the University of Michigan's Ross School of Business. During her four years as a member and director of Duke’s award-winning all-female... Read More →

Groups
avatar for Medleys A Cappella

Medleys A Cappella

Medleys a Cappella is a group of talented UCLA students dedicated to bringing the joy of music to those in need throughout the Los Angeles Community.

Saturday January 23, 2016 11:40am - 12:40pm PST
Languages 101 600 Olympic Boulevard Santa Monica, CA 90405

11:40am PST

Private Masterclass
Feedback Survey
Instructors
avatar for Rob Dietz

Rob Dietz

Founder/Director, A Cappella Academy
Rob Dietz (he/him) is a multiple CARA winning producer who has been arranging, performing, and critiquing contemporary a cappella music for over ten years. His career began in high school as director of the critically acclaimed group Ascending Height, with whom he produced the first... Read More →

Artists
avatar for FOURTY4B

Saturday January 23, 2016 11:40am - 12:40pm PST
Languages 102 600 Olympic Boulevard Santa Monica, CA 90405

11:40am PST

Private Masterclass
Feedback Survey
Instructors
avatar for Harrison Acosta

Harrison Acosta

Director & Arranger, Voicebox , REMIX & Atlas
Harrison Acosta recently completed his BA Capstone entitled “Capturing Moments in Music feat. The Human Voice.” Originally studying orchestral performance and film score at the UCF School of Performing Arts, he now studies composition, game sound design and music theory in preparation... Read More →
avatar for Bri Holland

Bri Holland

Bri is a recording and mixing engineer, producer, arranger, composer, and singer/songwriter based in Los Angeles, CA. Bri studied music at the University of Chicago, and her arrangements, vocals, original songs, and recordings have garnered various nominations and awards. Bri currently... Read More →

Groups
BR

Saturday January 23, 2016 11:40am - 12:40pm PST
Languages 110 600 Olympic Boulevard Santa Monica, CA 90405

11:40am PST

Lunch & Networking
Saturday January 23, 2016 11:40am - 2:00pm PST
In Front of Languages Building
  Networking

12:50pm PST

Private Masterclass
Feedback Survey
Instructors
avatar for Jessica Gottdank

Jessica Gottdank

Pro Show Coordinator, LAAF
Jessica Gottdank graduated from Oberlin College with a major in music focusing on music theory and jazz improvisation. A few years later she also graduated from Olin College of Engineering where she was arranger, director, and president of the PowerChords, a co-ed a cappella group... Read More →
AM

Groups
R

Saturday January 23, 2016 12:50pm - 1:50pm PST
Languages 111 600 Olympic Boulevard Santa Monica, CA 90405

12:50pm PST

Private Masterclass
Feedback Survey
Instructors
avatar for India Carney

India Carney

Singer, Actress, Songwriter & Arranger

Groups
avatar for Premiere

Saturday January 23, 2016 12:50pm - 1:50pm PST
Languages 109 600 Olympic Boulevard Santa Monica, CA 90405

12:50pm PST

Private Masterclass
Feedback Survey
Instructors
avatar for Rob Dietz

Rob Dietz

Founder/Director, A Cappella Academy
Rob Dietz (he/him) is a multiple CARA winning producer who has been arranging, performing, and critiquing contemporary a cappella music for over ten years. His career began in high school as director of the critically acclaimed group Ascending Height, with whom he produced the first... Read More →

Groups
T

Saturday January 23, 2016 12:50pm - 1:50pm PST
Languages 102 600 Olympic Boulevard Santa Monica, CA 90405

12:50pm PST

Private Masterclass
Feedback Survey
Instructors
avatar for Bri Holland

Bri Holland

Bri is a recording and mixing engineer, producer, arranger, composer, and singer/songwriter based in Los Angeles, CA. Bri studied music at the University of Chicago, and her arrangements, vocals, original songs, and recordings have garnered various nominations and awards. Bri currently... Read More →
avatar for Nic Parsons

Nic Parsons

Freelance Vocal Percussionist
Nic came up in the burgeoning Floridian A Cappella scene as Performance Director and Vocal Percussionist of UF’s No Southern Accent where he was primarily recognized for pushing new sounds and techniques in the competitive space. Since graduation he has served as Master of Ceremonies... Read More →

Groups
RM

Saturday January 23, 2016 12:50pm - 1:50pm PST
Languages 108 600 Olympic Boulevard Santa Monica, CA 90405

12:50pm PST

Private Masterclass
Feedback Survey
Instructors
avatar for Tom Anderson

Tom Anderson

Owner, Random Notes
Tom Anderson is an award-winning professional arranger specializing in contemporary a cappella music. His arrangements have over a quarter of a billion (with a "b") views on YouTube and have appeared on releases by artists including Peter Hollens, the Swingle Singers, Committed, Brian... Read More →

Groups
avatar for Unstrumental

Saturday January 23, 2016 12:50pm - 1:50pm PST
Languages 100 600 Olympic Boulevard Santa Monica, CA 90405

12:50pm PST

Private Masterclass
Feedback Survey
Instructors
avatar for Harrison Acosta

Harrison Acosta

Director & Arranger, Voicebox , REMIX & Atlas
Harrison Acosta recently completed his BA Capstone entitled “Capturing Moments in Music feat. The Human Voice.” Originally studying orchestral performance and film score at the UCF School of Performing Arts, he now studies composition, game sound design and music theory in preparation... Read More →
avatar for David Fowler

David Fowler

David Fowler is a 23-year-old musician and entrepreneur who makes his living entirely through A Cappella; be it from recording and production work, arranging, workshopping, consulting, or performing, he actively pursues as many opportunities as he can to further involve himself in... Read More →

Groups
AR

Saturday January 23, 2016 12:50pm - 1:50pm PST
Languages 110 600 Olympic Boulevard Santa Monica, CA 90405

12:50pm PST

Private Masterclass
Feedback Survey
Instructors
avatar for David-Christopher Harris

David-Christopher Harris

With over eight years of VP and singing experience, David-Christopher Harris has performed in a cappella groups all over the nation. He is a two-time winner of Chicago SingStrong and has performed/featured for the Sing-Off National Tour, LAAF, the National A Cappella Festival, CAF... Read More →
avatar for Jon Pilat

Jon Pilat

Bass & Beatbox, Hookslide
Jon Pilat sings, beatboxes, and arranges for Hookslide, a San Francisco Bay Area vocal band. Two of those three things tend to happen at the same time. He has been around A Cappella since 1995, with the Stanford Harmonics, CASA, and Hookslide. When not singing, Jon works at Stanford... Read More →

Groups
BC

Saturday January 23, 2016 12:50pm - 1:50pm PST
Languages 114 600 Olympic Boulevard Santa Monica, CA 90405

12:50pm PST

Private Masterclass
Feedback Survey
Instructors
avatar for Shams Ahmed

Shams Ahmed

Group Director
Shams Ahmed (he/him) is an arranger, music director, and educator from Cherry Hill, NJ. He is a graduate of Northeastern University in Boston, MA, where he directed a cappella heavyhitters, The Nor'easters while double majoring in Finance and Mandarin. During his tenure, the group... Read More →
avatar for Jessie Mark

Jessie Mark

Education Coordinator, LAAF Production Team
Jessie Louise Mark graduated from Duke University in 2011 where she majored in History and minored in Music. She is currently pursuing an MBA at the University of Michigan's Ross School of Business. During her four years as a member and director of Duke’s award-winning all-female... Read More →

Groups
avatar for Naked Voices

Saturday January 23, 2016 12:50pm - 1:50pm PST
Languages 101 600 Olympic Boulevard Santa Monica, CA 90405

12:50pm PST

Private Masterclass
Feedback Survey
Instructors
avatar for Sam Creighton

Sam Creighton

Samantha is a recent graduate of Northeastern University where she was an integral member of the award winning a cappella group, The Nor’easters. Throughout her tenure in the group, she was awarded numerous accolades for solo performances and assisted the group as a soloist and... Read More →
avatar for Mario Jose

Mario Jose

instructor
San Francisco Bay Area native Mario Jose is a seasoned singer/songwriter, session vocalist and true entertainer. Mario attended Berklee College of Music and was a part of the award-winning group Pitch Slapped. In his post-graduate life, Mario has been featured on several TV shows... Read More →

Groups
avatar for Signature

Saturday January 23, 2016 12:50pm - 1:50pm PST
Languages 103 600 Olympic Boulevard Santa Monica, CA 90405

2:00pm PST

AcaBombs
Groups
PM
BF

Saturday January 23, 2016 2:00pm - 2:15pm PST
In Front of Languages Building

2:15pm PST

A Cappella for One: Live Looping Basics
Feedback Survey
Mouthdrummer, Live Looper, Maker of Funny Sounds, "One Man Band... Without the Band" Mike Why from Pittsburgh walks students through the fundamentals of being their own a cappella band using live looping technology.
Instructors
avatar for Mike Why

Mike Why

Getting his start in A Cappella as the vocal drummer for DoubleShot!, Pittsburgh's All-Vocal Band, Mike has garnered nine awards from the Harmony Sweepstakes for his live performance and arranging including an appearance at National Finals, and performed regionally and nationally... Read More →

Saturday January 23, 2016 2:15pm - 3:15pm PST
Languages 100 600 Olympic Boulevard Santa Monica, CA 90405

2:15pm PST

Open Masterclass
Feedback Survey
Instructors
avatar for ARORA

ARORA

LA band ARORA (previously SONOS) is a vocals+electronics group who has created a genre of their own, with unique avant garde harmonies paired with deep soul. This past July 2013, ARORA released their resonant and addictive new all-original album, BIOLUMINESCENCE. Two years in the... Read More →

Saturday January 23, 2016 2:15pm - 3:15pm PST
Languages 103 600 Olympic Boulevard Santa Monica, CA 90405

2:15pm PST

Stage Presence
Feedback Survey
Instructors
avatar for Sam Creighton

Sam Creighton

Samantha is a recent graduate of Northeastern University where she was an integral member of the award winning a cappella group, The Nor’easters. Throughout her tenure in the group, she was awarded numerous accolades for solo performances and assisted the group as a soloist and... Read More →

Saturday January 23, 2016 2:15pm - 3:15pm PST
Languages 101 600 Olympic Boulevard Santa Monica, CA 90405
  Performing

2:15pm PST

Vocal Technique
Feedback Survey
YAAS technique.
Instructors
avatar for India Carney

India Carney

Singer, Actress, Songwriter & Arranger

Saturday January 23, 2016 2:15pm - 3:15pm PST
Languages 114 600 Olympic Boulevard Santa Monica, CA 90405
  Technique

2:15pm PST

Beatboxing Without a Mic
Feedback Survey
Techniques for acoustic VP/beatbox, strategies, specialized sounds designed for carrying across spaces.
Instructors
avatar for David-Christopher Harris

David-Christopher Harris

With over eight years of VP and singing experience, David-Christopher Harris has performed in a cappella groups all over the nation. He is a two-time winner of Chicago SingStrong and has performed/featured for the Sing-Off National Tour, LAAF, the National A Cappella Festival, CAF... Read More →

Saturday January 23, 2016 2:15pm - 3:15pm PST
Languages 102 600 Olympic Boulevard Santa Monica, CA 90405
  Vocal Percussion

3:20pm PST

AcaBombs
Groups
avatar for Medleys A Cappella

Medleys A Cappella

Medleys a Cappella is a group of talented UCLA students dedicated to bringing the joy of music to those in need throughout the Los Angeles Community.
AR

Saturday January 23, 2016 3:20pm - 3:35pm PST
In Front of Languages Building

3:35pm PST

Stuff We Hate - Panel Discussion
Feedback Survey
Join a panel of a cappella professionals as we (attendees included) discuss the stuff we hate, from on-stage gripes to song selection to recording ticks and everything in between, as well as our suggestions for alternatives and solutions. Participation is encouraged, so come prepared with your own advice for others!
Instructors
avatar for Shams Ahmed

Shams Ahmed

Group Director
Shams Ahmed (he/him) is an arranger, music director, and educator from Cherry Hill, NJ. He is a graduate of Northeastern University in Boston, MA, where he directed a cappella heavyhitters, The Nor'easters while double majoring in Finance and Mandarin. During his tenure, the group... Read More →
avatar for India Carney

India Carney

Singer, Actress, Songwriter & Arranger

Saturday January 23, 2016 3:35pm - 4:35pm PST
Languages 103 600 Olympic Boulevard Santa Monica, CA 90405

3:35pm PST

Arranging: Questions Answered
Feedback Survey
You've got arranging questions? We've got answers! Whether you're a veteran arranger, or just starting out, Rob Dietz is here to help you troubleshoot your most challenging musical dilemmas. Drawing on experiences arranging for The Sing-Off and groups of all shapes and sizes, Rob is ready to answer your burning questions, and to help you bring your work to the next level!
Instructors
avatar for Rob Dietz

Rob Dietz

Founder/Director, A Cappella Academy
Rob Dietz (he/him) is a multiple CARA winning producer who has been arranging, performing, and critiquing contemporary a cappella music for over ten years. His career began in high school as director of the critically acclaimed group Ascending Height, with whom he produced the first... Read More →

Saturday January 23, 2016 3:35pm - 4:35pm PST
Languages 102 600 Olympic Boulevard Santa Monica, CA 90405
  Arranging

3:35pm PST

Solo Workshop
Feedback Survey
Want to build your confidence as a soloist? Have a big audition coming up and you don't know where to start? Come to this workshop where you will get some tricks of the trade on what it takes to be a great soloist and confident auditionee! Will cover stage presence, song choice, melodic ideas, riffs/runs and more will help you feel more confident and secure in your voice in those high pressure situations! Some will have the opportunity to sing a verse and chorus and be a part of a live master class!
Instructors
avatar for Mario Jose

Mario Jose

instructor
San Francisco Bay Area native Mario Jose is a seasoned singer/songwriter, session vocalist and true entertainer. Mario attended Berklee College of Music and was a part of the award-winning group Pitch Slapped. In his post-graduate life, Mario has been featured on several TV shows... Read More →

Saturday January 23, 2016 3:35pm - 4:35pm PST
Languages 101 600 Olympic Boulevard Santa Monica, CA 90405
  Performing

3:35pm PST

Song Writing
Feedback Survey
4 Hoodlums using honest rhymes and swaggy production, put their frustration and anger about life in the most middle class place in America into the most powerful weapon they had: their music. These cultural millenials-armed only with their lyrics, swagger, bravado and raw talent-stood up to the authorities that meant to keep them down and formed the world's most dangerous group, N.W.A. JK JK. We're Sam Fischer, Alex & Alex and Erin Cafferky. We write songs about real things. That's about it.
Instructors
avatar for Alex + Alex

Alex + Alex

4 Hoodlums using honest rhymes and swaggy production, put their frustration and anger about life in the most middle class place in America into the most powerful weapon they had: their music. These cultural millenials-armed only with their lyrics, swagger, bravado and raw talent-stood... Read More →
avatar for Erin Cafferky

Erin Cafferky

4 Hoodlums using honest rhymes and swaggy production, put their frustration and anger about life in the most middle class place in America into the most powerful weapon they had: their music. These cultural millenials-armed only with their lyrics, swagger, bravado and raw talent-stood... Read More →
avatar for Sam Fischer

Sam Fischer

4 Hoodlums using honest rhymes and swaggy production, put their frustration and anger about life in the most middle class place in America into the most powerful weapon they had: their music. These cultural millenials-armed only with their lyrics, swagger, bravado and raw talent-stood... Read More →

Saturday January 23, 2016 3:35pm - 4:35pm PST
Languages 100 600 Olympic Boulevard Santa Monica, CA 90405
  Songwriting

4:35pm PST

AcaBombs
Groups
BC
RM

Saturday January 23, 2016 4:35pm - 4:50pm PST
In Front of Languages Building

7:30pm PST

Professional Showcase
Featuring ARORA, Level.
Hosted by Dakaboom.
Doors open at 7:15pm for general admission, 7:00 pm for early seating ticket holders.
Artists
avatar for ARORA

ARORA

LA band ARORA (previously SONOS) is a vocals+electronics group who has created a genre of their own, with unique avant garde harmonies paired with deep soul. This past July 2013, ARORA released their resonant and addictive new all-original album, BIOLUMINESCENCE. Two years in the... Read More →
avatar for Dakaboom

Dakaboom

Dakaboom is a music/comedy duo from NY and LA. Described only as postmodern vaudeville, their show must be experienced to be understood. Long-time friends Ben McLain and Paul Peglar utilize a cappella, loop stations, stand-up, sketch, crowd interaction and several musical genres to... Read More →
avatar for Level

Level

With a distinct pop/jazz style and a roster of world-class vocalists, Level has quickly earned a reputation as one of the most unique a cappella groups in Los Angeles. The group is comprised entirely of performers and arrangers from all seasons of The Sing-Off. They were featured... Read More →

Saturday January 23, 2016 7:30pm - 10:30pm PST
Barnum Hall 600 Olympic Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90405

10:30pm PST

Afterparty
Saturday January 23, 2016 10:30pm - Sunday January 24, 2016 12:00am PST
Lula’s Cocina Mexicana 2720 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA 90405
  Networking
 
Sunday, January 24
 

10:00am PST

As Fast As Possible: Speed Arranging
Feedback Survey
Does it just take forever to finish an arrangement for your a cappella group? In this class for beginning/intermediate arrangers, we will cover how to turn around an exciting arrangement, from conception to performance, as fast as possible, given limited rehearsal time and arranging time. During class we will apply the techniques we learn on a brand spankin' new arrangement and see how far we can get! Techniques covered: inspiring your group, focusing your arranging ideas, creating sheet music quickly, making parts easy to learn/memorize, keeping your audience entertained!
Instructors
avatar for Jessica Gottdank

Jessica Gottdank

Pro Show Coordinator, LAAF
Jessica Gottdank graduated from Oberlin College with a major in music focusing on music theory and jazz improvisation. A few years later she also graduated from Olin College of Engineering where she was arranger, director, and president of the PowerChords, a co-ed a cappella group... Read More →

Sunday January 24, 2016 10:00am - 11:00am PST
Languages 205
  Arranging

10:00am PST

Video Crash Course
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The next big thing in a cappella is video - come learn how cameras work, how to prepare for video shoots, and how you can produce quality videos on any budget.
Instructors
avatar for Danny Olefsky

Danny Olefsky

Danny Olefsky's (he/him) aca-obsession began at age 8, and — between multiple high school, collegiate, and post-collegiate groups — he’s been singing and beatboxing for most of his life. After earning a degree in Recording Industry Studies, Danny took a detour to work as a video... Read More →

Sunday January 24, 2016 10:00am - 11:00am PST
Languages 203
  Recording

11:15am PST

From Drab to Fab: How to Invigorate Your Group Sound
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Are you looking to spice up your group's sound? Would you like to learn some new warm-ups, get those voices to blend together seamlessly, or to spice up your arrangements? This class provides a thorough set of ideas, practical exercises, and how-to's that will improve blend, transform your arrangements, and get singers excited about the music they are performing! New ideas for group warm-ups will awaken the ears and help groups improve their blend within in the first ten minutes of rehearsal. We will look at arrangements and learn tools to make them more exciting and dynamic. There will be plenty of singing in this class and you will leave with new ideas to bring back to your group!
Instructors
avatar for Kate Burns

Kate Burns

Music Director, The Archer School for Girls
Originally from South Windsor, CT, Kate Burns has been a member of the Performing Arts faculty at The Archer School for Girls since 2014. She teaches vocal music and leads four choirs at Archer, including the school's elite a cappella group the Unaccompanied Minors. She holds a Bachelor... Read More →

Sunday January 24, 2016 11:15am - 12:15pm PST
Languages 205
  Directing

11:15am PST

Play the Studio Like an Instrument
Feedback Survey
Part of what makes a group like Pentatonix's sound so distinctive is the clear role that each person plays. When recording an album, how can every member of a 16-person group make a significant contribution, especially when time and money is limited? Join us in our pop-up studio for an interactive session on how to make your recorded music representative of your group, both as a whole and as the sum of its parts.
Instructors
avatar for Bri Holland

Bri Holland

Bri is a recording and mixing engineer, producer, arranger, composer, and singer/songwriter based in Los Angeles, CA. Bri studied music at the University of Chicago, and her arrangements, vocals, original songs, and recordings have garnered various nominations and awards. Bri currently... Read More →
avatar for Ted Trembinski

Ted Trembinski

Binski
As a boy growing up in Smithtown, Long Island, Ted surrounded himself with artists and mentors who cultivated in him a lifelong passion for creating. A 2010 graduate of Binghamton University, Ted spent 4 years honing his musicianship and skills with vocal groups Kaskeset and The Binghamton... Read More →

Sunday January 24, 2016 11:15am - 12:15pm PST
Languages 203
  Recording

12:30pm PST

Arranging for a Vocal Band
Feedback Survey
Going from a large high school or college group to a smaller group (whether professional or otherwise) means changing your approach to arranging. We’ll talk about how to cut down your favorite collegiate arrangements for use in a smaller group. What stays? What goes? We’ll also talk about building arrangements for vocal band from the ground up and how to best take advantage of the talents of your singers. A lot of arranging techniques that work for vocal band also work for larger format groups, so arrangers (or potential arrangers) of all sorts of groups are welcome!
Instructors
avatar for Jon Pilat

Jon Pilat

Bass & Beatbox, Hookslide
Jon Pilat sings, beatboxes, and arranges for Hookslide, a San Francisco Bay Area vocal band. Two of those three things tend to happen at the same time. He has been around A Cappella since 1995, with the Stanford Harmonics, CASA, and Hookslide. When not singing, Jon works at Stanford... Read More →

Sunday January 24, 2016 12:30pm - 1:30pm PST
Languages 205
  Arranging

12:30pm PST

CASA Forum
Come chat with the team behind LAAF and have your voice heard regarding compliments, complaints, and everything in between.
Sunday January 24, 2016 12:30pm - 1:30pm PST
Languages 203
  Networking
 
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Lula’s Cocina Mexicana
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