Toronto Mass Choir set for Gospel Music Workshop & Concert

Toronto, On — Following last year’s record-breaking participation of over 100 registrants from across the Greater Toronto Area, and as far away as Thunder Bay, the Toronto Mass Choir will hold its 3rd Annual Power Up Gospel Music Workshop and Concert on February 23 and 24. The two-day event is open to lovers of Gospel choir music, and no experience is necessary.

The workshop and concert will be held at Banfield Memorial Church, 89 Centre Avenue in North York, Ontario.

From noon on Friday, February 23, participants can choose from sessions specific to song writing, music bands or choral directors. Guest clinicians James Linderman who is associated with The Berklee School of Music; award-winning Mezzo Soprano, Melissa Davis, and Roy Oommen, who produced and arranged for several award-winning Canadian musicians, will share their knowledge during the workshop. Starting at 8 p.m. on Friday, the evening mass rehearsal session will be lead by Karen Burke, Professor of music at York University and TMC’s director.Using over 20 years’ experience as a conductor, music educator and vocalist, Burke will teach the songs to be performed at the finale concert on Saturday February 24 at 7:30 p.m. accompanied by a rhythm section and including special guests Patricia Shirley and jazz guitarist Danny Weis. Saturday workshops from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. will include topics such as Improving Your Voice and Techniques for the Soloist.

For 19 years, the multiple award-winning TMC has been performing its music ministry nationally and internationally with a repertoire of various styles including traditional Gospel music. In 2006, TMC’s fifth album, The Live Experience, won the Gospel Music Association Canada, Covenant Award for Traditional Gospel Album of the Year.

Because participation in Gospel music is not always possible without belonging to a church or organized group, this workshop provides an opportunity to learn some of the choir’s Juno Award winning techniques and use them.

The workshop fee is $75 until January 31 and $85 thereafter. Registration includes workshops, all meals and a complimentary concert ticket. Groups of 10 or more will receive a $5 per person discount. Advance concert tickets are $15, $20 at the door, can be purchased at selected Christian GTA bookstores, and online at ticketwindow.ca. For more information or to register visit www.tmc.ca or call 905-794-1139.