Power Up 2012

Toronto Mass Choir presents ‘Power Up’, an annual weekend event for lovers of gospel music which offers participants the opportunity of not only learning to sing gospel music in a mass choir setting, but also the opportunity to improve the skills of songwriters, musicians, dancers and actors!

Prepare to be impacted and inspired at this exciting event taking place on Friday, March 2nd & Saturday, March 3rd at York University and capped off by the free finale concert on Sunday, March 4, 2012 at Kennedy Road Tabernacle in Brampton.

‘Power Up’ is the brainchild of Karen Burke, professor of music at York University and the co-founding director of the Juno Award-winning Toronto Mass Choir, now in its 24th season. As well as maintaining a busy concert schedule on the road with both the York University Gospel Choir and the Toronto Mass Choir, Burke hones her skills as an educator and clinician by offering workshops in churches, community workshops and educational institutions alike. Burke recently travelled with the ‘Power Up’ team to Poland.

‘Power Up’ Workshops

Registrants can participate in a variety of workshops including a songwriting ‘demo’ derby with an award-winning panel of Canadian songwriters including James Linderman and Ali Matthews, vocal workshops with seasoned professionals Nicole Sinclair-Anderson and Cassandra Sommers, workshops on ‘stage presence’ and a specific workshop taught by Burke specifically for choral directors.

New features of this year’s event include the Power Up Youth Choir and the Industry Panel. Emerging artists and others interested in growing their music ministry will especially love networking with our five seasoned industry professionals.

Another new feature is the expanded offering of workshops specifically for musicians. Workshops in bass, guitar and three levels of keyboard will be offered. York University is the perfect place to house workshops such as keys because of the ‘state of the art’ keyboard lab which allows up to 20 keyboardists to learn at one time.

Those interested in drama and dance will have the privilege of choosing from workshops under the direction of professional actor, Richard Peters, owner of Broken Open Theatre and dancer/choreographer, JJ Gerber.

Workshops and mass choir rehearsals run throughout the weekend and are capped off by a finale concert on the Sunday evening featuring the workshop registrants singing in the Power Up Workshop Mass Choir accompanied by a live rhythm section.

Registration Rates are only $55 pp or $45 for students and groups of 10+.

For a complete list of clinician bios, workshop descriptions, weekend schedule and registration information, log onto www.tmc.ca/powerup

See you at Power UP 2012. We have a seat waiting for you!

Karen Burke, Director
Toronto Mass Choir